Decorating
Feel Good Home: Double Up for Domestic Bliss
Twin basins, matching chairs, coordinating wardrobes… They might sound a bit twee, but they all add up to one happy couple. Here’s why
A bit of personal space is a wonderful thing. But while the likes of Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton choose to live in separate adjacent houses, that’s neither practical nor desirable for most of us. The solution is to make space for both members of a couple. Prepare to banish bickering for good and realise that two’s not just company, it makes living together a breeze.
Work a double shift
A home office is already something of a luxury and not many homes have two of them. The result can be a bit of a power struggle as each person tries to mark out their territory and claim space as their own. Two work stations are the solution, and not necessarily on two separate desks. A long table can easily accommodate both of you. There’s space to spread yourselves out and no need to tidy away someone else’s paperwork before you can get started on your own.
A home office is already something of a luxury and not many homes have two of them. The result can be a bit of a power struggle as each person tries to mark out their territory and claim space as their own. Two work stations are the solution, and not necessarily on two separate desks. A long table can easily accommodate both of you. There’s space to spread yourselves out and no need to tidy away someone else’s paperwork before you can get started on your own.
Shower side-by-side
Time is of the essence first thing in the morning, so rather than badgering each other to get out of the bathroom, why not make it a good experience for the two of you? Stick to a regular side, so your favourite products are within reach. And if things happen to get a bit steamy, well, isn’t that what showers are all about?
Time is of the essence first thing in the morning, so rather than badgering each other to get out of the bathroom, why not make it a good experience for the two of you? Stick to a regular side, so your favourite products are within reach. And if things happen to get a bit steamy, well, isn’t that what showers are all about?
Share a shed
Once the only safe place for ‘the man of the house’ to escape to, there’s now fierce demand from everyone for a bit of shed space. Rather than one person imposing their idea of order on the other, split the space up. Here, double doors emphasise the point, but a single shed can easily be sectioned into two areas to suit both parties.
Once the only safe place for ‘the man of the house’ to escape to, there’s now fierce demand from everyone for a bit of shed space. Rather than one person imposing their idea of order on the other, split the space up. Here, double doors emphasise the point, but a single shed can easily be sectioned into two areas to suit both parties.
Dress to impress
There’s nothing nice about sharing a wardrobe. Clothes are crumpled and your chance of sneaking in a clandestine purchase are practically zero. Where space allows, separate your clothes into strictly delineated areas. There’ll be a genuine element of surprise when you see what your other half is wearing, too.
See great tips for an organised wardrobe
There’s nothing nice about sharing a wardrobe. Clothes are crumpled and your chance of sneaking in a clandestine purchase are practically zero. Where space allows, separate your clothes into strictly delineated areas. There’ll be a genuine element of surprise when you see what your other half is wearing, too.
See great tips for an organised wardrobe
Find the fun in formality
Have a Downton moment with perfectly matched upholstered chairs. This drawing room setting can’t fail to promote the art of conversation (with a sherry, perhaps) followed by furtive looks over a game of canasta. So much more romantic than slumping on the sofa in front of a box set.
Have a Downton moment with perfectly matched upholstered chairs. This drawing room setting can’t fail to promote the art of conversation (with a sherry, perhaps) followed by furtive looks over a game of canasta. So much more romantic than slumping on the sofa in front of a box set.
Cook up a storm
Too many cooks is only a problem when there’s not enough space. So if you and your partner both like making meals, you’ll appreciate having room to manoeuvre. With your own workstation and gas rings, you can cook side by side, each creating a feast without getting in the other’s way, or feeling the need to comment on how they chop their onions…
Too many cooks is only a problem when there’s not enough space. So if you and your partner both like making meals, you’ll appreciate having room to manoeuvre. With your own workstation and gas rings, you can cook side by side, each creating a feast without getting in the other’s way, or feeling the need to comment on how they chop their onions…
Have a moment
Put (all of) your feet up and discuss the day in a state of total relaxation. Twin day beds may evoke images of couples therapy, but in a way that’s what they’re for. No TV, no distractions, just encouragement to spend some time enjoying each other’s company, side by side. Go on, you could even hold hands.
What’s your secret for harmonious sharing? Tell us in the Comments below.
Put (all of) your feet up and discuss the day in a state of total relaxation. Twin day beds may evoke images of couples therapy, but in a way that’s what they’re for. No TV, no distractions, just encouragement to spend some time enjoying each other’s company, side by side. Go on, you could even hold hands.
What’s your secret for harmonious sharing? Tell us in the Comments below.
Put an end to arguments over who’s left toothpaste in the basin or forgotten to put their facial cleanser back in the cupboard. The beauty of a twin vanity unit is that there’s instant access to everything you need, so you can perform your ablutions in a flash and feel as if you’re staying in a rather splendid hotel, too.
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