Sharing a home with roommates can be a wonderful experience, but decorating it can feel like planning a mission to Mars.
Fortunately, you don’t have to compromise what makes your style unique to create a somewhat cohesive look.
With these decorating tips for roommates with different aesthetics, you all can create a harmonious space.
Choose a Neutral Canvas for Shared Spaces
When you’re blending contrasting styles, a neutral foundation can act as the glue that keeps everything cohesive. Stick with soft, versatile shades for items like large furniture, rugs, and walls.
For example, a gray sofa works beautifully with an industrial-style coffee table and a plain rug. From there, everyone can bring in their distinct accents.
Someone may add a set of colorful throw pillows, while another brings in a textured knit blanket to drape over the sofa.
A roommate who loves plants could place a leafy monstera in a pot next to the couch. Another might hang a bold piece of abstract art above it.
Bring Cohesion Through a Shared Color Scheme
Color is your best friend when unifying a space. Rather than letting every piece in the room compete, choosing two to three colors is an excellent decorating tip for roommates with different aesthetics.
Go for complementary colors that work with multiple aesthetics. For instance, muted tones like sage green, navy blue, or warm terracotta are both trendy and versatile.
Say one roommate loves minimalist styles with clean white and gray, and another leans toward vibrant Moroccan-inspired designs. A modest color like burnt orange could tie the room together.
You could pair a modern, terracotta-colored planter with bold, boho cushions featuring the same hue. The trick is finding those overlapping threads even when your aesthetics seem wildly different.
Add Layers for a Consistent Look
Combining textures, patterns, and materials allows you to create depth and harmony without sacrificing individuality. For instance, if one roommate loves glossy, modern decor and another prefers a cozy, boho vibe, layering elements like throws, rugs, and accent pieces can bridge the gap.
Take decorative pillows as an example. They’re an easy way to tie styles together while adding comfort to your space.
You could pair a bold, geometric lumbar pillow with a soft, textured neutral one to reflect both personalities. Truly, there are lumbar pillows for every aesthetic!
Divide Responsibilities for Decorating
A fantastic way to give everyone a role is to divide decorating responsibilities. If you love wall art and your roommate is obsessed with furniture placement, assign each person a zone.
For example, you decorate the living room walls, and your roommate chooses a floor lamp that suits their style. This strategy not only balances the workload but also ensures every corner feels a little personal.
Treat Bedrooms as Personal Style Havens
If there’s one space where you can go all-in with your aesthetic, it’s your bedroom. You can have that bold gallery wall or funky patterned rug, no matter how it contrasts with your roommate’s love for minimalism.
Encourage everyone to treat bedrooms as individual retreats. If someone wants maximalist patterns or neon signs, great! It’s their spot to decorate however they like.