Stuck on Style: How Wall Decals Saved My Relationship (and My Living Room)

If you’ve ever tried decorating a home with another person, you already know: it’s not always the swoon-worthy, HGTV moment you imagined. When my partner and I moved in together, I was beyond excited. New place, fresh start, and endless possibilities to create a cozy, personal space we’d both love.

What I didn’t expect? How two people who agree on almost everything else could have completely opposite tastes in home decor.

The Battle of the Living Room

Let me paint you a picture.
I’m a lover of soft colors, modern vibes, and clean, open spaces. Think calming creams, soft greens, and a few minimalist accents. My partner? Bold. Bright. Busy. They love loud colors, clashing patterns, and the kind of wall art that practically screams, “LOOK AT ME!”

For weeks, our living room was a mess of half-finished ideas. I’d hang a delicate print of a misty forest, and the next day, a neon movie poster would appear next to it. I’d carefully arrange a little plant on the coffee table, only for it to be surrounded by superhero figurines by dinnertime.

It wasn’t a room. It was an identity crisis.

The Tension Builds

It wasn’t long before the decor drama started creating actual tension.
Neither of us was willing to back down. Friends would visit, glance around, and politely say things like, “Wow, this is… eclectic.” Translation: What is happening in here?

Then came the breaking point: a heated debate over whether or not a velvet flamingo lamp belonged in the living room. (Spoiler: it did not.) Something had to give.

The Decal Discovery

That’s when I had a lightbulb moment. I hopped online in search of a compromise and stumbled upon the magical world of removable wall decals.

If you’re not familiar, wall decals are like giant stickers for your walls. They come in every style imaginable — subtle patterns, inspiring quotes, full-on murals — and the best part? They’re removable. No holes, no paint damage, no long-term commitment. It was like someone invented them specifically for couples in a style standoff.

Finding Our Style Together

I called my partner over and showed them what I found. To my surprise, they loved the idea. We spent the next hour laughing at the ridiculous options (a giant cat face peeking over the couch? Tempting) and bookmarking our favorites.

In the end, we picked a mix of decals that reflected both our personalities:

• I chose soft, watercolor leaves that now climb one corner of the room, adding a calm, nature-inspired touch.
  
• My partner picked bold, geometric shapes in bright colors that frame our TV wall in a fun, playful way.
  
• And together, we agreed on a giant quote decal above the couch: “Welcome to Our Beautiful Chaos.” Fitting, right?
  

A Living Room (and Relationship) Glow-Up

The transformation was almost instant.
Our living room finally felt like it belonged to both of us — cohesive, creative, and completely us. Even our friends noticed. The next time they visited, one of them looked around and said, “Okay, this looks awesome. How did you guys figure it out?”

The answer?
A little compromise, a lot of laughs, and a handful of removable, damage-free wall decals.

The Bigger Lesson

Looking back, it wasn’t just about decorating. It was about learning to listen, share, and find joy in creating a home together. Wall decals just happened to be the unexpected hero of our home decor drama.

If you’re stuck in a style standoff of your own, I highly recommend checking out Kraftmatics. They’re affordable, easy to apply, and surprisingly good at saving relationships. And when you change your mind (or start another debate over flamingo lamps), you can peel them off and start fresh. No stress. No mess.

Moral of the Story:

When in doubt, stick it out… literally.