Creating Perfect Designs for Partners with Differing Style Preferences

You like modern and he likes traditional. You’re a fan of color and he prefers earth tones. These are just a couple examples of the style differences we’ve encountered when working with couples on home design projects. Can there be a happy medium that leaves everyone happy? You bet!

Listening to and understanding both partners when designing their home/oasis is a critical first step, since creating a unique and personal design they will both love is of utmost importance. The decision-making process ideally should include both partners, since they both live in the home and are choosing to invest in it. Rest assured, it is possible to create a design both of them will love by introducing them to styles or compromises they may not have been aware of. 

At JKB Home Design, we start every project with a detailed Design Questionnaire. Our intent is to get to know our clients’ lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and likes and dislikes when it comes to home decor and trends. We schedule a kickoff meeting to review the completed questionnaire and review imagery together—requesting that all decision-makers be present so everyone can feel heard and get to participate in the process.

Here are three “secrets to success” that have resulted in projects that leave everyone smiling:

We Always Welcome and Encourage Complete Honesty

It is critical that we receive honest input with respect to both partners’ preferences so we are able to make informed decisions. We encourage honesty by explaining nothing is “set in stone” during the design process and decisions are made one step at a time. It is important to truly know their likes and dislikes so we may determine what will work best in their home. 

Technology offers great tools to help people show us what they like and what they don’t like, since it can often be hard to verbalize. We use imagery from Pinterest that visually showcases their desires when we come up with ideas for their space.

We Have the Expertise to Blend Styles Beautifully

It is very common for couples to have completely different design aesthetics. In situations like that we take pride in using our expertise to serve as a mediator to bring both “sides” together. As professionals, we have solutions and design ideas our clients may have never thought of. 

We additionally have the skill to combine different styles and aesthetics in ways that are seamless, especially when taking style and functionality into account. No two homes are the same, which allows us to adapt constantly in our designs.

We Tell Couples to Expect Compromise and Flexibility

By hiring an interior designer, clients acknowledge they need guidance for their home design. One of the perhaps less obvious things we can help with is ensuring they understand where give and take may be necessary. 

While it may not be possible to give both partners everything they want, by creating priority lists we can focus on what’s most important to each of them. Certain parts of the design are more flexible and compromise may be in order to create a home that looks and feels like the whole family—one everyone will love.

A Design for All

Nearly every couple has different tastes; no two people are exactly the same. That does not need to result in gridlock. We will ensure the process is enjoyable for clients since we will serve as the mediator and problem-solver for any compromises that may be necessary. Our goal is to create a beautiful and functional space for all! 

Need help designing a home you and your partner will both love? That's what we do. Reach out here and let's chat.

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Until next time, 

Julie