You can bet I've seen it all when it comes to partnership dynamics when working on projects with couples.
Some work incredibly well together and other times I feel like a therapist. Sometimes partners want to be involved in every choice, other times they prefer to be completely hands off. Sometimes the design styles align and sometimes they're opposites. It really runs the gamut and every couple I work requires a personalized process.
Building a new home or renovating an existing one can be an exciting, but sometimes overwhelming experience. You want to make sure that everything is perfect and that your personal style is reflected in the design. However, it's important to remember that if you have a partner, their preferences and opinions matter just as much as yours. That's why it's essential to include your partner – or figure out how much or how little they'd like to be included – when working with an interior designer.
And there is so much power in partnership and making this a fun and enjoyable process. Creating a home that brings joy, comfort and reflects each of you will infuse your home with more love and meaning.
Here are 5 tips to help you do just that.
1. COMMUNICATE YOUR GOALS AND PREFERENCES AS A COUPLE
Before meeting with an interior designer, it's important to sit down with your partner and discuss your goals and preferences as a couple. Make a list of what you both want and don't want in your new home or renovation. This way, you can present a united front to your designer and avoid any conflicts that may arise from differing opinions. But, in important areas where you do have differing opinions, let your designer know because we can often come up with creative solutions.
2.CHOOSE A DESIGNER WHO UNDERSTANDS YOUR VISION
When selecting an interior designer, it's important to choose someone who understands your vision as a couple. Look for a designer who has experience working with couples and who is willing to listen to both of your preferences. A good way to get a feel for this is to schedule a consultation together so that you can all meet and discuss your project.
3. INVOLVE YOUR PARTNER IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
If your partner prefers to be more hands on, throughout the project, make sure to involve your partner in the decision-making process. Whether it's choosing paint colors, furniture, or accessories, take the time to get their input. This will ensure that both of you feel like your opinions are being heard and that you're creating a space that you both love.
4. DIVIDE AND CONQUER
If there are specific areas of the project that you or your partner are particularly interested in, divide and conquer. For example, if your partner is passionate about selecting the perfect light fixtures, let them take charge of that aspect of the project while you focus on something else. This way, you're both involved in the process, but you're each playing to your strengths.
5. BE OPEN TO COMPROMISE
In any relationship, compromise is key. If you and your partner have different design preferences, be open to allowing your designer to find a middle ground that works for both of you. Your designer can help you find creative solutions that incorporate both of your styles. You'd be surprised how combining what's important to both of you can have an even better outcome that you initially envisioned.
Know that working with an interior designer to build a new home or renovation can be a wonderful and empowering experience for couples. By communicating your goals and preferences as a team, choosing a designer who understands your vision, involving your partner in the decision-making process, dividing and conquering, and being open to compromise, you can create a beautiful space that reflects both of your personalities and tastes. There is so much power in partnership during the design process and that's what I hope you get to experience.
Do you have any other insights or experiences to add from working with a partner on a project? Let me know in the comments below.
