They say opposites attract, so what do you do when this is true in terms of tastes & preferences in the design & decor of your home? As in all aspects of life, balance is the key. Though everyone’s styles are different, incorporating different tastes in your home tells a story that is uniquely yours.
A Balancing Act
Because traditional gender lines are blurring and there are no longer clear-cut roles for men & women in the home, living spaces are no longer being defined as masculine or feminine. While you may still choose to have a “man-cave” or a “craft room” dedicated to a particular hobby, the trend is to incorporate design styles in your home to reflect the differing personalities of each person, within each room.
Rules Are Meant to Be Broken
When combining styles, the first rule is that any rule can be broken. Gone are the days when everything has to match and you have to commit to one style or fill every nook with lots of accessories. Use elements of each design preference in the same room and weave them together so that one person doesn’t feel like they’re living in someone else’s home. The 80/20 Rule can help to guide your choices, suggesting that the main style of the room should represent about 80% of the decor, while 20% should represent the other style preferences. For instance, consider these methods of blending your different perspectives:
Colors
Oftentimes women gravitate towards soft pastels and bright colors while men are drawn to darker and earthy tones. Blending light and airy colors with richer shades can bring two designs together. Start with a neutral palette and let your furniture, accent pieces, artwork, and accessories dictate the styles. Or go bold with one wall color and then bring in a lighter, complementary color on the other walls of the room to balance the styles.
Textures and Lines
Are you a fan of clean, modern design, the opposite of your spouse’s more rustic taste? Soften straight angles with round accent pieces and use different textures & fabrics to bring in visual interest. Incorporate natural elements like stone, tile, leather, and wood into your room and balance it throughout – but don’t cluster all elements of one style in a particular corner of the room.
Accents
Adding unique lighting fixtures, upgraded appliances & amenities, and paying attention to the smallest details can help to strengthen the design of a room or bring in features of a complementary style. Finishing touches and accessories can help tell a story and don’t be afraid to use items—and display together—that are different. Find things they have in common, like color, size, and texture, and group together. And if you have an “oddball” item that just doesn’t seem to fit, but you really love, making it the focal point of the room and let it stand alone.
With a little creativity and compromise, it’s possible to create a home that’s beautiful & functional, and elegant & comfortable. Compass Homes is here to help guide you through the design process so that your home is uniquely yours, with more thought and quality per square foot. Contact us today to get started building your new home.