Decorating for Newlyweds

Getting married or know a couple about to start their lives together? Your goal should be to have your space reflect both personalities and this new stage of your lives.

 1)   The key to Couple Design Heaven is the word compromise. 

 2)   Don’t start off married life with a bed you shared with a serious significant other.  If you’re headed towards the altar, first head towards the furniture store and shop together for this significant purchase.  Same goes for linens.

 3)   When designing a room together, one person should pick the colors while the other sets up the furniture layout.  Each person gets one veto and then you have to accept their decision.   Go for a classic look as opposed to a theme.

4)   If you’ve lived on your own for a while, you may have two of everything.  Set a time when you’re both relaxed and survey your belongings – one by one.  BE BRUTAL!   Who has the newer (in better condition) couch, fridge, etc.?   

 5)   Give the second chance items away to charity or sell them.  Reward yourselves by taking the money and buy something for the home that you will both enjoy. 

 6)   Display photographs of your favorite activities:  golf, cooking, kayaking, football, painting, etc.   These could be shared activities or ones that you like to do on your own.  Six on a wall (8×10) or (11 x 14) will have greater impact.  By displaying them together you are showing the world you are united as a couple.

 7)   Let go of guilt!  If an item doesn’t reflect this stage of your lives, let it go.  Life is too short to be surrounded by items that aren’t useful or pleasing.   Take a photo with you holding the item — you’ll always have the memory!

 8)   Start a collection together… this could be black and white photography, ceramics, or an emerging artist.  It’s a great way to express yourselves and tell the world what you are about as a couple.  Organize your collections by color or texture or category.

 9)   Men:  We really hate 68” flat screen TVs.  Women:  We really hate 18 pillows piled on the bed.

 10)  If your partner hates it, let it go.  I mean truly hates it.