Couple-Friendly Ideas for a More Harmonious Home
It's all too easy to get annoyed with your partner when you're jostling for elbow room – but it's often an easy fix
Even the strongest, most loving unions can suffer from the scourge of irritating personal traits. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks to help you keep your relationship healthier at home. After all, it’s nearly impossible to fight when you’re both able to pamper yourselves in the bathroom, or whip up a gastronomic feast without getting in each other’s way. And when there’s space to be together or alone when you’re both relaxing or working at home, who has the will to bicker? See which of these ideas you could weave into your own home, and long may peace reign.
Benchtops built for two
Having to stoop over when working on gastronomic offerings is no fun for the taller members of the family (nor is having to stand on your tip-toes for that matter). Practicality for both partners is key in a harmonious home (especially if one partner doesn’t want to be doing all the cooking or washing up), but designers these days are not afraid of prescribing different bench heights in the one kitchen – all you need to do is ask.
Having to stoop over when working on gastronomic offerings is no fun for the taller members of the family (nor is having to stand on your tip-toes for that matter). Practicality for both partners is key in a harmonious home (especially if one partner doesn’t want to be doing all the cooking or washing up), but designers these days are not afraid of prescribing different bench heights in the one kitchen – all you need to do is ask.
Double ovens
For those households with two master chefs vying for cooking space, a double oven saves time and tension. Both partners can create their cuisine independently at the same time – with no under-the-breath muttering involved.
For those households with two master chefs vying for cooking space, a double oven saves time and tension. Both partners can create their cuisine independently at the same time – with no under-the-breath muttering involved.
Don’t forget the bin
No matter who takes the rubbish out, installing in-cabinet bin units next to the sink rather than in front of it takes the juggle out of the kitchen clean-up. No more having to step out of the way constantly for people needing to access the bin.
Kitchen bin wars: standalone or built-in?
No matter who takes the rubbish out, installing in-cabinet bin units next to the sink rather than in front of it takes the juggle out of the kitchen clean-up. No more having to step out of the way constantly for people needing to access the bin.
Kitchen bin wars: standalone or built-in?
In the Bathroom
Two basins and a generous mirror
A double vanity creates individual zones for both of you, and increases efficiency on busy mornings. A generous mirror with plenty of built-in storage means there’s ample space for both of your products, and plenty of room to primp and preen for as long as you each need.
Two basins and a generous mirror
A double vanity creates individual zones for both of you, and increases efficiency on busy mornings. A generous mirror with plenty of built-in storage means there’s ample space for both of your products, and plenty of room to primp and preen for as long as you each need.
Dual showers
While double basins have become de rigueur, the shower system is heading in the same direction. If you don’t have space for a double shower, consider a shower system that combines an overhead drencher and hand shower. Those not washing their hair can set the hand shower at a height to suit them, and keep their hair dry, while hair washers can switch to the drencher for an all-over blanketing of water.
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While double basins have become de rigueur, the shower system is heading in the same direction. If you don’t have space for a double shower, consider a shower system that combines an overhead drencher and hand shower. Those not washing their hair can set the hand shower at a height to suit them, and keep their hair dry, while hair washers can switch to the drencher for an all-over blanketing of water.
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A soak for two
After a hard day at work or play, having a nice long soak is a fine way to unwind. If sharing the experience with your partner is an option, it can be an easy way to reconnect ahead of the weekend. Make sure the bath has no taps at either end and fill it until it’s luxuriously deep. Bliss.
After a hard day at work or play, having a nice long soak is a fine way to unwind. If sharing the experience with your partner is an option, it can be an easy way to reconnect ahead of the weekend. Make sure the bath has no taps at either end and fill it until it’s luxuriously deep. Bliss.
Separate toilet with quiet-close lid
Having a specific zone for the wet area and a separate space for the toilet means showers and baths needn’t be interrupted by someone else’s call of nature. The toilet is used more than any other fixture in the house, so it’s worth investing in the latest model – and these days, they boast slam-free lids. After eons of ‘lid up, lid down’ negotiations, these new options prove that silence is golden.
Having a specific zone for the wet area and a separate space for the toilet means showers and baths needn’t be interrupted by someone else’s call of nature. The toilet is used more than any other fixture in the house, so it’s worth investing in the latest model – and these days, they boast slam-free lids. After eons of ‘lid up, lid down’ negotiations, these new options prove that silence is golden.
In the Bedroom
Equality rules
When one person has more storage or a bigger say in the decor choices of the shared bedroom, problems can arise. Do whatever it takes to incorporate both partners’ tastes and needs into your sleeping quarters, as a symbol of your commitment to each others’ happiness.
Designing a his-and-hers bedroom
Equality rules
When one person has more storage or a bigger say in the decor choices of the shared bedroom, problems can arise. Do whatever it takes to incorporate both partners’ tastes and needs into your sleeping quarters, as a symbol of your commitment to each others’ happiness.
Designing a his-and-hers bedroom
In the Home Office
Mutual respect
Giving each partner just as much space as the other in this room of the house says ‘your work is as important as mine’, no matter what your vocations or take-home pay. By all means share a home office, just be sure one person doesn’t assume superiority over the other by taking the lion’s share of the available space.
Mutual respect
Giving each partner just as much space as the other in this room of the house says ‘your work is as important as mine’, no matter what your vocations or take-home pay. By all means share a home office, just be sure one person doesn’t assume superiority over the other by taking the lion’s share of the available space.
Together But Separate
Respecting boundaries and acknowledging your partner’s need for space is sometimes a winning recipe at home. If your other half is easier to be around with a dose of alone time, why not encourage it? Whether you call it a man cave or a she shed – or just a solo hanging chair in the garden – dedicated individual spaces grant both people permission to have some breathing room when they need it.
Your say
How have you set up your home for relationship success? Share your tips in the Comments below.
More
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Respecting boundaries and acknowledging your partner’s need for space is sometimes a winning recipe at home. If your other half is easier to be around with a dose of alone time, why not encourage it? Whether you call it a man cave or a she shed – or just a solo hanging chair in the garden – dedicated individual spaces grant both people permission to have some breathing room when they need it.
Your say
How have you set up your home for relationship success? Share your tips in the Comments below.
More
Browse more home design photos
Soft-closing, well-organised drawers
For the heavy-handed cook, soft-closing mechanisms on doors and drawers are a godsend in the kitchen. They prevent jarring door slams (some ears are more sensitive to these sounds than others), improve the drawers’ longevity, and can be retrofitted on any door.
In the drawers, dividers ranging from plate holders to spice racks can minimise clutter and make it clear where everything belongs. Sighs of annoyance when you’re searching for an item your partner put back in the wrong spot will become a thing of the past.