Are you and your partner struggling to merge your individual styles into a home that feels like it belongs to both of you?
Designing a home as a married couple can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Each of you may have your own unique preferences and ideas about what the perfect home should look like. The trick is finding a balance that reflects both personalities while creating a cozy, functional, and beautiful space that feels like "yours."
In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of interior design for married couples, offering tips on how to combine your styles, make the most of your space, and create a home that you’ll both love.
1. Combining Individual Styles: The Key to Harmony
One of the biggest challenges when decorating as a couple is finding ways to merge two distinct design styles. It’s rare that two people will have exactly the same taste, and that’s perfectly fine. The goal is to find a balance that both partners enjoy and that feels cohesive. Here’s how to approach blending your styles:
Discover Your Common Ground: Start by discussing your likes and dislikes with each other. Look for overlap in your styles. Do you both appreciate minimalist decor? Are you drawn to similar color schemes? Do you both love mid-century modern furniture or rustic accents? By identifying the areas where your tastes align, you can create a strong foundation for your shared design.
Embrace Eclectic Design: If your styles are vastly different—say one of you loves boho and the other prefers industrial—consider adopting an eclectic approach. Eclectic design is all about mixing elements from different styles to create a unique and cohesive look. You can combine sleek industrial furniture with colorful bohemian textiles, for instance, or blend modern pieces with vintage finds. The key to eclectic design is balance, so make sure no one style dominates the space entirely.
Create a Design Mood Board: Mood boards are a fantastic way to visualize how your different tastes can come together. Collect images of furniture, color schemes, and decor that you both love, and create a digital or physical board. Seeing the elements side by side will help you better understand how to blend your styles and make sure the overall design feels cohesive.
Pick a Neutral Base: One way to merge different styles is to start with a neutral base. Choose neutral tones like whites, grays, beiges, or soft pastels for walls and large furniture items. Neutral colors act as a blank canvas, allowing you to introduce bold accents or personal touches without overwhelming the space. From there, you can each add layers of your style through decor, textiles, and artwork.
Compromise and Prioritize: Every couple will face moments when their design ideas clash. It’s important to approach these situations with compromise. Maybe you love a bold patterned rug, but your partner prefers something simpler. A good compromise might be incorporating patterned throw pillows instead of the rug. It’s also helpful to prioritize—decide which design elements are most important to each of you and focus on those first.
2. Optimizing Space: Making Your Home Functional and Beautiful
Once you’ve established a shared design vision, the next step is making sure your home is as functional as it is stylish. Married couples often need to consider how their living space can support both of their lifestyles, routines, and interests. Here are some ways to optimize your home for functionality:
Maximizing Storage: Storage is essential for keeping your home organized and clutter-free, especially if you’re combining two sets of belongings. Invest in smart storage solutions like built-in shelves, under-bed storage, and multi-functional furniture (such as ottomans that double as storage units). Create designated storage areas for each person’s items to keep everything tidy and accessible.
Creating a Comfortable Shared Space: Your living room, dining room, and kitchen are where you’ll spend most of your time together, so it’s important to design these spaces for comfort and ease of use. Choose a sofa that’s large and comfortable enough for two people to lounge on. Invest in a dining table that fits your needs, whether you prefer intimate dinners or frequently host guests. In the kitchen, make sure there’s enough counter space and storage to accommodate both of your cooking habits.
Designing Personal Spaces: Even in a shared home, it’s important to have areas where each partner can enjoy their own activities. If space allows, consider creating “his” and “hers” zones. These could be small reading nooks, home office areas, or hobby corners. For example, one partner might need a desk for work, while the other might prefer a cozy nook for reading or crafting. Having separate spaces for individual activities can enhance both comfort and productivity.
Functional Bedroom Design: The bedroom is your sanctuary as a couple, so it should be both serene and functional. Invest in a high-quality bed and mattress that caters to both of your comfort preferences. Consider features like adjustable beds if you have different sleep habits. In terms of design, aim for a calming atmosphere with soft colors, layered bedding, and minimal clutter. Ensure there’s enough closet space for both of your belongings, using organizers and storage systems to maximize space.
3. The Power of Color in Couples’ Interior Design
Color is a powerful tool in setting the mood for your home. The right color palette can foster a sense of harmony, relaxation, or energy. When choosing colors as a couple, consider the following:
Start with Neutrals: Neutral tones like beige, gray, and white provide a calming backdrop and can easily be complemented by accent colors. A neutral base can also make it easier to blend different decor styles. You can then layer in colors that you both love through textiles, artwork, and smaller pieces of furniture.
Find Colors You Both Love: Take time to explore color palettes that resonate with both of you. If one partner loves bold colors while the other prefers a more subdued look, find a compromise by incorporating pops of color in smaller doses—through pillows, artwork, or rugs—while keeping the overall palette neutral or muted.
Consider the Psychology of Color: Colors have a significant impact on mood, so it’s important to choose shades that create the right atmosphere for each room. Here are a few examples of how color psychology can influence your space:
Blues and Greens: Calming and serene, these colors are great for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Yellows and Oranges: Bright and cheerful, these colors are ideal for kitchens or living rooms where you want to create an energizing, happy environment.
Grays and Beiges: Neutral and versatile, these colors work well in any room, providing a sophisticated and timeless look.
Add Personal Color Touches: To make the space feel more personal, consider adding accent walls or decor items in colors that hold personal significance for each of you. Maybe one of you loves rich jewel tones or vibrant hues. Introducing these colors in small, intentional ways can add a personal touch to your shared space.
4. Incorporating Personal Touches and Sentimental Items
As you build your home together, make sure to incorporate meaningful items that reflect your relationship and individual stories. These personal touches will make your space feel uniquely yours and strengthen your connection to the home. Here’s how:
Display Personal Photos: One of the easiest ways to make a house feel like a home is by displaying personal photos. Choose a selection of photos from special moments in your relationship, such as your wedding day, travels, or family events. Create a photo wall, or display them on shelves, mantels, or side tables.
Use Sentimental Decor: Incorporating sentimental items, such as family heirlooms, art pieces from travels, or meaningful gifts, adds a layer of emotional depth to your space. These pieces help tell the story of your relationship and create a sense of continuity between past, present, and future.
Create a Shared Collection: One fun idea is to start a shared collection that you can build together over time. This could be anything from artwork to plants, vintage finds, or books. As you collect new items, your home will gradually evolve and reflect your journey as a couple.
5. Sustainable and Practical Design for Couples
Today’s couples are increasingly mindful of sustainability, and designing an eco-friendly home is not only great for the planet but also for your long-term well-being. Here are some ways to incorporate sustainability into your interior design:
Choose Sustainable Materials: Look for furniture made from sustainable materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled metal. Opt for textiles made from organic cotton, linen, or wool. Sustainable materials are not only eco-friendly but often add a natural, timeless beauty to your home.
Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances: Incorporate energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, and choose appliances with high energy ratings to reduce your home’s environmental impact. You’ll also save money on energy bills in the long run.
Opt for Durable, Long-Lasting Furniture: When furnishing your home, prioritize quality over quantity. Choose pieces that are durable and timeless, even if they’re a bit more expensive upfront. High-quality furniture lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
6. Fostering a Sense of Togetherness in Your Space
At the end of the day, the most important aspect of your home is that it fosters a sense of togetherness and comfort for you as a couple. Here are some final tips to keep in mind:
Create Cozy Spaces: Your home should feel cozy and inviting, especially in shared areas like the living room or bedroom. Add plush pillows, soft blankets, and comfortable seating to create a space where you can relax and unwind together.
Design for Shared Activities: Think about how you spend time together and design your home to support those activities. If you love cooking together, make sure your kitchen is well-equipped and functional. If you enjoy movie nights, invest in a comfortable sofa and a high-quality entertainment system.
Make Time for Reassessments: As your lives change, your home will need to evolve too. Regularly reassess your space to ensure it still meets your needs and reflects your style as a couple. Don’t be afraid to make updates or changes as you grow together.
How Couples Can Plan Their Dream Home With DreamDen
1. Begin by uploading your space photographs.
2. DreamDen simplifies the design process by offering a range of popular styles such as contemporary, traditional, bohemian, mid century, eclectic and minimalistic. This procedure is fast, straightforward, and customized to your preferences.
3. Once your mood board is crafted, we furnish you with a checklist.
4. Additionally, you can choose products and services, with your information promptly shared with relevant vendors in real-time. We serve most US ZIP codes.
5. Our primary goal is to aid users in swiftly planning their homes.
6. Our application-based workflow ensures vendors receive notifications and reminders in real-time.
7. We provide suggestions and offer appropriate product images based on the design board you've created.
8. Without any stress or worry, you can plan the interior of your dream home in just a few hours.
Here’s a breakdown of how DreamDen approaches room designs for married couples, showcasing the unique elements of various interior styles.
Neoclassical Elegance
For couples who appreciate grandeur and timeless sophistication, neoclassical interiors offer the perfect balance of formality and beauty. DreamDen uses rich color palettes, elegant furniture, and classical architectural elements such as columns and moldings. These designs include luxurious chandeliers, high ceilings, and finely detailed furniture, creating an atmosphere of opulence and harmony.
Key Features:
Grand furnishings with ornate details
Symmetrical layouts
A neutral color palette with accents of gold, cream, and deep hues
Contemporary Simplicity
DreamDen’s contemporary designs are ideal for couples who want a sleek, modern look with clean lines and minimal clutter. These rooms focus on open spaces, a neutral color palette, and functional furnishings. DreamDen brings contemporary interiors to life with carefully curated artwork, understated color schemes, and cutting-edge technology integration.
Key Features:
Clean lines and uncluttered spaces
Use of metal, glass, and natural textures
Soft, neutral color palettes with pops of bold color
Transitional Balance
A blend of traditional elegance and contemporary simplicity, transitional style is perfect for couples who can’t decide between old and new. DreamDen creates warm and inviting spaces that balance classic and modern elements, combining the best of both worlds. Expect clean lines softened with rich textures and a mix of furniture styles.
Key Features:
Neutral tones with rich, layered textures
A mix of traditional and modern furniture pieces
Focus on comfort without sacrificing style
Minimalistic Tranquility
For couples seeking serenity in simplicity, minimalistic designs by DreamDen create peaceful, clutter-free environments that emphasize function over form. DreamDen uses a pared-down approach, focusing on quality materials and purposeful design, perfect for couples who appreciate the mantra "less is more."
Key Features:
Open, uncluttered spaces
Neutral color palettes, often with monochrome schemes
Simple, functional furniture
Industrial Edge
If you and your partner love the rugged charm of exposed brick walls, steel beams, and raw finishes, DreamDen’s industrial designs bring an urban loft aesthetic to your home. Combining metal and wood elements with utilitarian details, this style is perfect for couples who appreciate bold, edgy interiors.
Key Features:
Exposed pipes, beams, and brick walls
A neutral palette with dark, moody tones
Statement lighting and metal accents
Scandinavian Simplicity
DreamDen’s Scandinavian designs offer a light, airy, and functional approach to interiors, blending comfort with minimalist aesthetics. This style works perfectly for couples who prioritize coziness and warmth, while still maintaining clean lines and simplicity.
Key Features:
White walls and natural light
Functional furniture with clean lines
Warm textiles like wool and sheepskin for a cozy touch
Bohemian Freedom
For couples who enjoy vibrant colors, global accents, and an eclectic mix of textures, DreamDen’s Bohemian designs create a relaxed, creative atmosphere. These spaces are rich in pattern and personality, with DreamDen incorporating bold rugs, colorful pillows, and handcrafted details from around the world.
Key Features:
Layered textiles with vibrant patterns
Handcrafted items and global influences
A mix of vintage and modern furniture
Coastal Relaxation
If your dream home feels like a beach retreat, DreamDen’s coastal designs bring a refreshing, seaside vibe to your interior. This style uses light, breezy colors, natural materials, and plenty of open space to create an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility, perfect for couples who love the ocean.
Key Features:
Light, airy color palettes with shades of blue, white, and sand
Nautical accents and natural textures like wicker and wood
Casual, comfortable furnishings
Traditional Timelessness
DreamDen’s traditional designs are perfect for couples who value classic, time-honored decor. Featuring rich textures, luxurious materials, and symmetrical layouts, this style offers a sense of stability and grandeur. DreamDen creates spaces that evoke elegance and comfort, with an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.
Key Features:
Warm, rich color palettes with deep hues
Ornate furniture and details
Symmetry and balance in the layout
Mid-Century Modern Charm
DreamDen’s modern mid-century designs transport couples back to the 1950s and 1960s, featuring sleek lines, iconic furniture pieces, and a retro color palette. This style offers the perfect blend of functionality and style for couples who appreciate vintage charm with a modern twist.
Key Features:
Sleek, clean lines and organic shapes
Iconic mid-century furniture
Earthy tones with bold accent colors like mustard and teal
Eclectic Fusion
For couples with varied tastes, eclectic designs by DreamDen offer the flexibility to combine different styles into a cohesive space. This design is all about mixing and matching, with bold colors, varied textures, and unexpected decor elements creating a personalized and unique look.
Key Features:
A mix of furniture styles, textures, and colors
Bold patterns and artwork
Personalized touches and global accents
Modern Farmhouse Comfort
For a charming, cozy home, DreamDen’s modern farmhouse designs are perfect for couples who love rustic elegance with modern comforts. This style incorporates natural materials like wood and stone, while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. Expect sliding barn doors, shiplap walls, and distressed wood furniture with modern touches.
Key Features:
Warm, natural materials with clean lines
Rustic wood accents and distressed finishes
Neutral palettes with pops of black and white
Japandi Serenity
Combining the simplicity of Scandinavian design with the elegance of Japanese aesthetics, Japandi is ideal for couples who seek tranquility and functionality in their home. DreamDen blends natural textures, minimalist design, and a muted color palette to create a peaceful, balanced living space.
Key Features:
Minimalist design with natural materials
Neutral color schemes with earthy tones
Focus on functionality and balance
Glamorous Luxe
For couples who love luxury and opulence, DreamDen’s glamorous designs create a sophisticated, high-end feel. Using metallic accents, plush fabrics like velvet, and statement lighting, these interiors are all about making a bold, extravagant statement.
Key Features:
Plush materials like velvet and silk
Gold, silver, and mirrored accents
Dramatic lighting, such as chandeliers
Art Deco Glam
DreamDen’s Art Deco designs are perfect for couples who love geometric patterns, rich colors, and luxurious materials. This style evokes the glamor of the 1920s, with bold design choices and opulent accents. DreamDen creates a glamorous, elegant space that feels both vintage and timeless.
Key Features:
Bold geometric patterns and rich color palettes
Luxurious materials like velvet and marble
Gold accents and statement lighting
Conclusion
Designing a home as a married couple is a wonderful opportunity to create a space that reflects both of your personalities and strengthens your relationship. By combining your individual styles, optimizing space for functionality, and adding personal touches, you can create a home that feels uniquely yours. Remember to compromise, communicate openly, and have fun with the process! In the end, your home will be a beautiful expression of your shared life and love.