So, when two people find each other later in life, there is usually “stuff” to contend with. Some people come from a previous marriage, toting along the leftovers from a divided household. Others have honed a personal style and a collection of furniture and other household goods as a single person. Either way, couples marrying later in life face the inevitable - fusing different households and different styles.

She likes mid-century modern; he likes Victorian Eastlake. She likes Louis 16th; he likes Adirondack cabin rustic. For every couple, there is a different challenge: come up with a plan that leaves both partners with what they love the most and keeps the home interior – and the relationship - in harmony.

Fortunately, the interior style choices today are eclectic. Not only do we strive for balance between old and new, but we also covet a mix of period styles and adaptations of furniture from the past. Donghia has long been known for their clean interpretations of classic French furniture, and Phillipe Starck’s witty interpretations are a more recent addition to this trend. Chinese traditional furniture is re-invented by Xiaoping Design with bright colors and simple lines. Art Deco from the ’30s and Biedermeier from the mid- 1800s share some of the same aesthetic principles. Shaker simplicity and craftsmanship shares values with Danish mid-century modern designers Klint and Wegner. So, the Victorian slipper chair upholstered in burgundy velvet can cohabitate next to an Eames chair (if you are willing to make small compromises with paint and fabric).

With a little creativity and vision, everybody can be happy! Enjoy your new life and your new home!