Couples’ Design Challenge: Finding Harmony in Design Preferences

February is the month of love, nurturing, chocolate and flowers! This is also the ideal opportunity to talk about the design of your shared space, but how do you blend two personalities, styles, and preferences into a cohesive and harmonious home? What happens when one partner loves modern

minimalism, and the other swoons over vintage charm? Fear not! With the right strategies, you can create a space that reflects both your tastes and feels like home for both of you. And this year, let’s take inspiration from the colour of the year, Mocca Mousse, to set the tone.



The first step is understanding each other’s design preferences. Discuss your likes and dislikes— from colours and patterns to furniture styles and layouts. Be open to compromise and listen to what makes your partner feel at ease in a space.

For example, if your partner loves industrial design while you prefer an elegant and timeless look, discuss which elements from each style resonate most. Perhaps you both appreciate clean lines, which can become a unifying theme.

Once you’ve shared your preferences, look for overlaps. Maybe you both love neutral tones or natural materials. Mocca, a warm and versatile hue, is a great starting point. Its earthy richness pairs beautifully with various design styles, from rustic to contemporary, and a wide colour palette.

Use Mocca as a base colour for walls, upholstery, or even accent pieces like rugs and throws. It’s a shade that evokes comfort and elegance, making it perfect for shared spaces.

Invest in furniture and décor items that incorporate elements from both styles. For example, if one partner adores bold colours and the other prefers muted tones, opt for a Mocca sofa with vibrant throw pillows. Or consider a mid-century modern dining table complemented by vintage- inspired chairs.

When it comes to statement pieces, take turns choosing items—this ensures both partners feel represented in the design.

If combining styles seems overwhelming, consider zoning your space. Designate areas that reflect individual preferences while maintaining a cohesive overall theme. For instance, one corner of the living room could feature sleek, modern shelving for one partner’s collectibles, while another area showcases vintage art prints for the other.

Accessories are where you can truly play with combining styles. Mocca accents, such as ceramic vases, textured cushions, or even artwork, can help tie disparate elements together. Mixing and matching is key here—pairing contemporary lighting with traditional rugs or minimalist wall art with ornate mirrors can create a dynamic, lived-in feel.

If you’re unsure about certain choices, try temporary solutions first. Peel-and-stick wallpaper, moveable furniture arrangements, or sample paint swatches can help you experiment without permanent changes. This way, both partners can see how their ideas come to life before fully committing.

Remember, designing your home is a collaborative process and an opportunity to grow together. Celebrate the small victories—like finding that perfect Mocca throw blanket you both love—and don’t sweat the disagreements. In the end, your space should be a reflection of your shared life, full of stories, memories, and compromises.


Blending design preferences as a couple is all about finding harmony through communication, compromise, and creativity. With Mocca as your anchor, you have a versatile and stylish colour to guide your decisions. By focusing on common ground and allowing room for individuality, you can design a space that feels like home for both of you. After all, the best designs are those that tell a shared story—yours.

Till next time…


Comments

8 responses to “Couples’ Design Challenge: Finding Harmony in Design Preferences”

  1. Your approach to get comment ground between couples make it so much more home.

    1. Martie Woehe Avatar
      Martie Woehe

      I’m so happy you experienced the homely ambiance by reading our blog. Our aim is to bring soul, warmth, and dignity to homes through thoughtful interior planning. Thank you so much for your comments and for reading our blog.

  2. Wonderful and timely piece Martie. Couples could learn a lot from this. Most hime decor projects stall because the couple may have different tastes.

    1. Martie Woehe Avatar
      Martie Woehe

      Thank you for your kind reply, Cliff. We hope you found some valuable tips. Thank you for reading our blog!

  3. Great information for couples. So often, one person dominates the decision making when your advice makes it so much easier to work together and find compromises.

    1. Martie Woehe Avatar
      Martie Woehe

      Finding a good middle ground in decision-making can only benefit both sides. Thank you for your comment, Fiona.

  4. An eye opening and fascinating article, I love the insights. Thanks Martie!

    1. Martie Woehe Avatar
      Martie Woehe

      You are welcome, thank you Sanel!

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