Relationship Thursday: Moving in Together

For a lot of couples, moving in together can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. Of course it's important to work out such things as how to split the financial responsibilities and household chores, but deciding on a design style can be equally important. Combining his and hers can be tough, but if you go into this new living arrangement with a clear picture in mind, you will have a comfy cozy space that both you will be happy to live in.

If he's moving into your "bachelorette" pad, pink walls and stuffed animals on the bed may not be the best way to start things off. Don't get me wrong. If I had my way, my house would look like something out of a Shabby Chic catalog. However, that would not make my husband a happy camper. Try finding a balance of masculine and feminine by choosing a neutral color for the walls and adding a few splashes of color with throw pillows or area rugs. Hey, maybe you can even throw some pink pillows on the couch and he won't even notice.

If you're moving in to his "bachelor" pad and the thought of sitting on his old futon from college is making you cringe, don't fret. Spend a weekend hitting the local tag sales and thrift stores together. You can find great pieces at prices that won't break the bank. You might not find furniture "sets" but that's half the fun. Mixing and matching pieces adds character to your new space and reflects your style as a couple. If you're handy, you could even strip and paint pieces of furniture to completely fit your vision.

Roderick N. Shade is a New York interior designer with some great ideas for combining your style with your man's. Here are a few of his tips from Smitten, Glamour magazine's relationship blog:

1. Understand what is important to each of you. I have found that men are more interested in media/lighting/computer and a comfortable chair. Women tend to be more interested in style, color, and specific items. Divide this amongst your strengths.

2. Use strong color/pattern in areas that you tend to pass through or in areas that you don't spend a lot of time in. You walk by, get a good blast of color and keep moving. For adding color to the master bedroom, put it on the headboard wall thereby you aren't laying there staring at a red wall while trying to sleep. Nothing wrong with punctuating a neutral room with small bursts of color or pattern.

3. (This is one of my favorite tips) Provide individual work/private areas for each partner. Work spaces don't have to be entire rooms; could be desk areas in separate parts of the new home. Everyone needs space to work or just get away too, without having to share it or clean it up for someone else.

4. Create new "instant art collection" by reframing everything in the same frame and hanging gallery style. Remember, all art goes with all art. No rules here or correct way to proceed. I do find that most couples can agree on simple photography.

For more of Roderick's style tips, visit his website at roderickshade.com

So there you have it. Grab a can of paint, hit those tag sales and have a blast!

xoxo, Kelly