"Are we going to be able to blend our styles?"

Who doesn't love the West Elm, Crate and Barrel, and William Sonoma magazine pictures. They are so inspiring yet unrealistic. No one lives there. So lets come back to reality. For us, we wanted to hit the balance of having that magazine worthy home and also live there.

Rewind 7 years, we are standing in the kitchen aisle at Target registering for our wedding. I would love to say this was one of the happiest moments of our lives. As we were starting to build our house together. Unfortunately, we were in the biggest fight of our relationship yet. The cause of the fight, you may wonder, food storage canisters. We just couldn't agree on which we liked and instead of being smart and registering for both we stood there fuming. He wanted metal I wanted glass and plastic just wouldn't do. We have since discovered ways to both win in these situations. When it comes to combining styles there can be a number of hurdles. Jon generally enjoys the more modern, clean sleek look. Where as I am all about the cozy cabin feel with about 12 blankets hung around.

One thing we never registered for was silverware. We could not find anything we liked.  The silverware we looked all seemed so bland. Luckily, My grandma called shortly after we were married and asked if we would like the Silverware from my Great Grandparents. Their last name also started with N which was engraved on each spoon, knife, and fork. They are beautiful. We use them daily and I love the reminder of family.

This was a defining moment for us as a couple defining "our style". Fast forward 7 years. We are trying desperately to make our small home have more room and style. Since we were married we have used an Oak dresser (that my parents bought when i was a baby). It was nice, sturdy, and functional. It didn't bring that spark of joy anymore. Also our bedroom needed furniture that fit the space better. We achieved this by switching out big bulky oak dresser for French provincial style in the master bedroom. The little details add so much more interest to the small space.

The ease of Ikea furniture often draw us in. It appeals to the simple and modern style that Jon likes. Don't get me wrong we have bought our fair share of Ikea lamps, beds, shelving, and cabinets. It always fits the bill and the simple design goes with most anything. Also, there are so many ways to personalize their furniture now it doesn't have to look like everyone else's. However, there is something so great about real full carved wood. Our style has bloomed and changed over these last 7 years and will continue to change as we adjust to a growing family and changing life. I will always remember standing in the aisle next to my fiance wondering if we would ever agree on style. Our style is eclectic and represents our whole family.

Thanks for stopping by. How have you worked with others to create a blended style? Let us know in the comment section.