Men and women are different. They have been since the beginning of time and will only continue to be. They look different, talk differently, and act differently… They also have different feelings about things. Things like decorating. And while you might not think your guy cares about how you decorate your home, he really does. It’s just that he doesn’t care as much about it as you do.
While you certainly don’t have to go full on man cave in your home, it doesn’t hurt to incorporate a bit of masculinity into the design. Not only is a little man vibe cool, but it also makes him feel like it’s his home, too.
Today we’re going to talk about 5 steps you can take to create a more masculine interior. Again, there’s no need to go overboard. You can pick and choose as needed. Even incorporating these ideas can make your home a bit more guy-friendly.
1. Mix and Match
Men often tend to live by a “look good without trying too hard” philosophy–a philosophy that even carries over into home decor. To accomplish a nice, yet understated look that looks effortlessly put together, mix and match your elements a bit. A variety of design eras, as well as a variety of textures and patterns, are the way to go.
With that said, aim for quality. Well-designed, quality furniture and fabrics, will always look good. Not only will you get depth and character, but you’ll also have products that will last a long time.
Some man-approved fabric patterns to consider are stripes, checks, plaid, and geometrics. All of which can be found here in our multi-purpose fabrics section.
2. Use Manly Materials
Leather, wood, and metals are definitely go-to materials for the guy in your life. These elements do more than evoke warmth–they also deliver durability. Thankfully, with the surging trend of reclaimed materials, you can find all sorts of things that even the woman of the house will love.
3. Incorporate Something Old
Vintage is in these days, so adding something old to your space should be a simple task. Vintage products add character and also provide comfort, which is a valuable trait to men.
Look for those hidden gems that are gently worn and weathered. Items like these will make a home feel more inviting. Seek them out at estate sales, or at your local thrift and antique stores, to ensure that you have something of quality.
4. Carefully Choose Colors
The color combination you choose will be an extremely important part of making your home more masculine. You might think choosing the right colors will be challenging, but honestly, anything but pastels will work. There are, however, two palettes you just can’t go wrong with.
The first is a grayscale and primary color combination. The nice thing about this palette is that you can swap your color choices out easily because of the neutral backdrop. Dominate the space with shades of white, black, and gray, and then incorporate a variety of color through various accessories, such as lighting, pillows, throws, and artwork.
The second combo consists of earthy hues paired with jewel tones. Yes, jewel tones! Earth tones are such an easy way to create a space that is both warm and inviting. The shades of brown brought in through natural materials such as wood, leather, and terra cotta look rich and beautiful, rather than overwhelming when offset with jewel tones like mustard, burgundy, emerald, and teal. Again, these colors are easy to bring in via accessories.
5. Angles, Not Curves
When it comes to women, men generally prefer curves. But in regards to furniture, it’s all about angles. Angular pieces are an easy way to give the room some masculine strength. Instead of that round accent table you’ve been eyeing, go for the square one. Instead of all that artwork full of flowers, opt for something that features a geometric or tribal print. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have furnishings that are soft. Quite the opposite in fact. The goal is to provide a little contrast that will balance the space so you’re both happy.
Consider Getting Him Involved
Before diving into any decorating project, it doesn’t hurt to ask for your man’s opinion. Does he find that chair you’ve got your eye on comfortable? Is this a color he can live with? Should the windows be dressed or undressed? You get the idea.
Believe it or not, he does have an opinion, but as mentioned earlier, his opinions usually aren’t going to be as strong as yours are when it comes to how you’re going to decorate your home.
Ready to add some masculine touches to your home? We can help! Come visit us at one of our retail locations or shop online! We have great deals on geometric, solid, and multi-purpose upholstery fabrics that will work with any design style. You’re sure to find something you’ll both like.
