Once the honeymoon is over, newlyweds living together for the first time need to address the home décor issue. This can be a thorny subject and needs to be treated with sensitivity and understanding. Most adults have strong opinions about what they do and don’t like and passions can run high when it comes to personal taste in home décor, but once an individual hooks up with another person and starts living with them, they also have to live with their stuff. Since the ink has only just dried on the marriage contract, it is best for newly married couples to avoid disagreements and arguments at this early stage whenever possible and try to find a common ground that both partners are comfortable with.

Compromise is essential

There is one word which encapsulates the secret to home décor harmony for newly married couples: compromise. It is best to get used to this word early on, because it pops up continually in many areas of married life. When it comes to decorating the home, it is important to discuss potentially difficult subjects such as the color scheme in a relaxed and co-operative fashion. Of course, if he likes black and she favors white, there could be problems – or they could compromise and opt for a stunning shade of dove gray on the walls which could easily appeal to both parties.

It is almost a given that he will own stuff that he considers to be the last word in good taste, and it is also almost a given that she will hate it. This works both ways, of course. If space allows, one of the best compromises when it comes to living with each other’s possessions is for both he and she to have their own area(s) of the home to decorate with their own stuff. It is also important to try and remain flexible and open to suggestions because dismissing the other person’s ideas out of hand is both rude and disrespectful.

Negotiate and discuss 

Everyone has possessions that they treasure, and with a little imagination and compromise agreement can be reached on almost anything. For example, if he has a threadbare old chair that he simply cannot bear to part with, perhaps recovering it will make it fit in with the rest of the home’s décor. 

Many newlyweds find that they are all set when it comes to smaller items of furniture, but need to go shopping for large items such as tables, sofas, and bedroom sets. Particularly when it comes to these larger furnishings it is important for newly married couples to be open with each other regarding what they do and do not like, as well as making sure that they take practical matters into consideration. For example, before deciding on the perfect table for the dining area, think about the space that you have to work with. Is there enough room? How many people would you like to seat? Which shape will fit the space best? What design will most suit your needs when it comes to everyday use, and should you be considering extending dining tables for those occasions when you entertain friends and family? There is a lot to think about, and a lot to discuss.

Newly married couples should cherish the time that they spend together at the beginning of their marriage, and enjoy every moment to the fullest. It is a time of discovery, negotiation, and compromise – and if a couple can come to an amicable agreement on their home’s décor, it will bode well for a long and happy union.