Designing a home with a partner can be both exciting and—let’s be honest—a little challenging. Maybe one of you gravitates toward clean modern lines while the other loves vintage finds and cozy layers. Or perhaps it’s the little decisions (like a coffee table or a fabric choice) that turn into long debates.
The truth is, blending styles isn’t about one person “winning” and the other “compromising.” It’s about creating a home that feels layered, personal, and truly reflective of both people. Here’s how my husband and I have merged our styles in our own home, with plenty of give, take, and collaboration along the way.
1. Find Your Common Ground
In our upstairs den, we discovered just how different our preferences could be—but also how well they could work together. My husband loved the Noguchi coffee table, while I fell hard for the mid-century modern inspired sofa. The Eames chair was a wedding gift we both adore, while the rug is a practical Ruggable (a must with a young son and a cat).
We both appreciated the vintage floor lamp we stumbled on at an estate sale, and my husband chose the curio cabinet. I brought in the tall vintage table lamp and side table—also estate sale and vintage finds—and styled the space with pillows, plants, and accessories. The result is a den that feels equally his and mine, layered with our shared history.
2. Choose a Neutral Base
A neutral foundation gives us the freedom to bring in personality through accents. For us, that meant choosing pieces like the hair-on-hide rug (an estate sale treasure), a classic coffee table we both agreed on, and a sofa we selected together.
From there, the details reflect our individuality. I chose the art above the sofa—a birthday gift that feels deeply personal—while we picked the mid-century modern chairs as a team. My hand shows in the pillows, lamps, window treatments, plants, and planters, while his shows in some of the sturdier anchor pieces. The mix works because the foundation stays versatile.
3. Let Each Style Shine
Some decisions just can’t be shared—and that’s okay. In our dining room, we went back and forth for ages before finally agreeing on a table we both loved. From there, I got to take the lead: I chose the chairs, their fabric, the art, the drapes, the side table, and the accessories.
By dividing design “moments” like this, we both have ownership of the space. He sees himself in the main furniture choice, while I see myself in the styling and layering. It’s a win-win.
4. Mix Textures and Materials
One of my favorite ways to marry our styles is through texture. Charcoal, olive, rust, and cognac tones flow through velvets, silks, linens, and chenille, punctuated with gold finishes for a little shine. These varied materials create harmony and depth, even when individual pieces come from very different inspirations.
5. Embrace the Layered Look
In the end, our home isn’t just modern or just traditional—it’s both. I leaned into this with my Tonal Drift mood board, drawing on retro forms, traditional fabrics, and wallpaper with movement, while layering in funky lighting and a more classic coffee table. It’s a collected, evolving look that reflects not just my aesthetic but also the push-and-pull of designing with someone else.
Designing with a partner is less about compromise and more about collaboration. The beauty comes from weaving together two perspectives into something new. In our home, every room tells a story of shared choices, occasional debates, and ultimately, a layered look that feels like us.