The Bridal Book

Wedding Planner

Celebrations

Back to The
Journalnews.com

Archives Fall 2004 Spring 2004 Fall 2003 -Choose issue-

A moving van deposits stacks of his and her boxes and furnishings at the newlyweds' home, as they stare and wonder how to pull it all together.

"Couples receive lots of marriage advice, but little on creating a new home," says Carl Prindle, CEO, of Furniture.com (www.furniture.com). He offers these tips to couples on how to blend styles to ensure that their happy new home doesn't become a house divided.

• RELAX
Don't worry about what goes with what.ix, don't match. Your home, like your relationship, is about you as a couple. Follow your instincts with pieces that suit both your interests and activities.

• R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Beware of underlying emotions. You'll trample his feelings if you trash his well-worn recliner - a hand-me-down from Dad. Instead, get creative: Corner it in the bedroom if it's a "no" for the living room.

• PRIORITIZE
Blending pieces from the past is one thing, shopping for new furniture is another. First step: List what's needed most. While you'd love an armoire, how will it look if you're sitting on a dorm-room futon?

• BUDGET
Be realistic in setting spending limits and work within them. Ask as you shop: Will this be your "forever" dining room or something until you're in a larger place? Saving for a better selection is an option, too.

• GET INSPIRED
Research as a couple. Pile together on the couch and scan magazines and TV shows. Discuss your friends' homes. Find inspiration and common ground. If you like modern and your spouse likes casual, rejoice in discovering you both prefer light tones.

• COLLABORATE
Many couples include one style-conscious person and one "it's just a chair" person. While one partner may be driving most decisions, for the long-term good of the relationship, involve the other. It's their home, too.

• TRY ONLINE
Nothing frays the nerves than wasting weekends fighting crowds at a half-dozen different stores - and coming home with no decisions. Shop online.

• MAKE A LIFE OF IT
Creating a new home together - or second or third - should be a positive, lifelong and shared "building" experience.

"The Bridal Book" is an advertising service of The Journal News.
Copyright 2005 The Journal News, a Gannett Co. Inc. newspaper serving Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties in New York.
Use of this site indicates your agreement to the Terms of Service (updated 12/17/2002)
If you have any comments or questions please contact us.
This web site is copyright © 2002 The Journal News.
Member of The New York Newspaper Publishers Association