When I got
married, I assumed all the decorating decisions would be
left up to me. I was right, as it turns out — except
when it came to my husband's things.
KITCHEN ART YOU'LL AGREE ON
Before bistro-style kitchens became
popular, you didn't have to argue about art selections.
These days, however, fine art is a staple in many
kitchens, adding yet one more thing to think about. New
Era's cuisine or cafe art, Canvas Gallery Wrap (starts
at about $150), can be hung with or without a frame
because the image wraps all the way around the edges of
the mounted canvas. Besides being a tasty choice, the
canvas absorbs sounds that tend to bounce off walls and
floors. Details: gallerydirect.com.
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A GUIDE TO CREATING YOUR FIRST HOME
I wish I had come across this book
when I was a newlywed. "The Newlywed's Guide to
Setting Up Home: Creating an Affordable and Stylish
First Home" (Cico Books; $24.95) by Gail Abbott
starts with "the bare basics," which lists
dozens of questions you should ask yourself and your
spouse before starting to decorate your first home.
These are followed by practical and creative solutions.
(No, throwing away your honey's favorite table behind
his back is not one of them.) "The Main
Elements" chapter offers insight on lighting,
storage (you'll need lots of it), decorating, walls,
floors, windows, collections and displays. The rest of
the book examines each room of the house, including
dual-purpose rooms.
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LEARN ABOUT YOUR STYLES AND MERGE THEM
Getting married sometimes means having
to merge totally different styles — unless you expect
your spouse to succumb to your style desires and forego
his, which could happen (but probably won't). The
"What's Our Style" quiz on Valspar-loveourstyle.com
can help you achieve one cohesive look while enjoying
yourselves in the process. Start by taking a walk
outside to find the colors of nature that you are drawn
to. Next, make a scrapbook together that will help
define your style and find commonalities in the items
you both selected. When it comes to paint, instead of
trying to agree on bold or strong colors for each room,
decide on neutrals together. Then, allow each partner to
make a bold statement in the rooms he or she spends the
most time in. Make brainstorming even more fun by
playing music that you both enjoy.
