Identifying your personal interior design style can be challenging enough, let alone blending it seamlessly with your partner’s. While I have yet to cross this bridge myself, I know it’s something I’ll have to navigate in the future. As a passionate designer (and, let’s be real, a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my home), the idea of design compromise is something I may need to work on. That being said, I’d like to believe my future partner will think everything I do is amazing and just let me take the reins.
Kidding. (Kind of.)
In all honesty, I don’t want to be one of those wives who controls every little detail. Life—and design—is more fun when it’s a true collaboration. Plus, I’ve found that my designs actually improve when I have to think creatively and make compromises. After talking to many of my couple friends, one thing is clear: most people are never 100% aligned on what they want their home to look like. But that doesn’t mean merging styles has to be a struggle—it can actually be a fun and exciting process.
To make things easier (and keep arguments to a minimum), I’ve put together a list of the best tips I’ve come across—ones that I fully intend to use myself when the time comes. Let’s dive in!
Watch A Home Show Together
I’m a full-blown HGTV junkie. There’s just something about watching home transformations that I find to be so entertaining. Binge-watching shows like Fixer to Fabulous or Help! I Wrecked My House with your partner is not only a cozy way to unwind, but it also exposes you both to different design styles, renovation ideas, and smart home investments.
Plus, many of the design choices made on these shows aren’t just about aesthetics—they're also about increasing resale value. So, if one of you is more function-focused and the other is all about the vibe, HGTV can be a great way to meet in the middle.
Make a Shared Pinterest Board
I love Pinterest. Like, truly love it. It’s my happy place—pure inspiration without any of the stressful, chaotic content you find on other social media platforms. And when it comes to home design, it’s gold.
Creating a shared Pinterest board with your partner is a game-changer. It allows you both to visually communicate your ideas, explore new styles, and discover unexpected common ground. You might think your styles clash, but once you start pinning, you’ll likely find elements that work well together. Plus, this process helps you identify what you actually love versus what just looks cool in someone else’s home.
Click the button below to visit our interior design board on Pinterest.
Take Pictures of Items You Want to Keep
If you’re combining households, you both probably have furniture or decor pieces you want to keep. To avoid last-minute disagreements, take inventory by photographing your must-keep items and compiling them in a digital or printed mood board (I love using Canva for this).
By mixing these images together, you can see which pieces complement each other—and which ones need to go. Compare your existing furniture with your Pinterest board to determine what works and what doesn’t. If something doesn’t make the cut, sell it on Facebook Marketplace and use the extra cash toward new pieces you both love.
Choose a Unifying Color Palette
A cohesive color palette is one of the easiest ways to make a home feel intentional, even if your styles are different. My personal rule of thumb? Keep the walls neutral and introduce color through decor, textiles, and accent pieces.
Some of my favorite neutral wall shades from Ecos Paint (that are also non-toxic and zero-VOC) include:
Sugar Dust – a soft, warm white
Luna Moon – a muted off-white with a hint of gray
Nilla Vanilla – a creamy, inviting beige
I’ve also been obsessed with limewashing walls. I even had my condo walls painted this way, and it completely transformed the space. If one partner wants neutral walls and the other craves texture and depth, this technique is the perfect compromise. I highly recommend Portola Paints for this look!
Balance Masculine and Feminine Energy
Right now, I’m in my bachelorette era, which means my home is very feminine—think soft color palettes, vintage gold accents, and even a white oven. I love how elegant and romantic it feels, but when the time comes to merge my space with someone else’s, I’m excited to incorporate more masculine elements for balance.
If your styles lean heavily in one direction, try incorporating:
Dark-colored furniture (rich woods, deep blues, or charcoal tones)
Clean lines and structured silhouettes (less ornate, more geometric)
Metal elements (black iron, brass, or steel for an edgier feel)
It’s easy to go overboard on one end of the spectrum (hello, pink overload or ultra-industrial vibes), but finding a middle ground creates a space that feels both stylish and inviting.
Be Open to Evolving
Your home—and your style—will evolve over time. What you love today might not be what you love in five years, and that’s okay. The key is to keep an open mind, experiment, and adjust as needed.
By treating design as a team effort and respecting each other’s tastes, you’ll create a home that reflects both of your personalities while strengthening your connection in the process. After all, the best spaces aren’t just beautiful—they tell a story. And yours should be a reflection of both of you.
Merging interior styles with a partner doesn’t have to be stressful—it can actually be a bonding experience. By making design decisions together, you’ll create a home that represents your relationship and feels like a true reflection of your life as a couple.
So, whether you’re pinning away on Pinterest, making deals on Facebook Marketplace, or debating over the perfect shade of white (spoiler: they’re all slightly different), embrace the process. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the furniture and decor—it’s about building a home together.
Wishing you a beautiful home and a beautiful life!
Bri
