Family solicitors often see the legal side of cohabitation, but what about the emotional and creative side? Moving in with a partner is exciting, but it’s also a crash course in compromise.
Whether you’re newly cohabiting or combining households after years of dating, blending your interior design styles can become a surprising point of friction. With expert guidance from family solicitors in Nottingham, Derby, or wherever you may live, couples can sort out practical matters like cohabitation agreements—but when it comes to furniture, wallpaper, and paint swatches, you’re on your own.
Well, not quite. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 smart, respectful, and creative ways to combine your tastes and create a shared space you’ll both love.
1. Start with a Conversation, Not a Colour Chart
Before you start picking out cushions or tiles, sit down and talk about what home means to each of you. Are you drawn to calm, minimalist spaces? Does your partner love bold colour or vintage finds? Understanding your design values will help you find common ground—and avoid unnecessary arguments.
Also, talk about what items are non-negotiable. Maybe one of you has a favourite armchair or a cherished painting. Start with mutual respect and work from there.
The Relate charity offers communication tips for couples, which can be helpful when navigating shared decisions.
2. Create a Mood Board Together
A mood board (digital or physical) helps visualise your shared aesthetic. Use Pinterest, print magazines, or phone photos to collect colours, furniture, lighting, and textures that appeal to you both.
You’ll quickly see patterns—perhaps you both like natural light, neutral tones, or mid-century furniture. This becomes your design blueprint and can help mediate disagreements later on.
3. Mix and Match—Don’t Overmatch
You don’t have to throw out your identity to create a shared home. Blending styles is often more interesting than sticking to just one. For example:
- Pair a modern sofa with a rustic coffee table
- Add contemporary art to a room with traditional moulding
- Use colour to unify different furniture styles
A well-balanced room often includes contrast. Embrace the opportunity to design something that feels unique to your relationship.
4. Use Colour to Unite Spaces
If your tastes diverge, colour can be a unifying tool. Choose a palette of three or four tones that you both like, and use them across the home in varying ways—through cushions, wall art, throws, or wall paint.
This method lets you weave different styles together while maintaining visual consistency. It also helps ensure your space feels curated rather than chaotic.
5. Zone Your Spaces
Not everything has to be 50/50 in every room. Consider dividing your space into “style zones.”
- Let your partner take the lead in the living room if they’re passionate about entertainment setups
- Claim the bedroom design if you care most about lighting and relaxation
- Design a shared dining area together
Giving each person ownership over a few spaces can make cohabiting feel more balanced and collaborative.
6. Make Storage a Priority
Moving in together means doubling up on stuff—furniture, kitchenware, clothing, books. Declutter where you can, but also invest in smart storage solutions.
Hidden storage ottomans, under-bed drawers, wall-mounted shelves, and wardrobe organisers can make a huge difference.
If space is limited, consider renting a local storage unit for non-essentials or sentimental items you can’t yet part with. This helps reduce stress and visual clutter.
7. Repurpose and Refresh What You Already Own
You don’t need to buy everything new. Some of the best pieces in a cohabiting home are those that have been repurposed.
That bookshelf your partner had in their uni flat? A fresh coat of paint and some styling might give it new life. Your old coffee table? It could become a stylish TV stand.
Repurposing items isn’t just budget-friendly—it helps merge memories and gives your shared home more meaning.
8. Get Creative with Wall Art
Art can be deeply personal—and deeply divisive. If you’re struggling to agree on what to hang, consider:
- A gallery wall with both your tastes represented
- Black and white photography for a neutral vibe
- Custom prints or framed maps from places meaningful to your relationship
Creating art together, like a framed quote or travel photo can also bring you closer while beautifying your space.
9. Invest in Key Shared Pieces
There are some items both of you will use daily, so it’s worth spending a bit more to get something you both like. This might be:
- A comfortable, neutral sofa
- A quality mattress and bedframe
- A dining table that suits your entertaining style
Take time to shop for these items together, test them in person if possible, and compromise where needed.
Remember: the best purchases feel good physically and emotionally. If you’re concerned about dividing belongings in the event of a separation, consider researching a cohabitation agreement.
10. Revisit and Refresh Often
Your home will evolve as your relationship grows. What worked when you first moved in might feel stale after a few years.
Set aside time once or twice a year to review what’s working and what’s not. Maybe it’s time to repaint the hallway or finally replace that mismatched armchair. Redesigning together keeps the space feeling fresh—and helps you continue to grow as a couple.
More Than Just Décor
Blending your interior design styles isn’t just about furniture—it’s about communication, compromise, and shared vision. With openness and a little creativity, you can create a home that reflects both your personalities without losing sight of what brought you together in the first place.
And while cushions and colour charts are fun, don’t forget the practical side of cohabitation. For legal peace of mind, it’s always wise to consult professionals about cohabitation agreements and property arrangements.
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on cohabitation agreements, property rights, or related legal matters, speak to a qualified family solicitor.
