When we decided to move the chair we had in our living room to a different room in the house I knew it would probably take a while for us to find a replacement that the hubs and I would both love. He’s not the “I don’t care about design” type of man. He has his own design style as well as his own strong opinions. I know some of you might be shocked to hear this, but men like this actually do exist. 😉
If you follow me on instagram you’ve already seen a picture of the chair I initially wanted for the space. I tend to be more of a traditionalist and am typically drawn to classics. This beautiful Arhaus chair basically stopped me in my tracks. It was definitely love at first sight…….for me.
But the hubs wasn’t having any of this. He was okay with the shape of the chair, but he really did not like the pattern of the fabric at all. He’s not a fan of buffalo check or gingham prints. He can handle them in small quantities……like say a pillow maybe, but a whole chair would apparently just push him right over the edge. 😉
I have to admit in years past, a younger, more stubborn version of myself 😉 would have been mad that he didn’t like something that I loved. Something as insignificant as a living room chair would have been a major argument. But the older and wiser I have become 😉 the more I realize that having calm, cool-headed design discussions is not only good for our marriage but it’s great for the design of our home too. I’ve realized that compromising doesn’t have to mean letting go of what you want, but rather learning and being open to the fact that your way isn’t the “only way”. In merging our styles our home tells our story rather than just mine, and the end result is a much more layered, interesting look. His design thoughts and opinions push me to expand my horizons. I no longer see them as a road block; instead they inspire my creativity. I think there’s a lot to be gained in design, in marriage…….in life…….by really listening and being open.
And in the end, we found a chair that we both really LOVE! It fits my desire for a chair with interesting lines and a bold black and white print, and it fits the hubs desire for something a bit more modern and edgy. Win – Win! The best part is I actually love this chair from West Elm even more than the Arhaus chair! This bold beauty just has so much personality!
I really love the juxtaposition of this modern chair against the traditional mantel and bookcase.
Plus it swivels! Which is all kinds of fun as well as super functional!
I love the whole party in the front, business in the back thing she has going on too. 😉 The front is upholstered in a textural, bold, black and bone graphic chevron print, but the back is all black leather. She’s a beaut for sure!
And I don’t think I would have landed on her if not for the hubs differing design opinion. There’s so much to be gained in design, in marriage……in life……when we work as a team. My high school volleyball coach always used to say, “There’s no I in team.” So much truth to that.
Do you spy something else new in here? More on that coming soon…….
You got a new sofa & pillow!!!!
Cool chair!