First-time homeowner stands up to her overbearing mother-in-law after she rudely tries to redecorate her ’boring' minimalist house: ‘She said I was being ungrateful'

Everyone has their own style and there's nothing anyone can say or do about it. When it comes to home decor, if a person wants to decorate their bedroom like a 16th-century vampire, be my guest. Or, if someone prefers minimalistic decor, go for it! And if your mother-in-law loves gaudy curtains, floral wallpaper, and shaggy carpet, all power to her–that is, until she decides to steamroll your home decor. 

The MIL in this next story was the classic kind, imparting her scrutinous looks, tight-lipped attitude, and total disapproval on the whole family, especially her daughter-in-law. So when the daughter-in-law and this woman's son bought their first home together, surely this Godzillian figurehead of the family could not resist sharing her unwarranted opinion on another person's style. 

Author image for Jesse Kessenheimer Jesse Kessenheimer
Advertisement
  • Cheezburger Image 10452390656
    Via Pro Creators
  • Advertisement

  • Many millennials grew up in busy, cluttered suburbia, which granted them the discerning ability to throw away anything useless in their lives. This translated quickly into a lot of young people's preferences when it comes to home decor. We like things neat, tidy, and neutral. We will never again have dusty, ornate curtains or intricately carved fireplace mantels. Minimalism brings peace to many. 

  • So when this MIL came stomping into her son and his wife's new house, she had no place calling it ‘plain’ and ‘boring’ just because it wasn't her style. Rudely, she forced her way onto the decoration committee, getting peeved when she was politely declined for her services. 

    No thanks, Mom, we like it this way.

  • "AITA for not letting my mother-in-law redecorate my living room?"

    I (29F) recently moved into a new house with my husband (31M). We've been working hard to furnish and decorate it the way we like-modern and minimalistic. My mother-in-law, Susan (58F), has a very different taste. She's all about bold colors, heavy curtains, and what she calls "statement pieces."
    Via shy_sofiaa
  • Advertisement
  • We've been working hard to furnish and decorate it the way we like-modern and minimalistic. My mother-in-law, Susan (58F), has a very different taste. She's all about bold colors, heavy curtains, and what she calls "statement pieces."
    Via shy_sofiaa
  • Π

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

    Via Mike Marchetti
  • Last weekend, Susan came over for the first time since we finished decorating. As soon as she walked in, she made a face and said, "Well, this is... very plain." She then spent the next hour pointing out things she thought could "use some flair,”
    Via shy_sofiaa
  • Advertisement
  • like adding a floral wallpaper, swapping out our simple light fixtures for elaborate chandeliers, and replacing our neutral couch with something "more exciting." I laughed it off at first, but then Susan offered to "fix it" for us.
    Via shy_sofiaa
  • She said she'd bring over some items she had in storage and make the space "pop." I politely declined, saying we're happy with how it looks. She insisted, saying, "You'll thank me when it doesn't feel so cold in here."
    Via shy_sofiaa
  • When I refused again, she got huffy and said I was being ungrateful. Now she's been telling my husband that I'm too controlling and won't let her "help." My husband is on my side, but he's also feeling awkward because his mom is making such a big deal out of it.
    Via shy_sofiaa
  • Advertisement
  • A few family members have chimed in, saying I should just let her bring over a couple of things to "make her feel involved," but I don't think I should have to compromise my home to avoid hurting her feelings. So, Am I The J for refusing to let my mother-in-law redecorate my living room?
    Via shy_sofiaa
  • pretty_jesica Definitely NTA. Your home is your sanctuary, and you've worked hard to make it reflect your style and preferences. It's nice that your MIL wants to help, but there's a big difference between offering input and taking over. Standing your ground is absolutely the right thing to do-it's your living room, not hers!
    Via pretty_jesica
  • shy_sofiaa This is our home, and it reflects our style, not hers. Standing firm on this feels crucial because letting her 'win' would set a precedent for future oversteps.
    Via shy_sofiaa
  • Advertisement
  • boundaries4546 Family members who say "she wants to feel involved" can sit the h l down. MIL 100% shouldn't feel involved in what you do in your home. I would text them and let them know that you will inform MIL that they are open to having her spruce up their home.
    Via boundaries4546
  • DevilPup55 Your house your style. Make sure she doesn't have a key. Stop her at the door if she tries barging in. If she does try something, just tell her that as soon as she leaves, it will go in the trash. Tell the flying monkeys to mind their own business.
    Via DevilPup55
  • tclynn No woman wants another woman coming in trying to take over her domain. You have a husband problem. People who criticize you, your choices OR your decision regarding anything of YOURS,
    Via tclynn
  • Advertisement
  • needs to step back, sit down or be cut off at the ankles. Best wishes your husband steps up and starts properly husbanding!
    Via tclynn
  • Butterfly Wings71 The relatives saying [she] should let her decorate need to let MIL decorate their living room. What an obnoxious demand and hope [she] gets some respect and peace.
    Via ButterflyWings71
  • Fickle Toe1724 Your mother-in-law has no right to try to redecorate your home. Stand your ground. Just tell her no. Every time she starts on the advice, tell her NO, we have decorated our home the way we like it. It is our home. If she says another word about it, show her the door and tell her to leave.
    Via Fickle_Toe1724
  • Advertisement
  • If you let her take over on this, it will never end. She will try to be involved in every decision. Including your children.
    Via Fickle_Toe1724
  • shy_sofiaa Exactly! Thank you for putting it so clearly. This feels like a boundary I have to set now, or it could snowball into other parts of our lives. I'll stick to my 'no' and make sure she knows this is our home and our decisions. Hopefully, it sends a clear message without needing to escalate further.
    Via shy_sofiaa

Like what you see? Find more hilarious women's memes and crazy stories on our Instagram @Cheezcake_Humor and more videos on our TikTok @cheezcaked 


 

Tags

females home decor minimalist woman empowered drama empowerment mother Female Empowerment relatable interesting womens memes decoration in laws mother in law womens female ladies Video women lady
Scroll down for the next article

Also From CheezCake

Trending Now

'She had new requests every week': Stay-at-home mom refuses to watch neighbor’s kid and stands up for herself after entitled mom tries to turn the neighborhood against her

'She had new requests every week': Stay-at-home mom refuses to watch neighbor’s kid and stands up for herself after entitled mom tries to turn the neighborhood against her

01
Grandparents start college fund for bio grandson, adopted brother bans them from graduation: 'If I'm not your real grandson, you're not my real grandparents'

Grandparents start college fund for bio grandson, adopted brother bans them from graduation: 'If I'm not your real grandson, you're not my real grandparents'

02
22 Babysitting Memes for Every Girl Who’s Said 'Your Parents Will Be Home Soon… Right?'

22 Babysitting Memes for Every Girl Who’s Said 'Your Parents Will Be Home Soon… Right?'

03
26 Tenacious Memes For Parents Enduring Their Toddler's Endless Terrible Twos

26 Tenacious Memes For Parents Enduring Their Toddler's Endless Terrible Twos

04
Grandparents refuse to get a car seat for their grandchild, leading father to revoke their babysitting rights, mother takes grandparents' side: ‘They did the same with me’

Grandparents refuse to get a car seat for their grandchild, leading father to revoke their babysitting rights, mother takes grandparents' side: ‘They did the same with me’

05
30 Relatable Memes for the Girls Who’ve Spent Their Rent Money on Makeup

30 Relatable Memes for the Girls Who’ve Spent Their Rent Money on Makeup

06
Advertisement