Helping Venus and Mars Find Harmony.

• Position: Gender differences affect choces in home furnishings - Brief Article

Stylistic differences between the sexes can create challenges in the home, according to a recent survey conducted by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA). While Venus and Mars may live peacefully in the same house, finding furnishings for their home that they both love is sometimes not of this world. Gender differences--coupled with a galaxy of style choices--can throw the planets out of orbit.

Moreover, while 79% of women surveyed cite shopping as a favorite activity, 74% of men insist they would rather do anything else. Given such polar viewpoints, can Venus and Mars ever find stylistic harmony under the same roof? It's not only possible, but easy if you know how, maintain designers Meg and Steven Roberts, co-authors of A Home for All Seasons. They say it is important to select furnishings for your home that reflect who you are as a couple and make you both feel at home.

"Your furniture is part of who you are; it makes your house your home," says Steven Roberts, co-president and chief marketing officer of The Echo Design Group, Inc., New York. "It's important that you both feel relaxed sitting on your sofa, comfortable eating at your kitchen table, and happy entertaining family and friends in the living room."

Men and women traditionally don't look for the same things in furniture. "We find men seek comfort and function...