How many people do you know that actually agree with you? And mean it? In every way? How many of those people that you answered with an affirmative are in your family? Exactly. No matter if you are newlywed, have been with your significant other for twenty years, are back to shacking with immediate family, or have been bunking with your roommate for eons, when it comes to agreeing on decisions the most minute can become similar to a court hearing. Picking pizza toppings have been known to alter more than one Facebook relationship status. And that can be a good thing-sometimes. It’s nice to know you can stand out; that you have your own way, your own style.

The benefit and wonder of interior design is that when it comes to style, there are no rules. What you like can be made to work. And when you fuse the styles of the opposing party with yours it gets even better. It’s superior to those apps where you submit a picture of future dad and future mom to predict the outcome of future baby. Because here it’s approachable and the outcome will turn you into the enviable neighborhood Jones’.

You can set the standard by fusing your tastes, as we will discuss today. Let’s say you like bling, in every way imaginable. He likes rustic, the older, rougher and tougher, the better. You feel an argument coming, right? Not so, because with a little bit of creativity and compromise the outcome will be “Refined Rustic.”

So how do you practically incorporate refined rustic yourself?

Let’s take an on old vintage wooden steamer trunk. Full of splinters and scuffs this attracts lovers of all things of rustic. This is where merging together tastes, making the old new and making each piece compliment the other begins:

Step 1: Sand it down. Smooth out the biggest bumps but leave a few notches and ridges to maintain the rustic charm and character.

Step 2: Stain in. If you want your color to be dark and all encompassing use steady brushstrokes and maybe shoot for a second coat. For a lighter aged look use a sponge and adapt a wiping motion trying not to go over a section too much.

Step 3: Bedazzle it. Pick out shiny, sparkly modern decorative furniture nail heads or upholstery tacks. Replace the old ones from your remodeled trunk and watch as it is transformed before your eyes. Not so bad, eh?

Step 4: Complete the look. Use organic looking linin drapes or textured cotton drapes. Choose something in an off white light beige shade that will exemplify a more natural weave and feel.

Step 5: Hang it up. Don’t choose an old boring curtain rod, here’s where you fuse in the bling once again. A deep brown metal rod with faux diamond globes on the end and you have a deal. Tie them back with a gauzy ribbon sash and let the sun enhance your hard work.

Step 6. Continue this pattern. A big masculine top grain leather sofa with sequined throw pillows. Slowly your space will come together as you integrate this pattern in different ways. Your room will be a perfect example of diversity in interior design.

Finish the combined style by placing a shimmery abstract glass vase on your trunk nestled beside a rustic table clock. Add a couple magazines, percolate some coffee and wait for your friends to come over to admire the room with you. Voila! Refined Rustic!