When we first toured our home in hopes of buying it, we didn’t have any children but we hoped one day we would have a family. Therefore, we wanted a bigger house than what we had and we wanted something that would give us room to grow.
The fact that this house had a Jack & Jill bath was a definite plus. I thought it was perfect for children to share. They each have their own sinks and space to get ready in the morning, but they share a tub and a toilet.
Jack & Jill bathrooms are great for siblings but like everything with kids, there are still some arguments that result in the shared portion of the bathroom. Someone locks the other one out, someone leaves the toilet seat up, someone didn’t replace the toilet paper, someone used all the hot water…I could go on.
Arguments or not, it is just a part of growing up. We have to learn to share.
Between You & Me Etsy Shop
Now that it’s time to update their bathroom with decor that is more suited to their ages and tastes, we are learning other important lessons: how to compromise and how to mix design styles.
My son says absolutely no girly stuff and it can’t be too “frilly froo froo” (my description, not his). He is also opposed to chevron of any kind!
My daughter says it can’t be too boyish or too sporty.
So, how do we choose something they can both live with and love?
We have to mix their design styles giving them both things they love so they will both be happy.
Sounds easy, yet complicated. I have to confess, mixing design styles had me baffled for a long time and it is something I’ve learned slowly, little by little since the day I got married.
Here’s what I’ve learned to do when faced with this challenge:
I build a basic layer or backdrop that is neutral.
Neutral may or may not mean color. What I really mean is a neutral style of something like furniture, or in the case of my Jack & Jill bath, the wall color, the fixtures, the shower curtain and the window treatment.
These main pieces are neither masculine nor feminine. Yes, they also happen to be neutral colors, but what I really want you to keep in mind is that the style is simple. No patterned shower curtain, no patterned window treatment, no girly or boyish color. Those things can come in later.
All of these items will go with our existing fixtures and tile that I cannot change.
Next, I bring in some personality using colors and textures that appeal to both parties but are still gender-neutral.
You may have already done a little of this already in the first base layer. For example, my living room has blue walls. It serves as a neutral in that room but it already has color. In the case of our bathroom, I’m bringing in splashes of color with the rug I’m choosing.
Dash & Albert Kaledo Primary Rug
The rug also adds a nice soft texture that will be nice to step on with bare feet.
I am also bringing in a functional basket to add texture to the space as well. Again, it’s not masculine or feminine.
Pottery Barn Logan woven vine baskets
Next, I begin adding decorative items that are more personal and specific.
In this case, some items will appeal more to my son and others more to my daughter. They will each get a little bit of themselves in the space.
I still stayed away from sports and frilly but I tried to find things that they each like. For example, the letters below will actually be their initials, the picture frames will have pictures of each of them, they will each have their own colored towel in a hue they choose, etc.
They have also asked to have pictures of our pets in the frames, so I will try to incorporate that as well.
When you begin with a neutral base layer and build from there, mixing design styles becomes a little easier. Each layer becomes a little more specific and appeals to each individual while the overall scheme of the room isn’t overly one person or the other.
I hope these little tips help you when planning a room for two or more people. In the end, the design is a compromise but if both people get things they love in the space, chances are they will both be happy.
Wishing you a happy and blessed day,
I often share at: Metamorphosis Monday, Your Designs This Time, The Scoop, Wow Us Wednesdays, Inspire Me Tuesday, Furniture Feature Friday, Pinworthy Wednesday
There used to be a show on HGTV where a decorator would determine the husbands decorating style, and the wife’s and then put a room together, a couple different ways. I really enjoyed it. I believe it was Emily Henderson’s show.
Maybe hooks with their name or initial would be appropriate.
Hi Ann,
There was also a show my mom watched faithfully called, “Designing for the Sexes.” She loved it and love the advice the designer gave for mixing styles. I think a lot of married couples have to compromise, whereas others have spouses who don’t care and it’s not an issue. My husband has always wanted his input in our decor so I’ve struggled with it for years. Now I have a boy and a girl and my experience is coming in handy! I’m anxious to get this project done…I hope they both love it! Thanks for your comments and I hope you have a great day!
Julie
Always love your wonderful tips Julie! Have a great weekend!
Thanks, Shirley! I always love your sweet comments! Happy weekend, my friend!
Julie
No easy task but the space will no doubt be amazing and make both of them happy. Happy weekend
Thanks, Laura! Happy weekend to you, too!
Thanks for the tips! My younger three share a bathroom, and I’ve been wanting to change it up a little this year. And, it has to work for both boys and girls. 🙂
I’m so happy you found my tips helpful. Good luck to you getting your kids bathroom updated — I’m sure they’ll love it!
Great post Julie…Such great tips! Definitely going neutral helps keep a great flow in the room and bringing in the accessories with color and eclectic style always works!
Deb
@Seeking Lavender Lane
Great tips and I think you have blended both styles very nicely. Neutral colors and textures seem to appeal to everyone. Nice job!
Shelley
I love the pieces you chose for this room. I think your kids will both be happy with the results! I would love for you to share this with us at our link party today!
Thanks Roxanne! I’m heading over to link-up right now…
Have a great day!
Julie
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