How to Decorate Shared Living Spaces with Roommates

Love your roommates but can’t stand their decorating style? Fortunately, in the research that has been done about roommate compatibility , “decorating differences” don’t seem to be a predictor for a failed roommate relationship. It is possible to work around your style differences and enjoy more harmony in your apartment. Here are three ways to decorate your shared living space so everyone is content: 

1. Focus on Commonality

If you’ve known your roommate for a while, there’s a good chance you have inside jokes, shared travel experiences, or the same taste in some aspect of pop culture. Figure out what you both love and build your decor around it. At the very least, you have a location in common, so consider building a theme specific to your local scene. 

According to Psychology Tomorrow Magazine , “ Many objects and elements inside a house can have a significant impact on one’s mood,” so pick objects that make you both happy and create your room around them. 

2. Give Each Other Some Space

If building on common ground doesn’t do it, agree to disagree. Give each person a section of the shared area to treat as their very own “blank canvas.” Let each roommate decorate as they wish, and see how the room comes together. 

Who knows? You may even find that your differing tastes turn into a chic eclectic ensemble when paired together in a room. Or, maybe you’ll finally have the visual you need to understand that you’re going to have to compromise on the style. After all, living with others often requires a bit of give-and-take. 

3. Focus on the Season

Instead of viewing apartment decor as a permanent commitment, why not encourage a dynamic approach? Using the seasons and holidays as your guide, tailor your apartment elements to match the time of year. For example, summertime might inspire bright and airy decor, while winter might suggest darker colors with cozier textures. Enjoy the change of each season and your ever-evolving apartment decor. 

It’s true that you might not see eye to eye with your roommates on every decision for your shared spaces. By focusing on what you do have in common, providing everyone with an individualized space to explore their own style, or implementing a rotating decor regimen, you will surely be able to find a way to collectively pursue the best decor path for the area.