Moving in with a partner is an exciting milestone, but it also brings the fun (and sometimes challenge!) of blending styles and tastes into one harmonious space.
Decorating together doesn’t have to be daunting; in fact, it can be a great bonding experience and an opportunity to create a unique style that represents both of you. Here are five essential decorating tips to help you build a home that reflects your new life together.
1. Start by Defining a Shared Vision
The first step in decorating together is having a clear idea of your combined style. Take time to sit down and discuss your tastes, favorite colors, and must-haves. Do you prefer modern minimalism, or are you drawn to cozy, traditional styles?
What colors and furniture pieces make you both feel at home? Spend a few hours browsing inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram to gather ideas.
Once you’ve each shared your favorites, look for overlaps. You might find that both of you lean toward a neutral color palette, or that you’re both into vintage decor. Even if your styles differ, identifying these commonalities can help you establish a cohesive direction and build from there.
2. Blend Your Belongings
Combining two households of furniture, decor, and sentimental items can be tricky, but it’s also an opportunity to create something new. Start by sorting through each of your belongings together.
Decide what you both want to keep, what you can live without, and where you may want to upgrade or add new items. If you find pieces that you both love, keep those as a foundation.
For items that one partner is attached to but doesn’t fit the other’s style, consider getting creative with compromise. For example, a favorite but bold armchair could become a statement piece in the living room.
Or, if one of you has a cherished piece of art that’s outside the other’s style, consider adding a simple, neutral frame to help it blend seamlessly with your shared decor.
3. Invest in Key Pieces Together
One of the best parts of moving in together is the chance to build a home that’s truly yours. Consider investing in a few key pieces that reflect both your tastes and are practical for your space, like a comfortable sofa, a sturdy dining table, or a bed frame that suits your combined style.
By investing in quality items that you both love, you’ll create a home that feels intentionally “yours,” rather than one partner’s decor simply filling the other’s space.
When selecting larger pieces, prioritize neutral tones or versatile designs that can evolve with your style over time.
For example, a modular sofa in a soft gray or beige can easily adapt to different color schemes as your tastes change. Plus, it’ll be easy to incorporate accent pillows, throws, and other decor to suit each season or mood.
4. Incorporate Personalized Decor
To make your shared space feel like home, add small touches that reflect your journey as a couple. Frame a few favorite photos, display mementos from trips you’ve taken together, or showcase pieces that are meaningful to both of you.
Whether it’s a custom wall art with your initials, a travel map marking special places, or a cozy throw that’s become a staple in your evenings together, these small, personal touches go a long way in making your home uniquely yours.
A fun idea is to designate certain “zones” for each of your interests. For example, if one of you loves reading, create a cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair and a small bookshelf.
If the other loves cooking, add a few personal touches to the kitchen, like unique dishware or a small herb garden by the window.
5. Embrace Compromise and Flexibility
Decorating as a couple is all about compromise and respecting each other’s preferences. Remember, it’s okay if everything doesn’t come together immediately—creating a shared home is an ongoing process, and as your relationship grows, so will your decor style.
It’s also helpful to keep an open mind; sometimes, you might find yourself liking something you didn’t expect to, simply because your partner loves it.
When it comes to color choices, neutral or soft tones are often a safe bet, and they allow you to experiment with bolder accents like throw pillows, art, or rugs.
Be flexible about adjusting items as you both settle in; maybe that brightly patterned rug one of you loved just isn’t working with the overall look—switching it up with a compromise can keep things flowing.
Decorating together as a couple is a fun way to celebrate a new chapter in your relationship. By defining a shared vision, blending your belongings, investing in key pieces, incorporating personal touches, and embracing compromise, you’ll build a home that’s as beautiful as your partnership.
Here’s to creating a space that reflects both your personalities and celebrates your life together!
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