After I Do: Tips on How to Merge His and Hers with Designers Call
The Indie Wedding Guide would like to welcome Lara Fishman of Designers Call to our guide. She's here with her unique approach to your newlywed design dilemmas. Lara Fishman is an experience interior design expert who specializes in eco-friendly design.
He’s
had that old recliner since college and can’t part with his football
memorabilia. And you love pink and want
to keep your grandmother’s victorian day bed.
So how do you mesh his and hers in your newly wed love pad? A few easy design tips can make the transition
both smooth and fun.
- Define Your Style. Be sure to
define your new style before you event get started. Try to find something in which you both
can identify, at least partially.
He likes nautical. You like garden? Then how about New England Cottage, a
style that mixes white furniture with blue pinstripes and bold floral
patterns? If you know what you’re
going for, you can take part in making the decisions and keep an open
dialogue.
2. Perfect the Balancing Act.
As with any good relationship, theanswer lies in balance. Your space
can’t read too masculine, nor too feminine. Choose gender neutral pieces that can be
accentuated by more dramatic accessories and be fair in each room. For example, in the dining room, if you
choose a bold and simple masculine table, then accessorize it with
something more feminine like a delicate, shimmering and more feminine
chandelier. Mix these more
pronounced choices with other neutral selections, like simple chairs.
3. Take a Leap Forward, and Leave Some
Stuff Behind.
married and about to start a new chapter of your life, so why carry along
un-necessary stuff? Old items that
you no longer use or need should be culled from your new love pad. You can’t afford to keep things that
just collect dust. Donate them,
bargain-sale them, or just give them away.
To keep your home full of things and objects that are useful or
inspiring, try keeping to the “one in, one out” rule.
4. Mix.
Don’t Match.
relationship is different in its own special way. And that is exactly what your home
should reflect. You don’t need to
match everything in your new space.
Try to mix your two tastes harmoniously and have your new home
reflect both personalities and styles.
A well-balanced room makes both parties feel at home. If something doesn’t match perfectly,
think about re-inventing it.
Lacquer it to be a different color.
Re-upholster his old chair – same beloved lounger, completely new
look.
(Domino Magazine)
5. Be patient. It takes time to build a home
together. You don’t need to fill
your home with stuff off the bat.
Take some time to get used to living together. Start collecting furniture, objects,
art, things that you both love together over time. You’ll end up with memories and stories
associated with each lovingly acquired object.
For design dilemmas that are too challenging, Designers Call offers
interior design house calls. Upload your design dilemma, and the
DesignWagen will show up at your door with solutions. Or, if you're
not in SoCal, Designers Call can provide you with a plan of action over
the internet, including lists of local stores and resources.
© Copryight Lara Fishman Designers Call
Join Lara tomorrow for part two of Merging His and Hers, for couples who are trying to make the most of your rental.