On my blog, it’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Kim Myles. Anyone who can resist her bubbly optimism and bold use of color might just be a stick in the mud, if you ask me. I asked Kim if she’d mind answering some couple-focused decorating questions, and she happily agreed. Check out her site for more information on her design work and design- and budget-savvy show Myles of Style, if you haven’t made her acquaintance yet!
Elka: Do you see any trends that follow gender lines (such as, men are more conservative with color; women are more daring with new trends)? Or is it a toss-up?
Kim: So far, it’s a toss up. The only thing that I’ve found to be almost universal is the fear of bold color. It’s funny, I live for color, and everyone I design for on ‘Myles of Style’ says they like color too, they’ve just been paralyzed by the thought of making the wrong choice….it’s so fascinating to me! If I had one wish, it would be that we as people who live in a visual world would embrace brave color choices and combos, and just let go of the fear. It’s only color—if you hate it, it’s the easiest thing in the world to change.
E: How stressful is redecorating for a couple?
K: I don’t find it stressful at all; I think that my past life as a hairdresser trained my listening skills to the extreme. My job is to go in, meet the homeowners, and discuss what their dreams and hopes for the space are. Sometimes that includes reading between the lines, and hearing what isn’t being said out loud, and I think that’s one of my strengths.
E: How do you try to make differing design ideas between each person in the relationship sync up?
K: When people don’t see eye to eye on their space, it’s all about finding the common ground first. Baby steps like, ‘Ok, you both agree that you hate the current wall color, right?’, gets them on the same page and on the same team. Once we’ve established that, we can delve into the ‘why’s’ of their dislike of the color, and I find that once people start talking about why they like or dislike something (vs. just making a general blanket judgment), all the walls start to come down. As people, I think we’re all striving to understand each other, so my goal in a situation like that is to be the facilitator.
E: What’s your best piece of advice for couples who are butting heads on decorating schemes?
K: Find one piece that you both love. It can be small; a color, an accessory, etc. Once you find that, you’ve found your bridge, and created the beginnings of a ‘map,’ so to speak.
E: Is there anything that couples should do for bedrooms to keep them, um, couple-friendly?
K: Yes!!!!!! I am so opposed to TV’s in the bedroom!!!! I’ve heard every reason and justification, but I still believe that the bedroom is where you should be focusing on your partner, rest, and sanctuary. Make sure the lighting is warm, inviting and calm, and treat the bedroom like your own private getaway.
E: What if one half of the couple refuses to give up tacky memorabilia, such as high school football trophies/etc.? How can you work around this obstacle?
K: I think that we all have sentimental items that our partners would rather not be confronted with everyday. It’s all about mutual respect, and a willingness to create a space that works for both of you, so be willing to edit/store/relocate those trophies (or stuffed animals), and start with a clean slate.