His and Hers - Blending Your Styles

If you are newlyweds just starting a new home or celebrating your 20th year of marriage, you may be wondering how much your home décor is a true reflection of both of your styles. Maybe he is dreaming of a nautical theme while Victorian florals are more to her liking. Blending aspects of both styles can be challenging but rewarding when brought together effectively in the home.

More and more, singles are living on their own and creating a home for themselves before entering into their nuptials. Newlyweds can become overwhelmed by the process of blending their furniture together and combining it with the new décor from their registry. Compromise is essential during this process as well as the ability to let some items go. You probably don't need two dining room tables so don't be afraid to give up some pieces in order to start with a fresh slate for your new home together.

Start by looking through magazines for design ideas and find what style of décor you agree on. Visit furniture and accessories showrooms and make notes on which pieces grab both of you. Draw sketches of the pieces and observe the common themes in each of them. You may find you like the pieces for the same reasons and have similar decorating tastes after all.

However, he might gravitate toward darker leather pieces while she leans toward furniture with curved backs and rolled arms. In this case, try finding a combination of both interests. Together you might look for a dark leather piece that features rolled arms. He will enjoy the piece for its fine leather and she will like it for its beautiful silhouette.

Begin decorating the room you will spend the most time in together and take elements of each person's style to create one harmonious look. Avoid going with a theme that either of you particularly dislikes. Instead, find pieces that you can both agree on and build the look of the room around them. You will be equally pleased with the outcome and will look forward to time spent there together.

For other areas of the home, you may decide to designate the design choices to "his" and "hers". His office can exhibit his annual fishing weekend trophies and her office can show off her collection of porcelain tea sets. It is important that both people feel they have a room that truly reflects their individuality.

As time goes by, your tastes will merge together so leave yourselves some blank space to fill later. A bare wall or unadorned end table can give you a perfect future place for a sterling silver frame that will hold a photo of all your grandchildren.