Beyond the Bachelor Pad: Incorporating Masculine Design

You are about to move in with your girlfriend. It’s an exciting time, a natural progression, and one you’ve been looking forward to. A new home with the opportunity to create the living space you’ve both been dreaming of. But, alas, the age old battle commences – Girls vs. Boys – or, in the design world, Masculine vs. Feminine.

Designing your new home does not need to become ‘tug-of-war’. She may not see it yet, but balancing a love of masculine and feminine styling can lend to creating a harmonious existence and a beautiful home. It’s time to lose the dark, dirty, man-cave cliché and demonstrate how the injection of an elegant, contemporary masculine aesthetic can be appreciated by any feminine perspective in design.

Myth Busting:

There is an ever common misconception that a masculine space need be minimalist, incomplete and rather boring. Colour palettes stereo typically would be dark and uninviting. In reality, ‘masculinity’ is a feeling or atmosphere created in a room, developed from utilising a choice of complimenting pieces. A masculine space creates an impact as a whole; it is clean and tailored, bringing a sense of visual weight, warmth and comfort.

Starting Out:

When looking to design a masculine space, we must consider the room’s primary function. It needs to be elegant, simple and effortless whilst still being user-friendly. Design elements and furniture should have clean, straight, tailored lines with a strong sense of architecture. Try and choose options that functional, versatile, and durable. Red wine and pizza nights shouldn’t be overshadowed by the fear of ruining the cream carpet! Exposed wood flooring, for example, provides a durable, understated and warm option, injecting effortless texture to any design.

An Eclectic Mix:

The elements of design that can make a space feel ‘masculine’ offer both versatility and sophistication. When creating a masculine aesthetic look at a mixture of textures and fabrics, to contrast yet complement one another.  Organics such as wood, stone and textures like leather, wool, and tweed fabrics can bring in elements to the home that can help you develop a more masculine feel. Try not to over decorate; a balanced mix of natural elements will however, prevent the space from feeling incomplete and sparse.

Colour:

Colour choices are also important. Rich and bold colours are a great way to inject a masculine atmosphere to a room, but remember to choose colours to co-exist with the furniture you have selected. Deep, dark pieces should be balanced with neon light and other more relaxed colour tones to provide a balanced, comfortable feel that is not overpowering.

Masculine interiors are naturally warm, dramatic and indulgent, and banishing any preconceptions often loved by all for their elegant and comfortable feel. If they are still not convinced, design need not all be masculine. Choosing a masculine framework with some feminine detailing could provide the perfect compromise. Similarly, adding some angular lines, industrial features and darker wood tones are simple ways to bring a masculine feel to any room. Perhaps most importantly, not a lazy boy or giant flat screen in sight! What more could she be after?

 By Lesley Harvey

Lesley Harvey is an interior design enthusiast – when not working on her own projects, she loves to channel her inspiration into articles on all areas of home, design and interiors.