Design for a Shared Space
Q. How do I decorate my home so it does not end up being overly feminine but have results that appeal to both sexes? — Teresa from Highlands Ranch, CO
A. In many households, one half of a couple often takes the lead with decorating decisions. But if a woman is the primary decorator, that doesn’t mean lace and frills are on the horizon. If a man is making design choices, that doesn’t mean leather and animal heads will take center stage.
Stereotypes have no place in interior design. A person’s design aesthetic is what it is, whether they’re male or female. But there is a difference between a space of your own and a space shared with someone else. Couples share space. That’s part of the relationship deal. But plenty of couples know how to share areas without stepping on each other’s toes, whether that means a his and- hers master bathroom or a “his” bathroom and “hers” bathroom (or closet or bedroom, for that matter). Instead of focusing on what makes a room look overly feminine or overly masculine, let’s look at what design choices make a home accurately reflect a couple and their combined interests and aesthetics.
Color your space.
Decorating for his-and-hers doesn’t mean you have to go completely neutral. You’re not destined to have a grey, cream or beige color palette. Pink has its place and so does blue. Guys like purple and ladies like black. Consider the space and what colors will look best based on the room’s use, shape and lighting, both natural and artificial. The most important thing is that you agree as a couple on what color palette is best for the room.
Pick your patterns.
Don’t be afraid of floral patterns (Guys like flowers too!). And don’t be afraid of plaid. It doesn’t always have to scream “club room” and comes in a range of colors to please men and women alike. Interior design isn’t about what’s masculine and what’s feminine, but about balance in general. Feel free to mix and match patterns to give a room visual interest, such as oversized flowers and heavy stripes.
Embrace texture.
Tufted ottomans, velvet wallpaper, a faux animal hide rug–these elements are the lush ingredients that make a room look rich and luxe. Women and men alike can appreciate this characteristic. And who says guys don’t like to snuggle? A cozy couch, overstuffed pillows, a cashmere throw–they are all amazing elements for a space, especially a bedroom, family room
or den.
Consider heavy metals.
Gold isn’t female. Silver isn’t male. Choose the metal that reflects you both best. Steel and chrome are beautiful décor choices and complementary to a great many interior design themes. Bronze can give you that slightly gold, slightly orange sheen that is so trendy right now without going over the top into Donald Trump gold.
Modernism and minimalism.
Men do not have the monopoly on the “bachelor pad” look. Women like to play pool and have drinks too! Modern furniture doesn’t automatically translate as a solely masculine theme. Exposed beams and stark décor appeal to both sexes.
Curvy and streamlined furniture can make both men and women happy about their final interior design scheme. HLM
