Filed under: Your Home, Living Room
What is it about living with another person that makes your home a breeding ground for fights? Luckily, you can fight back. Four designers weigh in on how your home can help.We've already explored how your home can make you look younger, help you wake up early and destress after work. Now, we're putting it to work again. We reached out to the New York Design Center's new Access to Design designers to get their thoughts and tips on how your home can help you stop fighting. (You can also get great advice and find a designer at accesstodesign@nydc.com.)
Courtesy of Lisa Laserow
Liza Laserow of Laserow Antiques is all about the work-life balance.
"Create a room where you can laugh, relax, play and have a good time together. A cozy sofa and calming colors are a good start. Spend your Sundays laying on the sofa talking, reading your books and having a drink together. Make the living room your zone where cocktail hours occur more often than work talk."
Courtesy of Robert Passel Interior and Architectural Design
Robert Passal of Robert Passal Interior and Architectural Design recommends plenty of space -- and then, dinner.
"When attempting to resolve a dispute with your spouse or roommate, I find it best to take some time for yourself to clear your head. Perhaps curl up with a calming book of poems in your study, light a relaxing scented candle to take the tone of the room down and dim the lights. Internally revisit the chain of events that lead to the problem, and dissect. Consider ways of avoiding these types of situations. Then: finish your day over a peaceful meal together and remember: "Never go to bed angry."
Tucker Robbins bangle stools
"According to Feng Shui, too many pieces of furniture with sharp corners can lead to conflict and disharmony in the home. Be sure to add in pieces with rounded corners and soothing shapes into the space to keep your relationships in harmony."
And Glenn Lawson of Glenn Lawson Inc. says: Clean, clean, clean!
"Invest in Fantastic, Windex, Ajax, Palmolive liquid, sponges & paper towels. Keep these products in an easy-to-remember place -- or keep them out, if necessary. When someone else leaves a random glass around or some water on a counter, take that extra one or two minutes to clean it up and then get on with your life. By practicing this bit of goodness, not only will your housemates recognize your largess, you'll also benefit from a cleaner home."