Face it: moving into your first apartment or buying your first house together is just the beginning of the “living together” process. The financial details are one thing – but the decorating is quite another. Because you two are going to be sharing that space long after the paperwork is signed. So how do you merge your style and “stuff” into a place you both can love? Birkat Elyon has a long history of providing couples with gorgeous cubic zirconia engagement and wedding rings. During those years, they’ve learned a thing or two about relationships, so here are some smart tips for decorating your first home or apartment as a couple.
START WITH THE ABSOLUTE DEALBREAKERS
Don’t get carried away, but make a list of a few key sticking points regarding the interior. You each get a limited number of “vetos” on the things you just can’t abide. But again, use your veto power wisely.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOR PALETTE
Wildly-different pieces often pull together when the colors around them work. For example, a masculine leather chair can look terrific against a softer wall color. Figure out the colors you both love and find a palette that incorporates them. When in doubt, go for neutral tones. You can always paint later.
DIAL IT BACK ON HAVING “YOUR WAY”
You may love vintage antiques. Your partner may prefer sleek modern pieces. Rather than taking a stubborn “all or nothing” approach, take turns on choosing the “bigger” stuff that will go in your home. This layered approach will create a truly interesting, one-of-a-kind vibe.
DETERMINE YOUR RITUALS
When it comes to decorating as a couple, think about your daily rituals. One of you may need to vedge on the couch in front of a big-screen TV yet the other prefers quiet time to read. Figure a way to work that into your day-to-day. Maybe a comfy “other” room where the TV lives will solve potential tension. Consider the rituals that are most important to each of you and design accordingly.
PUT BIG DECISIONS ON THE BACKBURNER
If you find yourself arguing too much over what kind of piece should go where, or what color would look best in the kitchen, take a break. Fighting will get you nowhere. By giving yourselves a time out from those decisions, you may find that the disagreements later disappear.
KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE
Decorating as a couple can be tricky. But remember that your partner is way more important than their love of sports memorabilia or collection of vintage Beanie Babies. After all, the most critical design element of your space is the other person living there with you!
PS – Nothing wrong with “decorating” your significant other with a dazzling piece of jewelry. Birkat Elyon offers a wide range of rings for men and women, plus earrings, pendants and much more. The best part? They’re both gorgeous and affordable.