Have you ever looked at a home, and felt it to be overtly ‘masculine’? Do you associate certain tastes in decor like floral prints and softer colours with ‘feminine’ sensibilities?
If you do, you are not alone! The concepts of ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ interior design have been around for a while. Of course, calling something 'masculine' or 'feminine' doesn't mean that the particular style or decor is compulsorily for men or women — it simply means that the space in question has qualities we often associate more with one gender, than the other.
If you are looking for a home that balances both the masculine and feminine design sensibilities, we’ve decoded it all for you!
Get Feminine Decor Right (‘Coz, Ladies First!)
Subtlety is the key to decor that is driven by feminine accents, represented by freshness and beauty. Here’s how you can ensure that the different elements in your home reflect a personality that is essentially feminine.
1. Colour:
Unlike men, women have the best colour recognition capacity. They could differentiate between 10 shades of the same parent colour! So when it comes to decorating a room with feminine aspects, pastel shades and summery hues work wonders. They balance freshness with elegance. If you are looking for dark colours, roasted pink goes well with feminine rooms.
2. Shapes:
To achieve that womanly feel, use soft, rounded shapes and smooth lining details. Delicacy is one of the qualities associated with women. Delicate materials put together with curvy and intricate things would definitely do the thing.
3. Patterns:
Patterns play a major role in creating feminine rooms. Floral patterns are feminine by default! Some other popular patterns are botanicals, bohemians, polka dots in geometric patterns, and demasks. These patterns ensure the perfect feminine touch to your room.
4. Materials:
Fancy mirrors, delicate lamps, antique chandeliers, and sheer material curtains are traditionally feminine materials. Stylish table lamps or hanging pendant lamps with low-wattage light bulbs will give your bedroom a feminine glow.
5. Textures:
It won't be advisable to concentrate on a particular texture family. Balance is the key here. Even for a feminine room, try combining vintage, rustic accents. Lush, soft fabrics are comforting and homey. Consider giving a classic blend of textures such as cotton, silk, velvet, linen, chenille and cashmere.
6. Furniture:
Add to your bedroom's feminity by choosing a light-coloured dresser or vanity. Choose bedding featuring a fashionable pattern in a colour that matches your other furnishings. Add colour coordinated throw pillows for extra plushness. Recycled or vintage-looking furniture adds uniqueness. Some examples include a brass daybed, a vintage steamer trunk for storage, An old-fashioned school desk, floor lamps with patterned shades, etc.
7. Accessories:
A nice bubbly touch of accessories is needed to complete the feminine decor. Don't be afraid to mix patterns and colours — this applies to bedding, rugs and curtains. A patterned quilt and throw pillows in bright hues or graphic prints will add a bit of bohemian quirkiness. Silky, cushy throw pillows, wall hangings, lamps, Artifacts, some handmade craft, creative photo frames and many more things can be combined to accessorise your room in a feminine way.
Now that you know how to give your home ‘the woman’s touch’, let’s talk about the other end of the spectrum!
Get Masculine Decor Right!
A man’s bedroom is the place where a lifestyle emerges. A space that’s beautifully decorated with masculine touches can be equally appealing for both sexes, and can even be a wonderful option for a family home. Here’s how different elements in your home can be worked on to reflect a more masculine appeal!
1. Colour:
When it comes to masculine bedrooms, the first thing that comes to mind is simplicity. The colours you should use include darker tones such as brown, black, grey or navy blue. Neutrals are also a great option. Masculine spaces are usually inspired by earthy neutrals. You may also consider bright colour tones like orange, yellow, etc.
2. Shapes:
Masculine rooms are usually characterised by straight lines, simple yet modern shapes, and angular things.
3. Patterns:
Plaids, herringbone, and stripes are majorly known manly patterns.
4. Materials:
Men have traditionally been thought of as the more rugged and less refined gender. There’s something about dark-stained wood that makes it look masculine, elegant and classy. Pair it with a few other dark accents. Consider using steel and chrome as well.
5. Textures:
It's a big 'no' to all the common textures when a room is to be masculine. Leather is the universal choice when it comes to masculine decor. Leather sofas, animal hides, suede, flannel, and tweed could be used. Texture your manly bedroom with a mix of wooden floors and concrete walls. A combination of linen, cotton, or silk could also be added to balance the earthy tones!
6. Furniture:
Leather sofas and armchairs will always convey a masculine vibe. Opt for the types that are simple and basic, without decorative elements or sophisticated designs. The more robust and simpler, the better. Masculine interior designs are not known for being fashionable. So include classical furniture such as a lounge chair and may be a few other timeless pieces too. The wall décor should be kept very simple. You can display photos and artwork, but the frames should feature few or no embellishments.
7. Art:
Solidness describes men. Speaking of which, an old wooden trunk turned into a nightstand is a gorgeous idea and gives an artistic look to the room. Illuminated by tall windows with a long, alluring window seat on one side, and artificial lighting defining architectural lines on the other, support the dark hues. Everything falls into place when you know how to achieve great lighting in dark-coloured interiors.
The same factors, with different detailing, can create gender-specific decor. Usually, a mix of both create the best homes!
If you are looking for more specific advice for your home, get in touch with Hipcouch today!
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