Decorating Tips for Moving In With a Significant Other

Congratulations! Moving in with your significant other is a monumental step in any relationship. It’s the beautiful beginning of a new chapter, filled with shared experiences, inside jokes, and, unavoidably, a bit of a tug-of-war over whose coffee table makes the cut. Decorating your shared space should be an adventure, not an anxiety-inducing process. Luckily, we have some tips on how to tackle decorating with your significant other after moving in together.

Determine Which Style You Both Enjoy

First things first, pinpoint a style that reflects both of you. This might initially sound as tricky as agreeing on what to binge-watch next (we all know that’s serious business). Start broad. Do you lean more toward modern minimalism or a cozy, eclectic vibe?

If coming together on a style seems harder than you expected, try making a mood board. Compile images, fabric swatches, and anything that catches your eye. You’ll likely find common ground and a visual style you both get excited about. Remember, the goal is to create a space that feels like home to both of you, not just an extension of one person’s taste.

Figure Out Which Items Work Together

Once you’ve locked down your style, the next step for decorating your home after moving in with your significant other is blending your current belongings. It’s like making a smoothie; you want a harmonious blend, not a lumpy mess. Assess your furniture and decor together.

That neon beer sign from college? It’s likely going to clash with your partner’s elegant Victorian-era desk. But that doesn’t mean you have to ditch everything with sentimental value. It’s all about compromise. Maybe the lit-up sign heads to the den or the garage, while the desk will be right at home in the office. If you can find a balance between your items, you’ll end up with a space that tells your combined stories.

Get Rid of Duplicate Items

Ah, the duplicity of combining your belongings—two toasters, two sofas, two life-size cutouts of David Hasselhoff. Facing a surplus of duplicate items is inevitable, but you need to be pragmatic. Keep the toaster that doesn’t burn your bagels and the couch that doesn’t squeak ominously every time you sit down.

For the rest, consider selling or donating. If needed, maybe get a storage locker together if you just can’t part with some of the items. As long as you don’t overload your home, there will be a way to compromise on what stays and what goes.

Find New Items That Match

Now for the fun part: shopping! This isn’t just about filling gaps in your home decor; it’s a chance to select pieces that are uniquely ‘us.’ Just make sure you consider how you’ll mix your old and new furniture together. Whether it’s a piece of art that makes you both smile or a funky lamp that lights up your life, finding new items together can bridge different tastes and create a cohesive look.