WHERE TO START WHEN COUPLES MOVE IN TOGETHER
How to combine two homes into one: creating a space that reflects and belongs equally to couples.
Moving in together with your significant other is a healthy sign of compromise and stability. Aside from the obvious of getting to know one another, it is the merging of two lives and two distinct identities with different items and design choices. Below are things to keep in mind when moving into a shared environment.
Inventory
This is the basic, initial conversation a couple needs to have. The purpose is to discuss and account for some of the items that make each other's homes into living spaces. Some can be very functional furniture pieces but artwork, textiles, dishware, rugs and mementos have more of an emotional, sentimental regard than other pieces. Talk about what one likes and dislikes about the other's apartment then proceed to making an inventory of items that are necessary and those that can be donated, sold or repurposed. The key thing here is compromise; give and take and one party will have to agree to keep something from the other. In addition, this compromise also applies to decorative styles and design tendencies of each person, it is a conversation, a bargaining to come to an agreement of what they can live with and what they can spare.
Does it fit?
Before you go any further, upon determining which pieces the couple has agreed to keep, make sure to measure to see if it will fit comfortably and play well with the space, but also how will you get it there. Measure everything from the floor area where items will be placed, to front door openings as well as elevator dimensions as well as hallway widths and heights.
Commonality
Find common traits in both sets of items and décor style. Often, different artworks can be unified, regardless of the medium, size or theme with matching frames. Also, agree on adding certain new elements and design ideas that both partners gravitate towards to. This can be a focal piece like a sofa, certain heirlooms or even unifying the couple's taste with fabrics. A colour scheme that agrees with both design tendencies can be clearly and effortlessly expressed with textures and fabrics, translating into area rugs, drapery, decorative pillows and other soft goods.
A design coupling
Finally, allow your partner to have a designated area in a room, corner, wall or a cabinet that holds their most valued mementos and pieces. That way, the uniqueness of each individual will be visible and profound, whereas the collective of the space will be truly a coupling of two individuals sharing more than a space to live.