Design duos: How to create a collaborative living space
Moving in with your significant other is a big step in a relationship and can come with some challenges. One of those challenges may be having to compromise on how you design your home to accommodate your partner's interior style.
Our recent survey found that over three-fifths (62%) of couples have argued over interior design choices in their home, with the rooms that people want the final say in, regarding its style, were the living room, bedroom, and kitchen.
To help you and your partner become a collaborative design duo, we’ve created a quiz where you can find out which style suits your tastes – try this with your partner and see just how different you are!
Now you know your design style, we’ve put together some useful tips on how to incorporate different design preferences into your home, with help from relationship expert at The Stag Company, Clarissa Bloom.
1. Ensure you’re on the same page
Sometimes design terminology and ideas in our heads can get misconstrued or can be difficult to communicate. Try putting together an ideas board or Pinterest page so you can both visualise the designs, ensuring you’re both on the same page.
Clarissa says: “If you both have a separate design image for your home or are merging furniture and colours that simply don't match, this can be a messy situation if not handled properly. Remember that the home should reflect both person’s tastes. The important thing is to select which elements are brought together, which can work, and which will clash too much.”
2. Make sure you compromise
Although it can be frustrating, you may have to meet in the middle on certain aspects of your home's interior design. Making decisions all or nothing means one of you will end up in an environment you’re not necessarily comfortable in.
Clarissa says: “Get an agreement on the basics, such as the colour code and the feel for the room and the rest will fall into place as you discuss it more. It's possible that certain items will hold sentimental value, so that is where you may need to accept certain items into the equation. Both parties need to feel heard, and feel they have an equal say in the conversation.”
3. DIT (Do It Together)
Doing a household D.I.Y project together, or shopping for new items together is a fantastic way to get both parties involved in the home décor and style. It also means you will have both had input in choosing the item or making it, so everyone involved feels valued.
If you are in need of new furniture for your collaborative space, check out our carpets, sofas and other furnishings.
4. Get excited
Getting excited about the big move is all part of the fun. Talk about what you both might like in the house prior to the move, and what it may be like. Look at positives that will come out of, what can be, a stressful period of time, to keep up levels of enthusiasm about sharing a home.
Clarissa says: “You will very rarely find couples that completely agree on how their house should be designed, nor will they want to get rid of items they have invested in. If one member of the couple is more shy or quiet on the subject, this doesn't mean they don't care necessarily. They might be easier going, but you want both parties to be excited about the transition.”
You can show us how you’ve created your collaborative living spaces on Instagram – tag us in your creations with @scssofas, we can’t wait to see them.
Published:8th February 2022
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