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It can be very exciting to move in with a significant other. After all, it’s the natural next step once you realize your love for each other and want to take things to the next level. However, blending two homes or apartments between two people who have never lived together before can be a bit daunting – especially when it comes to organizing and decorating.
Throughout the process, you will hopefully be enlightened as to how your two unique styles complement the other. But you won’t agree on everything, so it’s best to agree to disagree on some things and make compromises to keep the peace. After all, you’re moving in together and want to start off on the right foot. Hopefully what results is a cohesive, well-curated home.
Here are tips for bringing your blended vision to life. You can start by hiring a reputable residential mover to get things going.
It’s always stressful to move, but when you combine the two homes, this poses an additional challenge. Be proactive and declutter beforehand by sorting through your own belongings. It’s best to do this on your own without someone watching over you. Your partner may be a bit more generous when it comes to getting rid of your stuff, and vice versa.
Both of you probably have accumulated lots of stuff over the years living separately, but logistically, there’s no way both sets of things will fit in the new house. Compromises will have to be made. Decluttering can clear up space so you’re working from a clean slate.
It’s best to declutter as soon as you know you’re moving in together. Start small and make piles of things to keep, donate, sell or put into storage. Have a yard sale to make money for the move.
In the preparation stages, it’s critical to discuss your expectations when it comes to the design and look of your shared home. Of course, at some point you will have differing opinions, and that’s OK. But being honest from the start will help you come together on the more difficult points.
Communicate and define your individual styles, show the other person photos and inspirations, and even sketch some ideas out on paper. When presenting your ideas to each other, give the other person time to say what they like and dislike about the idea. Hopefully you can come to some sort of common ground before proceeding to the details.
Starting to feel overwhelmed? Talk about the big picture, then narrow it down into more manageable chunks. You may want to first chat about the practical expectations of each room and how it will serve your purposes.
The consideration of functionality will help guide design decisions such as furniture placement, layout, and décor. Keep the line of communication open and try to find the positive in the other person’s ideas. Keep criticism constructive and keep an open mind.
Transitional design is something that can help foster a cohesive home that is an equal representation of both partners. At the core of transitional style, you get a flexibility and seamless blending of ideas. Transitional design basically combines modern and traditional décor to result in fluidly, says Apartment Therapy.
Think about the foundation of the space and how the decor will be incorporated. Think about the materials located throughout the home such as flooring, wall color, molding, and fixtures and handles. These elements will enhance the design choices you make throughout the rest of the house.
Be sure to vary texture and color, which adds dimension and visual intrigue. When you add texture, you introduce depth into your design. One of you may like the sleek and modern look, while the other likes traditional and rustic. Use a bright, white color palette as a base to make the modern lines stand out, then bring in different textures and fabrics in your accents like pillows, curtains and throw rugs.
You don’t have to spin your wheels trying to make perfect matches throughout the house or apartment. It’s more about the blending of ideas to result in a purposeful flow throughout the space. The color palette will naturally work on its own to blend all the elements.
Use odd or unique items as focal points for conversation starters, then you can even work around those pieces to choose interesting colors that complement it.
Make it a point to balance between the differing styles you have decided on. This willingness to compromise will ensure you’re not packing a room to the gills with conflicting styles. You don’t want to end up with a cluttered space that lacks a cohesive look and feel. In fact, try to see how the negative space actually works to your benefit. Not only does it create a peaceful atmosphere, it’s more visually appealing.
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to compromise, it is too difficult to truly incorporate one another’s items and ideas. In this case, it may be beneficial for both people to have a room in the house to call their own. You may want to convert a guest room into a home office, or a basement into a game room.
The point is to ensure each person feels equally represented in all spaces, offering a continuity and flow that ends up being a blend of the two best parts of you. Now you have a unique space that you have created together. What a great way to start on your journey as a couple!
The team at Around the Block would be happy to help you move in together and start a new chapter in your lives. We can kick things off with a residential or apartment moving quote when you click online or contact us at 214-433-6747.