Ask a Designer: Advice for Couples Blending Two Homes Into One

A living room designed by Betsy Burnham of Burnham Design. A couple's contrasting tastes are both represented: Sleek, modern furniture and lighting mix beautifully with soft floral drapes and colourful, patterned pillows. John Hugstad/Burnham Design via AP

For couples setting up a new home together, it’s a challenge: how to merge two sets of stuff and two decorating styles into one space they both can love.

“Emotions get really high when it comes to your belongings if the person you’re choosing to spend the rest of your life with doesn’t love what you love,” says stylist Marianne Canada, host of the “HGTV Crafternoon” web series.