How Couples Can Decorate Shared Spaces Without Losing Their Individuality

Discover practical tips and creative ideas for couples to harmoniously design shared living spaces while staying true to their personal styles.

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Moving in together is an exciting milestone but it comes with its share of roadbumps that may require compromise or trigger arguments. All of a sudden, your personal space is shared. When two lives become one, so do two sets of opinions and aesthetics. This can make it difficult to decorate spaces that suit both parties. So let’s take a closer look at how couples can decorate shared spaces without losing their individuality.

There are so many creative ways to add personality to a space that sharing living space doesn’t have to become a war of tastes and preferences. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity for you to work together, as a couple, to create a space that reflects each person and the relationship they hold together.

Start With A Conversation

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Before making any decisions, you need to start talking. This will make sure you’re both on the same page and also help prevent future conflicts. It’s important that both people feel seen and heard. So take some time to discuss what each of you wants for the space, discuss aesthetics, practicalities, budget, and everything else that you feel is relevant to make these decisions.

Having a conversation will help you to find your common ground. Most couples will have at least some overlapping tastes. This is a great place to start. It’s a good idea to choose large furniture pieces like sofas, beds and tables in more neutral styles. This will make it easier (and cheaper) if you ever want to change up the aesthetics of the room. Then, use smaller items and accessories like cushions, artwork and lighting to let your personality shine through the room.

Furnishings That Blend Style And Functionality

Furnishings are where you can let your individual personalities shine in your shared space. The key is to choose items that reflect both partners’ personalities, while still serving a purpose. Some key pieces to focus on include:

Wall murals: This is an easy way to add personality to a room. You can use a wall mural to reflect shared passions, add to a colour scheme or use it as a backdrop to tie a whole room together. More wall murals in your space means more opportunities to creatively balance your individual styles. By choosing one or two pieces of art each, you’re both contributing to the decor in the room
Sofas: Opt for a more neutral style. This way, you can personalize the space with accessories by mixing and matching different light furnishings like throws and cushions and cater to both tastes. Going neutral for bigger items can make it easier to agree on a purchase
Dining tables: A sturdy wooden table is a great base. You can then add to it with runner clothes, centrepieces and even chairs. Again with these lighter items, you’re able to mix and match with each other’s styleteam bonobology
Bookshelves and shelves: Open shelves can offer space for both partners to display their own items. This includes items like books, framed photos and even souvenirs. You can also display items that mean something to both partners
Lighting: Having different lighting options is a great way to make a room more versatile. This includes options like floor lamps and table lamps. You can choose what lighting you prefer depending on what you’re doing. It also means both partners are able to have their preferred lighting setting as an option

Divide And Personalise

If your tastes are too different, then you could consider allowing each partner creative control over smaller zones or spaces. For example, one of you might personalize the reading nook while the others create the perfect workspace. Even in shared rooms, there is room for compromise. This could be having your own nightstand and decorating it in your own way.

Make Decorating A Date

One of the things that makes decorating so hard is the fact that it’s a chore. By turning it into a fun bonding activity, you can make the process easier and more enjoyable. This might make it easier to agree on items and decisions, too. You could even make dates out of days you need to step to shop for your new shared living space. For example, coffee and browsing the flea market. Another great idea is to go over mood boards while having a glass of wine. Turning decorating into a more enjoyable activity may help to take the edge off and make it easier to create a shared space.

All in all, a home should reflect both of you. Not only visually, but emotionally too. This is both your space, not only to live in, but to relax in, to work in and even socialise. Don’t forget that while aesthetics are important, your space must be practical too. There’s also nothing wrong with trial and error. At the end of the day, you’re now a team. Working on your space together will make it feel more like home for both of you. So while the goal is to create the perfect space, don’t forget to enjoy the process along the way.

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