A:   Learn each other's design tastes and preferences; you may find that they do not conflict as much as you first thought.

A:   Be open to change and look for viable alternatives to what you want in your home decor. If you want white walls and your spouse wants color, find a neutral color you both can live with. You must be flexible to change because it is inevitable and compromise is the key. If one of you loves black and the other one loves white, find a gray you both will enjoy.

A:   Couples should spend time discussing their design preferences. Purchase several home décor and interior design magazines to go through independently. When you find an interior you love, mark it. Then go through the magazines with your partner so that you can understand the other's preferences.

Open communication with the person you are sharing a space with is fundamental. Have an honest discussion with your partner to express your desires and try to understand your partner's preferences. This entire process is about discovering what you both enjoy, and creating a space you both will love.

The next step is to shop together and to communicate as you shop about your likes and dislikes.

A:   When you mix two opposing styles, the juxtaposition of the two brings an emphasis on both of them. Displaying a very traditional china cabinet in a contemporary space will highlight the cabinet. Think of how contemporary art jumps off of the walls in a traditional setting. Mix your preferences in a way that is unexpected and fresh, so that you both appreciate the overall effect.

A:   Typically, men prefer hard surface flooring that is low maintenance such as stone, slate and tile, but most women prefer the softness and warmth that carpet brings to a space. There are two options for compromise in this scenario. One option is to purchase a carpet that is durable and easy to clean, such as STAINMASTER® carpet, or install hardwood floors and use an area rug as an accent. An area rug, as well as bound or surged carpet, can soften the space as well as define it.

A:   Leather is very "macho," and men would decorate the entire house with it if women allowed them to do so. Women typically prefer more delicate materials for furniture. The problem is that a man can not eat his chili cheese dog on a soft chenille sofa, so the piece is not practical. The solution is to either provide the man with his own "special chair," or purchase furniture that has built in stain resistance, such as the new STAINMASTER® furniture line.

A:   Design is my passion and I see it everywhere. However, there is a difference between looking and seeing. I am constantly looking to see different shapes, textures, designs, colors and lighting everywhere. Everything man made has to be designed, thus there isn't an accidental element in a constructed piece right down to the shape, material or dimension of an object. It is all artistic to me.

I also look at what occurs around me in nature. If you ever really look at a sunflower you will see the center is a deep chocolate brown and the petals begin as caramel and then merge into the bright gold that defines the flower. These color combinations are what inspire me when I design.

A:   I am an avid reader of design magazines, but I have an interest in all magazines. I look everywhere to blend beauty and design with function. The combination of aesthetic and function, such as an eye catching car, excites me and it all relates back to interior design. Anyone analyzing my design will see that it works beautifully, otherwise it has no purpose.

A:   It is quite a challenge to work with individuals that are not direct, honest or open with themselves or others about their design preferences. Additionally, it is disappointing when people are apathetic about the design for their space, because they will not be excited by the interior and that defeats the purpose of creating the space.

My goal is to achieve a sense of ownership and inspiration by both people living in a space. Both parties must feel that the space defines them and feel energized by it.