AFMA Survey Reveals Gender Preferences on Furniture Style and Shopping

Furniture World Magazine

NO DEFINITIVE STYLE PROFILES: When it comes to taste in furniture, women and men agree to disagree. Among the different styles of furniture (traditional, contemporary, casual and country), no universal favorite exists. The most popular style among men, casual, received only 33% of the vote. Other top favorites included country and contemporary. The greatest number of women (only 25%) prefers "an eclectic mix" of styles in their homes. Other top choices among women include traditional and country. SHOP'TIL YOU DROP? Women are shop-a-holics 79% of women rate shopping as enjoyable or a favorite activity. Men are drop-a-holics 74% of men said they try to avoid shopping or would rather be doing anything else. VENUS AND MARS ALIGN ON TOP PROJECTS When asked which room they would like to refurnish first, men and women agree on the living room (where they entertain) and the master bedroom (where they share personal time). 62% of women said the living room and master bedroom were the two rooms They would most like to refurnish. 59% of men agree. When You Want to Trash Your Partner's Treasure What happens when your partner clings dearly to a "cherished treasure" that makes you cringe every time you look at it? Whether it's grandpa's old recliner, a '70s cocktail table or a sofa that never should have left the college dorm, persuading your partner to remove it from plain sight is no easy task. Use the following tips to help find a solution that works for everyone - and preserves the harmony in your relationship. Express your concerns openly and accompany them with alternative suggestions. For example: I know you love that wall unit, honey, but it just doesn't seem to fit with our living room décor. What if we moved it to the den?" Never insult your special someone's taste or affinity for the object - no matter how hideous it may be. After all, whatever reasons your partner has for adoring this object is partly what makes him or her special. Offer your partner a low-traffic area to decorate with his or her treasures. Make this a private retreat where your partner can enjoy quality time alone. Post a reward. Maybe your significant other longs desperately for a certain item that you've labeled as an expensive or unnecessary purchase. Go ahead and give the green light - provided that he or she disposes of the unwanted item first. Negotiate strategically. Believe it or not, you too may have a prized possession your partner doesn't find particularly appealing. Consider offering to relocate or dispose of your item if your partner does the same.