By Jessica Ackerman
There are so many wonderful and exciting aspects of getting married. You have embarked on a journey where your futures will unfold together and where your goals and dreams are now shared with another person. You've also entered a world where you may have to compromise about whether to hang his favorite car poster in the living room.
It's true that one part of the newlywed journey that isn't always the most pleasant is figuring out how to mesh two very different decorating styles into one home. There are ways to achieve decorating harmony, and with some compromise - on both sides - merging two styles really CAN be fun.
Here are some tips to help you survive this sometimes difficult portion of newly married life.
•Compromise
Yes, this is the most obvious solution, but it's also the most important. Neither of you can expect to get your way on every single decision regarding your home. You both have to live there, so you both should have some input. Be reasonable, and don't make it personal. Avoid statements such as "That ugly thing is NOT going in my living room!" Instead, offer valid reasons why finding another spot for a certain item may be better. Try something like "I just think that poster would let better in our workout room. It won't clash with the other artwork." By not insulting the prized possessions of the other party, you will be leaving the door open for reasonable discussion rather than verbal assaults.
•Start Over
Perhaps he thinks that his old smelly blue velour sofa is fabulous because he hasn't been on the inside of a furniture store in a while. Maybe she hasn't updated her style in years because she hasn't browsed through home decorating magazines to see what is new and fashionable. The beginning of your marriage is a perfect time to start over and, perhaps, renew your sense of what is beautiful in the area of home décor. Spend a weekend strolling through furniture showrooms and flipping through magazines. You both may be surprised to find that you gravitate toward similar styles. If not, you'll have seen many options on which to base your compromises about what to choose. The key here is that you'll be choosing together. It won't be all of his stuff or all of your stuff. Instead, your home will be full of items that you choose together.
•Take Turns
If there is too much artwork and not enough walls, why not just take turns? Swapping out artwork is a quick and easy way to freshen up the look of a room, so just switch back and forth between his favorite pieces and yours.
•Leave it Blank
One of the best things about sharing your life with someone is that you will continue to grow together. If you can't agree on things now, it's ok to leave some spots empty for a while. As time goes on, your styles are apt to become more similar, and you'll be able to select items that suit your newly developed style.
As in all areas of married life, it's important to treat each others feelings with care and respect when it comes to decisions about home decor. Decorating that is completed by more than one person is sure to require compromise – whether or not the two parties are married or just roommates. Remember that your home can be beautiful even if you aren't the one making every decision. Learn to meld your styles together and you'll be one step closer to marital bliss!
Jessica Ackerman is a head author at Wall Decor and Home Accents - where you can find metal wall sculptures , wall decor and more unique decorating products.
Source:www.isnare.com |
