NEWLYWED DECOR

Newlywed decor can be an opportunity for the newly wed couple to come together and learn about their personal design styles, according to interior designer Nina Barnieh-Blair, principal of NinaBDesign in New York. Here are her insights about deciding on newlywed decor for a new home.

Credit: NinaBDesign

WHAT DREW YOU TO INTERIOR DESIGN?

Nina: I was born in Kumasi, Ghana and raised in London; I've spent many years traveling and have always been fascinated with architecture, different homes and the effects of home design on the people who live in those homes.

After 10 years in marketing and making a decision to move to NYC, I decided to pursue my passion and study interior design at Parsons School of Design and now am principal of my own design studio NinaBDesign. I’m privileged to work on both residential and commercial projects with a variety of clients.

IMPORTANT INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS BEFORE MOVING INTO A NEW HOME AS A NEWLYWED?

Nina: It’s a great opportunity to create a home that is reflective of the couples' different personalities and unity. It’s probably the best opportunity to do it right, because after this other considerations (kids!) get in the way. Bring in pieces that you have traveled with individually and find a way of uniting them. Try and find the looks and design considerations you both love and work out which ones fit together. The cliché is that guys will be thinking about the TV and brides about the décor, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Functionality is important but so too is how the space affects the couple emotionally. It should be a reflection and representation of both personalities.

HOW CAN THE NEWLYWEDS FIGURE OUT THEIR DESIGN STYLE?

Nina: The key to any marriage is communication, and actually the interior of their home is a good place to build communication skills! Talk about what you like, what you don’t like, work out how to come to an agreement and set boundaries on what you won’t tolerate. It’s a low-risk environment to build marital communication skills: you shouldn’t end up in enormous arguments about table position (even though myself and my husband, er, might have done that).

Any 54kibo Products That You Would Recommend To A Newlywed Couple, Or Wedding Registry For Gifts?

Nina: The walking bench - the idea of walking together. I also like the bowls which makes me think of breaking bread and sharing meals together

Interior designer Nina Barnieh-Blair shares her tips for newlyweds while moving into their new home. One more thing she likes to mention is “don’t be afraid to compromise.” Looking for a wedding gift? Consider exploring the African Wedding Gifts Guide on 54kibo.