Moving in together is a big step. It can make or break your relationship. There are many pitfalls to watch out for. One of the biggest problems new couples have is finding it hard to deal with their significant others living habits.
Maybe they leave things out? Don’t tidy up after themselves? This stuff might seem small, but let it fester and it could spell the end of love.
Well, worry no more! We reached out to a series of interior design experts and have compiled a list of the best tips and tricks to help turn your house from a potential source of conflict to a relaxing space that can provide a comfortable abode to spend time with your loved one.
Happiness Author Gretchen Rubin says “moving offers an opportunity for a clean slate – use this time to free yourself of clutter.”
Take pictures of sentimental items and let them go. Thank the person who gave you a gift you don’t need, and let it go. When you can find and put things away easily, it makes living with someone better!
– Erica Leigh Reiner, owner of E. Leigh Designs
Two great books to get you going are:
- Happier at Home (Gretchen Ruben) – UK Readers, USA Readers
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying (Marie Kondō) – UK Readers, USA Readers
Before we jump headfirst into the article, if you see a tip or trick that you think is cool, hit that upvote button. The list orders based on upvotes, so when future readers come along, they will see the best and most useful tips first. You’re doing good for everyone!
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#1 Getting Appropriate Storage
For the items, you DO need - get appropriate storage for each thing you need to store there.
For small places: hooks for hanging items cute wall-mounted storage systems and over the door hanging system.
Example 1:
Example 2:
All of the storage and hanging options you can get should MATCH and look cohesive to each other and should go with the style and color of the room they are in. Don't skimp and get ugly plastic bins and hooks - put thought into it like any other piece of your home.
Contributor: Erica Leigh Reiner | Owner of E. Leigh Designs
Company: eleighdesigns.com | Instagram
#2 Be Smart And Use Your Wall Space
If you have a small place or with two people's things it feels small - get things off the ground and use that wall space! you get almost anything in a wall mounted version including desks, plants, and bookshelves.
Example 1:
Example 2:
Get some of this stuff here:
- Wall Mounted Desks for UK Readers or USA Readers
- Wall Mounted Plants for UK Readers or USA Readers
- Wall Mounted Bookshelves for UK Readers or USA Readers
Contributor: Erica Leigh Reiner | Owner of E. Leigh Designs
Company: eleighdesigns.com | Instagram
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#3 Couples Artwork
Both people in the couple may not always like the same kind of art. But what you both can probably agree on is art about the couple. Get nice MATCHING frames with matting, and blow up a couple of classy black and white photos of you together.
Or, If you are married, you can hang artwork commemorative of your wedding day. Carefully choosing and placing key pieces of art can really transform your space and make it a stylish home.
Contributor: Erica Leigh Reiner | Owner of E. Leigh Designs
Company: eleighdesigns.com | Instagram
#4 Fitting Two Apartments Worth Of Stuff Into One
Storage is probably the most important thing to consider when moving in together. Trying to fit two apartments worth of stuff into one apartment can be a challenge. Beyond going through all of your things and minimizing where you can (can you say garage sale?), it is important to make sure you have storage solutions so you can cut out some clutter. Functional furniture is a great way to incorporate storage into already-existing pieces in your space.
For example, youre going to have a coffee table anyway. Why not have a coffee table that also has built-in drawers and storage bins so you can double up on the function of the piece? This storage coffee table from LuxeDecor is an attractive piece that also hides away clutter that would normally be laying around the living room.
Contributor: Erika Bodine, Design Director at LuxeDecor
Company: luxedecor.com
#5 Add Specific Colors In At Least Three Areas
For a cohesive look when you are bringing together items from two households s a couple, pick one or two colors you love (max) and incorporate them in at least three places to make the colors stand out as an obvious theme and decor throughout the space. Using more than two colors can look chaotic and messy for non-pros.
- The colors don't need to be bright - Repeating them across at least three places within your accessories and decor will create a unified look even if they are soft or neutral colors.
- If you do pick more than one, they should be complementary, for example, pewter and beige, blue and grey, pale yellow and white or teal and mint.
- If you pick a bright color and want to use it to paint, start with one feature wall and let the others be neutral so it doesn't overwhelm.
- If you can't paint as a renter, my favorite places to bring color into accessories are in the curtains, throw pillows, rugs and artwork. You can also try candles, lamp shades, throw blankets and picture frames.
Pick up some affordable and high-quality paint here: UK Readers or USA Readers
Get some of this stuff here:
- Colored Curtains for UK Readers or USA Readers
- Colored Throw Pillows for UK Readers or USA Readers
- Rugs for UK Readers or USA Readers
- Artwork for UK Readers or USA Readers
Contributor: Erica Leigh Reiner | Owner of E. Leigh Designs
Company: eleighdesigns.com | Instagram
#6 What Makes Good Design?
Over decades in design, we have worked with couples new, old and in between.
Some things are universal:
- Understand that good design is a harmonious blend of form and function that reflects your life story.
- It depends on balance, proportion, color, texture, shape, and lighting.
- The clearer picture you have of what you want, the more likely you are to achieve that décor.
For new couples specifically:
- Be honest with each other, and share what you really like and do not like in décor.
- It is easier to create great décor in a new look than to try to blend your old, separate styles.
- Look at magazines, showrooms, open houses, TV shows, etc. and try to agree on a look that you both like. Try to understand why you like that look. Then use those design elements to create your own special space.
- Part of being a strong couple is appreciating each other's strengths and helping each other to overcome weaknesses. The same is true is creating a mutual living space. Be willing to find common ground that reflects the love and life you are sharing.
- Do not get wound up and defensive. Chances are that in 20 years you will look back and wonder what the heck you were thinking of buying whatever.
- Stay on budget. Over time you can find amazing bargains in great design at resale shops, consignment stores, yard sales, etc.
- It is better to have a room that is half empty than one full of tasteless crap. Give yourselves time to develop a style and to find design elements you love at a price you can afford.
- Look for quality of materials, design, and workmanship in everything you buy.
Contributor: Beverly Solomon
Like this advice and want to get more tips and guidance from Beverly Solomon? Find out how you could get help from her designing your perfect house here.
About Beverly Solomon: Before opening her international art & design firm near Austin, she was a model and then an executive in sales and marketing for Diane von Furstenberg, Revlon, and Ralph Lauren. She has been featured in dozens of books, major magazines and newspapers, TV, radio, and film. She was honored by the State of Texas for her work on Eco tourism in 2016.
#7 Use Bigger But Fewer Furnishings to Declutter
When couples move in together the most common complaint we hear is that there's not enough space. With some clever interior design, you can make the space feel much larger. My favorite trick is to use bigger, but fewer furnishings. For example, instead of having 2 separate dressers in your bedroom consider purchasing one large dresser that can fit both of your belongings. This will make the space less cluttered and appear more spacious.
Amazon does surprisingly affordable large dressers. Check out their range here (if you do some digging you can find some real bargains):
Contributor: Evan Roberts | Real estate agent with Dependable Homebuyers in Baltimore, MD.
Company: dependablehomebuyers.com | Facebook
#8 Consistent Design Matters
Now that you are combining things with your significant other, focus on keeping items that have a consistent design. This tones down the style of your home and make's it appear less busy and more organized. Nothing feels more untidy than coming home to a living area that feels like the back room of a thrift shop.
Contributor: Jeff Miller | Co-founder of the AE Home Group real estate team in Maryland.
Company: aehomegroup.com
#9 Keeping Your Walls Beautiful…
When my husband and I moved in together 11 years ago we were fighting over decorating our walls. We put way too many holes in the wall and we were frustrated that we had to start over.
Then we created a solution to help future couples everywhere by creating an ALL-In-One Picture Hanging Tool that Measures, Levels, AND Marks the wall, AT THE SAME TIME. The first tape measures in US to level and marks the wall so you know where the nails go.
Contributor: Karina Rabin
Company: hangomatic.com | Facebook | Twitter
#10 Add Some Personality…
A Cuckoo clock can add a lot of fun to your home.
One of our customers bought this cuckoo clock as a gift to their new home. They got married in November 2017 and just bought a condo here in Chicago a couple of months ago.
We had a call with them asking their experience shopping with us. They told us that they really loved the clock - it 'coo coos' on every hour. They're expecting a newborn very soon, so they were hoping that the cuckoo clock will add some fun to their family.
Want to get a Cuckoo Clock? Check out Cuckoo Forest's (as pictured) selection here.
Contributor: Leah Richard
Company: contingentpoint.org
#11 Reduce The Duplicates
When you move in with someone, it’s common to have two of quite a few things. After all, chances are, you both have been living your life independently until now. Go through all of your things and try to purge the duplicates or any unnecessary extra items you may have.
You can use large plastic bins to store the extras if you think you may need them again or to store holiday items that you only need once a year or so.
Pick up some affordable and high-quality plastic storage bins: UK Readers or USA Readers
Contributor: Kayla Hein | Creative Director | Practicing architect and designer for Tulsa design and architecture firm, GH2.
Company: moderncastle.com
#12 White Is Always Right…
To make small spaces feel larger, keep it bright and remember white is always right. Neutrals like white walls, white bedding, or white furniture can help to brighten up a room and make it feel fresh and clean.
IKEA is a great resource for inexpensive, white furniture or storage options. While these items might not be a long-term investment, IKEA can be a quick way to get furnishings without breaking the bank.
The Kallax storage system is a great option for organizing bedrooms or living rooms since it’s very customizable and unique.
Contributor: Kayla Hein | Creative Director | Practicing architect and designer for Tulsa design and architecture firm, GH2.
Company: moderncastle.com
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This title is… concerning.
#13 Unify Each Space
Unify important spaces with one focal element, and use other elements in the room to compliment it.
Having your favorite lime green Papasan chair and your husband’s favorite life-size cutout of John Elway will likely lead to both items fighting for attention.
With two powerful statement pieces, it can be hard to have a unified design. Instead, try agreeing on one item that is the focal item for each space.
It could be a unique piece of art or a central area rug. Select smaller accessories for the space that compliment the larger focal statement piece by using a similar color or material.
Get some of this stuff here:
- Rugs for UK Readers or USA Readers
- Artwork for UK Readers or USA Readers
Contributor: Kayla Hein | Creative Director | Practicing architect and designer for Tulsa design and architecture firm, GH2.
Company: moderncastle.com
#14 Lived-In Design
Gone are the days of stark or stale design. Today’s top designs are thoughtful, reflective of the people who use the space, and tend to have a lived-in feel. Basically, this is permission to not feel pressure to design by the books.
Think about how you use the space and allow your design to reflect that. Even down to the details like where you drop your keys and charge your phone. Consider the details.
Do you hate making your bed? No problem. Choose bedding that reflects that with this simple modern bedding with a soft wrinkled look.
Is your bathroom design a cause for constant headache? Let’s address it. Adding bathroom storage can be functional and make a design statement, like this black accent cart.
Are you a tech junkie and want fewer cords lying around? Consider adding power grommets to some of your furniture for a quick and easy place to juice up that doesn’t break the bank.
A simple grommet like the one below only requires a hole saw (this piece attaches to any standard drill) and access to a power outlet behind the piece of furniture. (The grommet plugs right into the wall outlet, hidden from sight!)
Contributor: Kayla Hein | Creative Director | Practicing architect and designer for Tulsa design and architecture firm, GH2.
Company: moderncastle.com
#15 Agree On The Design Style
Have an open conversation about the best style that defines you as a couple. Are you modern, industrial, contemporary, romantic, traditional, or bohemian, to name a few? Does your interior design style conflict with your partners?
You can decide on one style that you feel best exemplifies who you are as a couple or you can attempt to mesh your two styles. Based on your decision, decide which colors and material elements you want to include in your design.
Be careful not to clutter your new space with unnecessary pieces. In addition, be sure to purchase a few items as a couple so that you will have an eclectic mix of his, your, and our items in your home design.
Contributor: Marty Basher
Ever wanted to try to design your own closet? Why not give it a shot in your new house... Find out more here.
#16 Personal Space
If you’ve lived alone for years, cohabitation can be a challenge. Add in cohabitation with the individual whom you are in a romantic relationship with and the potential for a stressful situation is great.
It’s important that you and your partner each have a spot within your new home that is your own personal space. For example, this can be a place where you can sit down with a cup of coffee and a book and read for an hour knowing that you will not be interrupted.
It could be a study room or an office or somewhere as simple as a lounge chair in the backyard. The key is that this place is where “me time” occurs.
Contributor: Marty Basher
Ever wanted to try to design your own closet? Why not give it a shot in your new house... Find out more here.
#17 Let go, equally…
Make an inventory of the stuff each of you have to bring to your new home. Chances are, you will now have two pieces of the same type of furniture.
The question then becomes which sofa will make it to the new home, yours or your partners? Take each item you have two of and decide which one is in better condition and which one goes best with the style that you and your partner have decided on.
Then, donate the duplicate piece to a charity. In addition, when you’ve lived alone for years, you may have accumulated many things that hold sentimental value for you. Know when to let go. Be sensible. You may have been collecting wicker baskets for years, but that doesn’t mean all 30 need to make it to your new one bedroom, 500 square foot apartment.
Each of you should choose a few personal items to add to your home décor. These items should best exemplify what you value.
Contributor: Marty Basher
Ever wanted to try to design your own closet? Why not give it a shot in your new house... Find out more here.
#18 Modular Closets
Maximizing the room in your new living space is often a goal of new couples who move in together. You may move into a smaller home which you now have to share with another person. In addition, the closet may not be big enough to fit the belongings of two people.
An easy, inexpensive, space saving idea is to install a modular closet. These are closets that you design, put together, and install yourself. The tools you will need include tools that most homes have a set of, including a hammer or a screwdriver.
Before you order, review your closet to see which system would work best for the contents of your closet. You can choose a system that has shelves, hanging racks, and drawers which are on sliders.
You can choose from various building elements such as wire or wood in addition to an assortment of colors. It will be easy to find a modular closet that fits your design preference, budget, and space requirement.
Contributor: Marty Basher
Ever wanted to try to design your own closet? Why not give it a shot in your new house... Find out more here.
#19 Bedroom Furniture
You may run into the challenge of having two beds, one your partner owns and one you own. In addition, your new space may not fit either of those beds. If you have a small space to share, make smart choices when it comes to your bedroom furniture.
A murphy bed, also referred to as a wall bed, a pull-down bed, or a fold-down bed can be purchased for as little as $800. It’s a great option when space is limited. A storage bed has storage built in beneath the mattress. There, you can keep bulky items that take up a great deal of space in a linen closet such as your bed linens, comforters, and blankets.
This is a great option for bedroom furniture when you are limited on bedroom space.
Want to get a murphy bed? For UK Readers, USA Readers.
Contributor: Marty Basher
Ever wanted to try to design your own closet? Why not give it a shot in your new house... Find out more here.
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