Designing and decorating a home with your partner can be a fun bonding experience. But what happens when your tastes don’t exactly align? Differing styles and clashing personalities can make it challenging to create a space you both love. The key is finding compromise through open communication and a willingness to meet in the middle. With some strategic planning and creative solutions, you can design a home that combines your unique tastes into a cohesive style.
Defining Your Collective Style
The first step is to have an honest discussion about your individual preferences. Make a list of must-haves for each person, including favorite colors, patterns, textures, and themes. Look for common ground – a similar affinity for modern or traditional aesthetics, or a mutual love of the color blue. These shared tastes are the foundation for your collective style.
Outline the key differences as well. One person may prefer an all-white minimalist look while the other leans boho chic. One craves bold patterns while the other wants soothing neutrals. Defining these opposing sensibilities helps avoid future clashes.
Blending Your Visions Through Compromise
With your commonalities and differences spelled out, it’s time to start blending. The key is compromise – meeting in the middle instead of one person dominating.
For example:
- Incorporate both vibrant colors and neutrals through strategic placement – bold pillows on a neutral sofa, or a brightly colored accent wall with calm white trim.
- Mix smooth finishes like glass and metal with organic textures like rattan or reclaimed wood. This creates visual interest while appealed to both modern and natural aesthetics.
- Display a carefully curated mix of artwork that represents both your tastes. Or frame family photos in coordinating frames that maintain cohesion.
Other helpful compromises include:
- Incorporating favorite patterns through decorative accessories like throw pillows, area rugs, and window treatments instead of overpowering larger furniture.
- Displaying cherished separate collections, like vinyl records and ceramic mushrooms, together in an eclectic gallery wall.
- Dividing spaces into his and hers zones with paint colors, finishes, or decor styles tailored to each preference.
Complementary Color Schemes
Color often represents personal taste more than any other element of design. When preferences clash, develop a complementary color scheme that incorporates both palettes. Contrasting hues placed strategically beside each other results in a vibrant, eye-catching look.
Some examples of complementary pairings:
- Blue and orange
- Red and green
- Yellow and violet
- Pink and turquoise
Keep accent colors brighter and use them sparingly against a neutral backdrop. This allows each person’s favorite tones to pop without competing.
Varying Textures and Materials
Merge dueling desires for sleek or organic textures through intentional pairings:
- Mix the coziness of a knit throw blanket on a smooth leather sofa.
- Contrast the softness of linen drapery with the bold grain of a live-edge wood coffee table.
- Add a wool area rug with nubby texture to balance shiny surfaces like metal lamps and glossy tile.
Varying textures adds depth and dimension while honoring both preferences.
Zoning For Different Functions
Sometimes you need separate spaces catered specifically to each person. Zone rooms into functional areas with designated decor styles:
In the living room:
- Create a reading nook with one person’s preferred bookshelves and armchair.
- Build a media zone with the other’s preferred television, gaming system, and movie posters.
In the bedroom:
- Give each person their own nightstand and lamp to control.
- Add different bedding on each side – a soft throw blanket and firm pillow, for example.
In shared workspaces:
- Customize your own desk areas with personal photos, accessories, and organization systems.
- Use divider screens or bookcases to delineate functional zones.
When Compromise Isn’t Possible
Despite your best efforts, some scenarios simply don’t allow a graceful blending of styles. When you just can’t see eye to eye, it may be best to defer to one person’s vision.
This may apply to:
- Smaller accessory pieces like throw pillows, lamps, or desktop items where duplicating isn’t realistic.
- Items that are permanent or costly to change like flooring, cabinetry, or tile backsplashes.
- Rooms that are individually owned like “his garage” or “her craft room.”
- Sections that are scarcely used by one person – for example, letting your partner take the lead decorating a guest room.
Aim to split, taking the lead in some spaces while graciously deferring in others. Over time you can switch up focal areas.
Embracing Your Differences
While challenging at times, embracing your unique tastes can make your living space truly special. Strive to incorporate touches from each of you throughout your home. See your style differences as an opportunity to learn from each other – you may be pleasantly surprised by how your tastes evolve together over time. With patience and creativity, you can design a home filled with beauty, meaning, compromise, and love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Designing With Different Tastes
How can my partner and I avoid arguing about decor?
Have frequent open discussions about your style preferences and design vision for your home. Compromise instead of competing for control. Divide and conquer – let each person take the lead on certain rooms or projects. Embrace your differences as positive creative tension.
Should we create duplicate spaces catered to each person?
While logically appealing, having “his and her” versions of every space can be impractical and feel disjointed. Aim for blended cohesion. However, zoning rooms into functional areas personalized to each of you can work well.
What if we absolutely hate something the other person wants?
Veto power should be used sparingly. Try to go into discussions with an open mind. Explain respectfully what you dislike about an item and suggest alternatives you would enjoy more. Compromise by incorporating it into a less prominent area.
What if we have no stylistic middle ground whatsoever?
Focus on the rooms or items you can happily blend, like shared gathering areas. For spaces where you have direct opposing visions, politely defer to the person who uses the room more. Over time you can swap rooms to lead styling.
Should we “trade” stylistic choices?
Taking turns choosing focal pieces can work, but overall you want a cohesive style, not a patchwork.Instead of saying “you choose the coffee table, I choose the sofa” aim for “I chose the modern sofa, so you should pick a complementary midcentury coffee table.”
How do we decorate affordably while blending different tastes?
Thrift stores, flea markets, DIY projects, and budget-friendly big box stores can help you incorporate both aesthetics on a budget. Frame poster art instead of purchasing expensive originals. Repurpose furniture from Craigslist. Upcycle kitschy accent pieces together.
Conclusion
Designing a home with your partner requires patience, communication, and creative compromises. Define your individual styles, then look for ways to strategically blend your visions through intentional color pairings, varied textures, and zoned spaces. Embrace your differences with a spirit of adventure. You may be delighted by how your tastes evolve and merge together over time, creating a home filled with beauty, meaning, and love. With teamwork and understanding, you really can design a space that celebrates both of your unique signatures.
