Weddingbells had the chance to get expert advice from design guru Glen Peloso (glenpelosointeriors.com), who you may have seen on television shows such as Restaurant Makeover and Take This House and Sell It. With more than a decade of experience designing and decorating all types of spaces, we were thrilled to be able to get his take on how to register for your newlywed nest.
Weddingbells: According to our recent reader survey many couples (about 75%) are already living together before they get married. How can a couple use their wedding registry to update their space?
Glen Peloso: The registry gives you the chance to select things as a couple. It is an opportunity to create an “our style.” Also, as you move from one place to another the scale of the things you own has to suit the space you live in. Perhaps the merge has left you with a couple of "wrong sized" items that need to go. You need to have more functional items.
WB: What should you definitely plan on registering for?
GP: Go with variety, as price is going to be an issue for some guests in this economy. However, start thinking of things that will make your life easier: a better mattress, a great coffeemaker, a PVR, and some lamps and smaller furniture pieces that don’t break the bank. For the guests that have bigger budgets I would suggest large appliances. The reality is that you can live without a dining set but a dysfunctional fridge must be replaced immediately.
WB: Stores like Crate & Barrel are opening the doors to registering for pretty much any home item. Are their any pieces you shouldn't put on your registry? (ie. Is it bad to ask for a couch?)
GP: I don’t think it is “bad” to ask for anything; however, large furniture is a bit risky unless you are positive that it will work in your space. Often the process of selecting things for the registry is overwhelming, and you may make quick decisions as opposed to considered ones. Something like a sofa has so many variables like wood stain and fabric, trim details and stuffing density or down cushions not to mention that delivery is also required and your guest may feel that they are obliged to provide that as well. If you are going to ask for something like a furniture piece make sure you have made all of the key decisions in advance.
WB: Registering can be an overwhelming experience. Do you have any suggestions for making the process easier?
GP: There is so much to think about and plan for a wedding that the scope of the job is not dissimilar to a renovation. Both should be joyous, but they are big jobs. Having to design your house at the same time seems like too much. Why not choose gift certificates from the store you register at? Later you can focus on the design renovation portion of your life together. The other option is to spend some money with a designer and create a design concept package, which would include furniture and accessories. The wedding planner can assist with the wedding, the designer can assist with the registry, and you can enjoy your day!
WB: After the wedding, you must deal with mixing newly purchased items or gifts and old pieces you're not ready to replace. How can you do this without making your space look like a disaster?
GP: Presumably the gifts you get are things you would like to have, so the older pieces are the issue. Consider altering the older ones to suit your emerging new style. Adding a slipcover or reupholstering a sofa can look great in the short term until you are ready to replace it. Some old pieces can be painted to last a while longer. Change the accessories in the space to suit the new style so that you are moving the room toward the new style and away from the old.
WB: What other budget-friendly updates can a newly married couple make to their home?
GP: If you want to make a dramatic difference on a limited budget, look at changing the paint colour, draperies, accessories and finally lighting. The combination of these elements will have the room looking completely different. The cost of those kinds of changes will be minimal (or if you are handy—do it yourself). Consider changing the kitchen backsplash and replacing the countertops with a new laminate. This will dramatically change the look and feel of the room. A bathroom with a new paint colour and new towels will make a world of difference!
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