5 Rules on Masculine Style Interior Design
Gender is a social construct and there are no rules that say men should have masculine style decor and women should have feminine style decor. That being said, there are certain design elements that we associate with one gender more than the other simply because of societal influences and biases. These tips are for men, women, and people of all gender identities who love more traditionally masculine elements of interior design. Masculine style decor has a few basic rules. The first rule is to lean towards richer and darker colors. The second rule is to have solid shapes and clean lines. Third, add some elements with rustic or industrial textures. Fourth is to use simple, geometric patterns matched with more luxurious materials. Lastly, add personality to your space by showcasing your hobbies and interests.
There are other colors aside from blue
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It’s about time for human beings, as a species, to evolve past the need to assign certain colors to certain genders. Way back when, pink was a color associated with men. Gendering colors are based on completely arbitrary factors, to say the least. So, when planning your masculine room’s color palette, try to put not to make blue your first choice. It’s been done to death! Better yet, instead of the colors themselves, focus on what emotions the colors convey.
You want richer, moodier colors. These tend to be darker colors. These can be forest greens, dark reds, navy blue, and even deep purples. Remember to mix in some neutrals with these rich colors. You can have multiple shades of brown, black, gray, and white to balance out your palette. When it comes to wood finishing, warmer and darker stains work best. Remember that planning out your color scheme is a great way to kick off your design process, so take it seriously and choose thoughtfully.
Go for solid shapes and clean lines
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Feminine decor usually encourages lots of layers and textures. Usually, that type of design leans toward the comfier, cozier side. Often times the shapes of things get lost in all this layering. In masculine decor, shapes and lines are important. When choosing furniture, for example, you will want to go with the ones with sharper edges and pieces that hold their shape.
Stay away from fluff and unnecessarily soft textures. Of course, don’t neglect your own comfort when following these rules. There is always a happy medium and you don’t have to subject yourself to a particularly uncomfortable couch just for the sake of masculinity. Don’t neglect your accessories when it comes to creating clean lines. Choose lamps and light fixtures that are simple but have distinct shapes, maybe even geometric shapes.
You can even add more clean lines and shapes to your space by coloring some of the things black to make the shapes pop. If your floors or walls have grout, opt for black grout. This will not only make your lines more distinct, but they will also look cleaner in the long term. You can also paint things like your window frames or stair banisters black to emphasize their straight lines.
Sprinkle in some industrial elements
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Rustic and industrial decor are staples in masculine interior design. These are elements such as concrete, metal, and unfinished wood. The textures and the unpolished characteristics are the ones that make these things more masculine-looking. Unpainted concrete walls look great in spaces like these. Another alternative is exposed brick.
If feminine style interior design calls for a more dressed-up look, masculine interior design entails something more stripped down. Don’t be afraid to show and even highlight the bones of your space’s architecture. Things such as varnished concrete floors instead of tiles or exposed beams and columns work wonderfully with this design style.
Mixing simple patterns with high-end materials
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Masculine does not have to be synonymous with cold and uncomfortable. Add a few decorative pillows and blankets here and there for your convenience and to add some contrasting textures to your decor. Just remember that this type of interior design tends to be more simplistic and minimalistic. Do not go overboard and stick to a certain kind of design.
There are actually many fabric patterns that are associated with masculinity more than femininity. The first is geometric shapes; this is not limited to only 2D shapes, 3D patterns are also encouraged. You can also play with plaid and gingham. Simple patterns such as stripes or checkered prints can also have a place in your design.
As for textures, leather and animal hide always works with masculine interiors. Of course, they don’t have to be genuine to have the same visual effect. Faux leather and hides are 100% acceptable. Some people may not want large pieces made of leather because they can be unconformable, but a throw pillow, a hide or fur rug, an accent chair, a footstool made of leather can elevate a space and make it look more luxurious without sacrificing its masculine appeal.
Showcase your hobbies and gadgets
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It’s easy to get so absorbed in the rules of interior design to the point where your space doesn’t represent who you are anymore. Always remember to insert pieces or your personality into your decor. After all, you’re the one that has to live there. A great, classy way to do this is through displaying things that represent your likes and hobbies around the space. If you like music, dedicate a space for your vinyl records and player. Perhaps you even like to make music. Install a wall mount or add a stand for your instrument.
It doesn’t even have to be a hobby, it can just be something you enjoy doing recreationally from time to time. Install a dartboard on the wall. If you have the space, spring for a pool table. These are things that make a space feel more comfortable, despite all the clean lines and simple decor. Technology also fits in well with masculine interior decor. You can display your new flatscreen prominently without worrying about “ruining the aesthetic”. Gaming set-ups and sound systems are not just allowed but encouraged.
