When you are fixing up a house, there is a long list of things to do. The list includes what color to paint the walls, whether or not to install new floors, and if you should spend more money on a smaller kitchen or invest in an open floor concept. These decisions can be difficult for any couple. There is no "one size fits all" answer. However, we believe some ideas could help you come to a decision together.
When your home needs some major renovations, it may be hard to imagine what life would be like if you'd only changed a few things. But while you are waiting to get started, keep talking about how your lives would improve with each change made.
It can also help prioritize each change you are planning to make by determining how soon it needs to be done. For example, if your partner feels more comfortable with your home if you add new barn door handles, this should be a priority over something that can wait another year or two.
It may seem obvious, but we believe it's the most important step. Begin by identifying what you and your partner would like in a home and why. It might also benefit you to ask yourselves how important each of these desires is when considering whether or not to re-decorate or add to your home. For example, your answer to, "Do we want to live in a home with cathedral ceilings?" might be less important if you are on a tight budget and want to save for future investments. However, "Would you feel more comfortable living in a home that allows for complete AC control?" may be less important if your partner is sensitive to temperature changes.
Will a desire to have cathedral ceilings limit you from re-decorating? Or is your partner's need for AC control why you won't be able to install new floors anytime soon? Is either of these desires something that could potentially get in the way of your decision-making process? Regardless, it is important to identify which desires are most important for both of you. This way, you can make a decision together that is agreeable for each partner.
Everyone has those "little things" they would like to have in their home but don't necessarily need to have every desire fully met. For example, some "wish list" items might include:
- Wanting the bathroom to be tiled.
- Having a new sofa.
- Replacing your current dining room chairs.
Although you may not want every one of these items fully met, both partners must know each desire and feel comfortable with what can realistically happen during the renovation process.
During the renovation process, partners need to be on the same page and support one another. Setting up a comfortable and inviting space for both partners to enjoy is something that takes some time, patience, and compromise. It's perfectly fine to agree to disagree about certain aspects of your home renovation. Still, if you prioritize your partner's needs and your desires, then there should be some room for flexibility and compromise.
It may be helpful to look at homes similar to yours or decorate your own home in different ways; for example, if you want to paint the exterior of your home yellow because you love the color. However, your partner thinks it's too bright and would prefer a more neutral/traditional color.
Instead of painting your home this bright yellow, look for inspiration of how the same color could be used in different ways (like using a similar color on one accent wall or choosing to paint the exterior trim of your house instead of the walls). This way, both partners can get what they want for the home improvement - all while staying within budget and making sure nothing gets put on hold because of financial constraints.
Renovating your home can be a great way to make your home feel like "yours" and allow you to pursue some of your decorating ideas. However, nothing is more important than keeping both partners happy by respecting each other's desires throughout the renovation process.
Renovating can be a time-consuming and stressful project, especially if you don't know where to start. But, we believe that working together and communicating throughout the entire renovation process will make it easier for both of you to enjoy your home and these changes. Remember that compromise is key!
1. Talk About the Future
When your home needs some major renovations, it may be hard to imagine what life would be like if you'd only changed a few things. But while you are waiting to get started, keep talking about how your lives would improve with each change made.
It can also help prioritize each change you are planning to make by determining how soon it needs to be done. For example, if your partner feels more comfortable with your home if you add new barn door handles, this should be a priority over something that can wait another year or two.
2. Have a Conversation
It may seem obvious, but we believe it's the most important step. Begin by identifying what you and your partner would like in a home and why. It might also benefit you to ask yourselves how important each of these desires is when considering whether or not to re-decorate or add to your home. For example, your answer to, "Do we want to live in a home with cathedral ceilings?" might be less important if you are on a tight budget and want to save for future investments. However, "Would you feel more comfortable living in a home that allows for complete AC control?" may be less important if your partner is sensitive to temperature changes.
3. Prioritize the Desires
Will a desire to have cathedral ceilings limit you from re-decorating? Or is your partner's need for AC control why you won't be able to install new floors anytime soon? Is either of these desires something that could potentially get in the way of your decision-making process? Regardless, it is important to identify which desires are most important for both of you. This way, you can make a decision together that is agreeable for each partner.
4. Come Up With Some "Wish List" Items
Everyone has those "little things" they would like to have in their home but don't necessarily need to have every desire fully met. For example, some "wish list" items might include:
- Wanting the bathroom to be tiled.
- Having a new sofa.
- Replacing your current dining room chairs.
Although you may not want every one of these items fully met, both partners must know each desire and feel comfortable with what can realistically happen during the renovation process.
5. Work Together
During the renovation process, partners need to be on the same page and support one another. Setting up a comfortable and inviting space for both partners to enjoy is something that takes some time, patience, and compromise. It's perfectly fine to agree to disagree about certain aspects of your home renovation. Still, if you prioritize your partner's needs and your desires, then there should be some room for flexibility and compromise.
6. Look for Inspiration
It may be helpful to look at homes similar to yours or decorate your own home in different ways; for example, if you want to paint the exterior of your home yellow because you love the color. However, your partner thinks it's too bright and would prefer a more neutral/traditional color.
Instead of painting your home this bright yellow, look for inspiration of how the same color could be used in different ways (like using a similar color on one accent wall or choosing to paint the exterior trim of your house instead of the walls). This way, both partners can get what they want for the home improvement - all while staying within budget and making sure nothing gets put on hold because of financial constraints.
Renovating your home can be a great way to make your home feel like "yours" and allow you to pursue some of your decorating ideas. However, nothing is more important than keeping both partners happy by respecting each other's desires throughout the renovation process.
Renovating can be a time-consuming and stressful project, especially if you don't know where to start. But, we believe that working together and communicating throughout the entire renovation process will make it easier for both of you to enjoy your home and these changes. Remember that compromise is key!
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