Interior expert shares how housemates or live-in partners with different tastes can style their home

An interior expert has shared his top tips for styling your home if you live with people with differing tastes to create a cohesive space every one is happy in. 

According to research by Australia’s largest online boutique furniture store, Luxo Living, 20 per cent of Aussies don’t share the same styling tastes to those they live with so founder Winston Tu has offered his advice. 

He said housemates and live-in partners should agree on a budget, theme and overall feel for their shared living spaces and to stick for a neutral palette while exploring your own personal tastes in the bedroom or a designated area. 

Luxo Living founder Winston Tu shares his home styling tips for housemates and live-in partners with differing décor tastes to create a harmonious living space

‘Your home is where you cook, sleep, socialise, relax and play, so whether you want your space to be well-lit, decluttered or reflect a sense of calm – it’s important to have a strong opinion on what this looks like for you,’ he said. 

‘However, when sharing a space with a significant other or housemates, it’s likely that one will need to make some compromises on décor to ensure everyone is happy with their living arrangement’ 

Below Mr Tu shares his top five tips on how to decorate your home if you don’t have the same tastes as your housemates to minimise arguments and create a harmonious living environment. 

Mr Tu said deciding on a price range that you and your household members are comfortable with will help whittle down your options and put parameters around what you can buy

Mr Tu said deciding on a price range that you and your household members are comfortable with will help whittle down your options and put parameters around what you can buy

1. Agree on a budget 

‘Deciding on a price range that you and your household members are comfortable with will help whittle down your options and put some parameters around what you can realistically buy,’ Mr Tu said. 

There will be plenty of options on the table with a big budget whereas you will have smaller pool of options with a limited spending limit which Mr Tu said can minimise conflicts of opinion. 

If your household has a smaller budget, Kmart has a stylish range of on-trend furniture and homewares for the living room, kitchen and other common areas. 

Creating a mood board for your home can help you envision the space together, before you have to make any hard decisions, Mr Tu recommended

Creating a mood board for your home can help you envision the space together, before you have to make any hard decisions, Mr Tu recommended

2. Create a clear vision 

Creating a mood board for your home can help you envision the space together, before you have to make any hard decisions, Mr Tu recommended. 

‘Deciding on how you want your space to look from the get-go will help minimise any disagreements later down the line,’ he said. 

‘For example, do you want it to be uncluttered and simple, or do you want warm and laidback styling pieces? Being clear on this from the outset is crucial and ensures your housemate doesn’t come home with something you deem distasteful.’ 

Find colours, materials or fabrics that you and your housemates or partner both like to help to guide decision-making

Find colours, materials or fabrics that you and your housemates or partner both like to help to guide decision-making

3. Find common themes

Mr Tu said to find common ground with your housemate or significant other to see if there are styles you both like. 

‘If there are any colours, materials or fabrics that you can agree on, it’ll help to guide decision-making,’ he said.  

‘For example, if you both like boucle, the Massie Boucle Chair would make for the perfect ‘zen corner’ in your living room due to its gorgeous fluffy fabric and creamy white exterior.’ 

Keep common areas like living rooms, dining areas and kitchens 'as neutral as possible' and agree to add your own unique décor style in the bedroom or a designated area

Keep common areas like living rooms, dining areas and kitchens ‘as neutral as possible’ and agree to add your own unique décor style in the bedroom or a designated area

4. Go neutral in common areas 

Mr Tu suggested keeping common areas like living rooms, dining areas and kitchens  ‘as neutral as possible’ agreeing to add your own unique décor style in the bedroom to allow some creativity while respecting each other’s tastes.

‘The Colton Sofa makes for a great, neutral centre piece in your living space,’ he said. 

‘If you’re both feeling more adventurous once you’ve settled in, you can add personality via cushions or throws.’  

Agree on an overall feel for your common areas whether it be a space for relaxation, a space reflective of nature, or somewhere where you can throw dinner parties

Agree on an overall feel for your common areas whether it be a space for relaxation, a space reflective of nature, or somewhere where you can throw dinner parties

5. How do you want it to make you feel?

Agreeing on the overall feel of your living space will influence the décor and products you choose with your housemates or partner, Mr Tu said.   

‘Would you like a space for relaxation, a space reflective of nature, or somewhere where you can throw dinner parties?,’ he said.  

‘If entertaining is your thing, the Rosa Outdoor Sofa and Wicker Day Bed Bundle is the ideal seating area to host your family and friends.’