Ria Santos, David Gabriel (photos)
Living together, with all the merging of personalities, finances and furniture it involves, is definitely an overwhelming task, possibly more daunting than the wedding and all the planning and work that goes with it.
However, with careful consideration and by setting priorities, setting up house can actually become an enjoyable experience that could further enhance you and your future husband-to-be’s relationship.
Building your love nest is a crucial task that should be done unhurried and without pressure. Take your time in browsing through design magazines, furniture stores, and even actual homes (if you’re friends with people with great cribs) to find out your style. Take note that it will not just be you who will be residing at your chosen home. In every decision, always take your partner’s preference into consideration.
After determining your design preferences, set a budget and establish your home priorities. How much are you willing to spend on furniture and accessories? Doing these greatly narrows down your choices on where and what to buy, saving you from much confusion and anxiety.
Once you’re ready to start implementing your plans, acquire the home basics first. A bedroom needs a bed first and foremost, while a dining area requires a dining set. Priorities for other areas of the house differ per couple so make sure to settle on yours before scouting for pieces to buy. Designer tip: Invest in pieces that are classic in design and color. Resist the urge to jump on the latest trend-bandwagon and pick pieces that will see you through years of domestic bliss.
Now comes the fun part – decorating! Once you have made all the big purchases (the bed, the dining set, the couch, the plasma screen TV, the state-of-the-art German stove, etc.), it’s time to infuse your space with your personalities and establish that the place is your territory. You can do this by providing accessories in your favorite shade (cranberry red or eggshell blue) or made with your favorite material (supple calf suede or spunky alligator leather). Accessorizing is fun because this is where you are allowed to go crazy and truly express your self. Place your most memorable (and most flattering!) photos in frames that go with your chosen style. Designer tip: Try to stick to pieces that fall under the design style you and your partner agreed upon for a more cohesive look. You can most definitely choose items that you like, regardless of the design, if they are what you really like. However, be warned that it takes a certain eye and pizzazz to pull together an eclectic mix of items that still look chic and admirable.
If after following such tips, you and your partner still find yourselves lost when it comes to decorating your home, it’s recommended to hire the services of a professional interior designer. Contrary to popular belief, hiring a designer for your home can actually save you a lot of money in the long run. An interior designer will be able to determine your needs from your wants, thus eliminating the chances of making unnecessary purchases. Hiring one can also save you from troubles brought about by all the work that come with the territory.
Setting up house as newlyweds can be one of the most memorable and exciting experiences for a couple, so loosen up and enjoy each moment as they come. As they say, a house is not a home, and a home is not made in one fell swoop. Take your time in filling your home. You’ll be literally living with your decisions, so relax and enjoy decorating.
Decorating your living room
It’s quite common to display collections in the living room. For displaying multiple items, especially small ones, it is advisable for you to break down your collectibles in groups of three to four. Add visual interest to the tableau by injecting other pieces in the mix such as candle stands, display boxes, etc. Amplify the appeal by varying the heights. If you’re feeling bold, go ahead and experiment with colors and textures as well.
You can easily change the look of your living room by changing your accessories. Invest in big items, such as the sofa, in neutral shades. Revolutionize your look by replacing the elements that are easily seen – sofa cushions, throw pillows, curtains, the coffee table, a side lamp. The possibilities are endless.
Decorating your dining room
According to studies, warm colors such as reds, oranges and yellows stimulate the appetite the most. They are also the colors that best encourage people to linger and converse, which makes them the most sensible color choice for rooms specifically provided for dining and entertaining.
Dining rooms can also double as studies or libraries when not used for dining.
Decorating the kitchen
Granite is still the most popular material of choice for kitchen counters aside from the common ceramic tile.
The kitchen is the heart of the home. People tend to gravitate towards it. If you have the space, make allowances for kitchen breakfasts and snacks and family conversations.
Decorating the bathroom
Your bedroom is your sanctuary and you should feel relaxed and at peace when inside it. It most advisable to use neutral colors on your walls to put your mind at rest and to encourage sleep.
Enhance the ambience by stimulating your other senses. It is preferable to install dimmer switches so you may change the intensity of the room’s lighting at will. Burn aromatic oil (making sure it is placed in an area that is far from materials that could easily burn such as fabric or paper) or place fragrant lavender pouches underneath your pillow for sweet-scented dreams.
Furniture and accessories featured are from FurnItalia. Visit their new showroom at 30th St. cor Rizal, West Crescent Park, West Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Special thanks to Suzette Morellos of Jayelles, Inc.
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