How to embrace your new roommate's sense of style and make it your own.
Are you moving a man into your life? Moving in together is a big step and if you want the relationship to work you're both going to have to feel at home. This means it's time for some couple decorating. Unfortunately for you, it might be time to pack up the Raggedy Ann dolls and repaint your pink walls. You also might want to get rid of the lacy blanket from Great Aunt Rose. But, remember, this gives you some leverage against his football helmet collection.
Welcoming a man into your home means welcoming him into your bedroom but it also means keeping a bit of yourself in the room as well. So, the Raggedy Anns must go but you may want to keep several treasured photos of your childhood on a photo rail. Maybe he’d also like to add a few of his family portraits.
While pink paint needs to go, you don’t have to paint the room blue. Pick a neutral color and express both of your color preferences in pillows and new bedding. Most important, make sure that these decisions are ones you both agree on and feel comfortable with.
The touchiest part of the bedroom cohabitation is probably the closet. Obviously, this is the perfect time to get rid of some of those clothes you don’t wear anymore but it’s also a good time to redo your closet and add more organizational features. It may also be time to begin storing your clothes seasonally so there is more room in the closet.
Beyond the bedroom you’ll have other areas to digest and possibly to divide and conquer. But the bedroom should be your first priority. It’s obviously central to the core of a relationship and both sides should have a fairly equal comfort zone. Once this room has been tackled you should know each other’s tastes a little better and be comfortable selecting items, colors and styles you both can agree upon.
If you’re moving into his house a little tact is probably necessary initially. It’s hard to tell someone that you’re not entirely at home in their home but until you add your own touches there is a possibility you just won’t feel entirely comfortable. So, rather than redecorating during his business trip, try to bring him into the process. Again, it’s not about erasing the homeowner’s personality, it’s about limiting parts, adding yourself to others and then creating your own style and personality…together.
If you find that you have totally different tastes in decorating styles and you both have strong feelings about it, it’s probably time for you both to embrace an eclectic lifestyle. Find creative and attractive ways to combine your styles into something that works for both of you. It’s your home too and obviously you love each other, but you also have to love the space you live in.
