For many people, marriage is the ultimate relationship goal. After dating for months or years and taking time to get to know each other, getting married solidifies the relationship in a new way. But the truth is, marriage— like any other relationship— can look different for everyone. Creator Loran Elise (@colormeelise) is shining a light on how an unconventional approach is helping to strengthen her marriage. She and her husband decided to live apart for one year, and being the creator that she is, the entire journey is being documented on TikTok.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Creating a home can

reflect your independence and

nurture personal growth

Intentional decor choices help

build a cozy, welcoming

space that feels personal

Entertaining in your own

oasis fosters joy and

reinforces new traditions

Unconventional living arrangements

can strengthen marriage by

allowing room to grow

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Thus far, Loran has shared her experience of moving into a new apartment and what it’s been like embarking on this journey. In her three-month update, she explains that the decision couldn’t have been more perfect for their relationship. “My husband and I are spending a year apart while still being happily married, and it isn’t about any problems or growing apart—it’s about growth.”

@colormeelise

Redefining love, home, and the way I show up for myself. 🧡 Welcome to Layers of Home. #cozy #cozyhome #intentionalliving #livingaparttogether #romanticizeyourlife #womenintheir30s

♬ VIBES DON’T LIE – Leon Thomas

For some people, the choice may seem hasty or reckless. Marriage is, after all, held in high esteem and has historically been displayed in one way. However, she explains that this decision was about evolving their relationship and giving each other the space to become the best version of themselves. While there’s lots to unpack about the emotional side, @colormeelise found unexpected joy in creating an oasis that was solely her vision.

Creating a Space That Loves You Back

Inspired by her new and very bare apartment, she began a series titled Layers of Home, which aims to peel back the layers of her home to help her followers do the same. “I’ve learned that building a home isn’t just about decorating it’s also about creating a space that loves you back,” she remarks.

Throughout the series, she shows how the power of home decor and building a beautiful space can reinforce your independence. Her style mantra and creator tagline are all about being cozy, and her home reflects the same sentiment. In one video, she walks viewers through her favorite kitchen items, which include a stunning set of rose-colored plates from Our Place. In another video in the Layers of Home series, she showcases her spa-like bathroom with an eucalyptus-clad shower and cool, black-toned wine glasses.

@colormeelise

Overstimulated corporate girlie + entrepreneur? Yeah, I move slow on purpose. Home is my reset, and tonight, I’m choosing peace. ✨ #layersofhome #womenintheir30s #cozyhome #intentionalliving #livingaparttogether #adviceforwomen

♬ But Beautiful – Street Cats Jazz Band

While her decision has certainly been met with some backlash, @colormeelise is showing how breaking the mold can have longterm benefits.” Not every couple can thrive in this space, but customizing your marriage can be a healthy alternative,” she says. Recently, she took to TikTok to speak on how their decision came about and the pros and cons of living happily married alone. From the comments, it’s clear that many women felt the same way, noting that space is needed for marriage and relationships to grow.

Her goal is simple, and after “taking the marriage off of autopilot,” the TikTok creator says that their relationship became more intentional and healthy. Marriage doesn’t have to be one-note. If you’re willing to adapt to other places in your life, this unconventional style may be a good fit for you.