Jillian Harris: Moving In Together
Molly Mesnick | Feb 21, 2012 | Comments 15
Jillian Harris
A year before I went on “The Bachelor” I decided to paint my room a bright coral. I figured since I didn’t have a ‘man’ in my life this was about the only time I could have an over-the-top feminine bedroom. In fact, if you looked around my space I had baby blue damask wall paper, white Louis chairs, chandeliers and enough throw pillows to make any guy run in the other direction.
So here’s my advice if you’re looking to keep your space girly AND dude-proof when you move in together. Don’t throw away the glitz and sparkles, just keep them tucked away, cause you better believe they are coming back out! Seriously though there is one thing I have realized about guys – they actually don’t MIND a feminine space as long as it’s COMFORTABLE and there are at least a few reminders that he lives there.
Here are few pointers:
- Take down the Michigan state party lights and pennants down one by one. SLOWLY ladies. Slowly
- On the same note: add only one decorative pillow a week. No pink or any pastels in the space in the first 6 months!
- Charcoal is your best friend. Down the road it goes perfectly with creams, peaches and feminine hues. But for now he thinks your a hero.
- Lucky for us, reclaimed and industrial textures are in. Burlap, reclaimed wood, antiqued metals- all great for him and you’re a design diva.
- Graphics. Guys (the straight kind) love BOLD graphics, so bring out the stripes, herringbone, and zizzag. Unfortunately the damask will have to take a back seat for a while.
- Antlers. Or vintage pools balls, a vintage alma matter book or anything ‘manly’ will distract him from your crystal chandelier and Louis chairs.
Basically what I am saying – is take it slow and (sigh) think of the other person. Try to bring bits of EACH of your personalities in but both parties should pull the items that they know are taking it a bit too far, ahem: stuffed animals and nudie posters
Here’s a moodboard I created to depict a perfectly shared space:
And here are some examples I decorated: Ali and Roberto’s old space:
And mine and you-know-who’s-space:
Wait a second. On second thought…. neither of one of these couples are still together… maybe I did it all wrong 
Awww… Jillian you’re so cute and funny! I think you did it right.. Love the idea.. Brilliant!!
Ha! You’re so funny!
You did a fantastic job on both spaces! I love your design work. My husband and I don’t agree on most design elements but over the last 4 years we’ve learned each other’s styles and learned to comprimise. I’m going to take your advice and start creepin’ some sparkle back in!
Very nice! You are so talented and have a great eye for design knowing the right mixture of pieces to put together to pull off an awesome space.
Loved the Michigan state party light reference! ( and the rest of the clog too)
**blog!
gorgeous spaces jillian. those guys lost not only amazing women but an amazing apartment as well!
Jillian! This are great, but I can’t ever find the beautiful vintage, rustic, chic type items you seem to find! Like the books, frames, clocks, pillows. Will you share where you do your shopping at?
Haha! You’re too funny! You did a beautiful job on all the spaces! It’s so nice to get a little peek at what you did in those small areas. Great ideas!
You’re a hero, not your a hero.
Thanks for clarifying that Rosi!
Great blog Jillian.
LOVE those spaces!!
Thanks for clarifying that for us Rosi!
Great blog Jillian.
Love your spaces, and your decorating style and fashion! And you are funny too! Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Okay, I NEED to know where you got the pendant ball light in A&R’s old dining room. LOVE IT!!
Hi Gillian
I love it all, you honestly Rock!!!!
I’m looking for pillows the those cream ones
In the second last photo with the print on it.
Where could I get pillows like that?
And that table in the last photo love love and
Love it…. Where is that from???
Thanks