My house is embarrassing?

Question

I am dating a woman who is an interior decorator and I have the feeling that my house is going to be embarrassing?

My house looks like it is on the "white trash" side.

I do not have a lot of money.

What (if anything?) can/should I do?

Answer 1

Just make sure it is clean and neat. You could even comment to her that you would really like her input on some ideas to make it a little more "homey" and just let her know that you are not good at the "interior design" thing and would really REALLY love it if she would give you some ideas.

Answer 2

You shouldn't feel embarass of your house and stop calling your house "white trash". That woman loves you as a person not what kind of house you are living in. She probably would give some comments and suggestions for your house, just take it positively. I am sure that woman already knew about your financial status and the fact that she still going out with you showed that she didn't mind about "money", so I'll bet she'll understand the situation you are in now when she sees your house. Nothing to be embarassed. This woman being an interior decorator would probably have many ideas on how to decorate your house with limited budget. Believe me, interior decorator can do wonders to your house without burning a big hole on your pocket. You should count yourself fortunate to have a girlfriend like her..

Answer 3

Make sure it's neat and clean, get rid of any clutter, keep countertops in the kitchen pretty clear, only one appliance visible (coffee maker or toaster) hide cords in your entertainment center .. there are inexpensive things to tame such things...

if you do have any funds for "redecorating", a clean fresh coat of a neutral color paint will always make a house feel more pulled together.

Roman shades are nice and inexpensive, and a good way to dress up a window. Try to avoid bright and garish colors, with too many patterns. Less is more, when decorating is concerned.

Since the woman you are dating is a decorator, ask her for advise.. there are many options, which cost little or no money

Answer 4

Don't worry too much about it. Keep the house clean and tidy and fix or throw out anything that's obviously broken. Instead of thinking of your house as being "white trash" - consider it modest. She'll be thrilled to help you decorate as the relationship develops further.

Answer 5

I'm sure it's okay. She's probably dated guys whose places were worse.

Just make some excuse about how you're a guy and know nothing about decorating. Women are used to that. She probably won't like your place, but I doubt she'll think less of you because of it. She'll just think you're a typical guy and not into that stuff.

As for recommendations, just make sure the place is clean and tidy. She will think less of you is your place is gross!

-------
PS I was worried about this one guy I dated because he had the opposite problem! He place was decorated very nicely, but completely opposite my style. His apartment was all modern with lots of leather. I'm very traditional, and I hate leather furniture more than anything. I knew we could never live together because we could never agree on a couch.

This women obviously likes decorating because she chose it as a profession. In the back of our minds, I think all women think about a future with the guy they are dating. When she sees your house, she'll mostly likely be thinking, "Fantastic. If this works out, I get to make all the decorating decisions."

Answer 6

Believe me, she will not be bothered as long as it is neat and clean. Make sure that kitchen and bathroom are especially clean. That is usually how I judge a man.

If you do want to make any changes, remember that less is more. Too many trinkets, and what-nots around make a house look too cluttered.

Answer 7

I think and hope that this lady comes to see you and not your house. So don't worry. The day she comes - and also the others, clean it up and set your Sunday smile on if you open the door for her, and she will not see anything else.

Answer 8

She is the interior decorator not you.As long as your home is neat,clean and tidy,then why worry.You are dating,so she likes you.Thats all the matters at this point in time.

Answer 9

Get rid of "white trash" stuff. Make it a simple place. Maybe she likes simple guys. It's better for her to say "You could use a painting in that space" than "Get rid of that tacky plastic thing on your wall".

Answer 10

I'm with the others who said to make it clean and tidy.

You can't prevent her from thinking you have no designing taste. But you CAN prevent her from thinking you're an unclean slob. :-)