So, I got some feedback from my Dad (a forced keen subscriber of the ‘Musings’) recently….and what he said got me thinking. He said everything was very “girly”. Not necessarily a bad thing given my demographic of readers, BUT, it made me wonder – Where do men get their inspiration/guidance for decorating? Or do they?
I sincerely believe that the average bachelor type (over 28) wants to have a nice living space – but perhaps just doesn’t quite know where to turn.
I did some investigating. I went to the websites of every Men’s Magazine I could think of. NOT A ONE had anything about living spaces – no how-to’s, no help, no resources. How sad for the decor-challenged male.
<Sigh> Really?
Nothing says MAN quite like an engine block coffee table.
Lucid Interior Design Inc.
If you’re passionate about cars - oh, just consider the possibilities! After all, your home should tell a story about who you are, what you love…..
Accessorize with a Bacon scented candle….you can get one for yer very own over at man-cans.com, along with other manly scented candles like ‘fresh dug earth” or “campfire”.
It seems when we get to the heart of the matter, what’s vital in “Man Decorating” is optimal tv viewing. Any female looking at the above photo would notice the patterns & prints, the odd mix of colors & style – any male notices 6 televisions.
THIS could be facing 6 televisions. Yet be stylish….elegant….tasteful.
And though these might well be “The Rules” for the Man-Cave, I’m not sure it would be deemed “living room artwork”….
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- The Rules / Etsy
This living room is masculine, modern, and stylish. Aside from the small flowers on the table, there’s nothing ‘frou-frou’ about this space. DECORATED does not mean ‘girly’.
This bedroom – very manly. Leather, houndstooth, black & white – zero frouf factor.
So, is it a perception issue? That single men don’t want/need stylish living spaces? Or that if they do, it’s somehow “UN-manly”? And does male centric media feed this perception with their lack of information on the topic?
contemporary living room design by seattle interior designer Garret Cord Werner
I can tell you this. And I’m not ashamed to appeal to your baser nature. Should you lure a damsel/lord back to your lair, your style (or lack thereof) will be noticed. So will your hygiene & cleanliness, but that’s another topic for another person.
So look in your closet and use it as a starting point for figuring out your style. Find a piece of art that you love and use it as a starting point. Accept that not everything has to be wood, faux-wood, or brown. You are not doomed to frat house style living until you’re “rescued” by a partner.
Or, hire a professional to get you started on the right track.
And most probably, other than my Dad, you the reader is female. So I implore you to send this to your single male pals. Consider it public service.
If you’re planning to re-decorate, re-design, or renovate, contact me to help you create the extraordinary. Fall in love with your home again.
I created the soulstyle 'musings’ as a place to share my passion for color & interior decor, my thoughts & inspirations, and sometimes my life — I'm really glad you're here!
This post is so cool, Tracy! Many men design trends – who’da thunk?
Meant to say “ManLy”. lol
I’m a big fan of masculine style, it often has a kind of timelessness to it. I also posted about the bacon candle- did you know there’s a New York times candle and even a fresh cut grass candle?
http://dreamitbuilditstyleit.blogspot.com/2011/06/whats-that-i-smell.html
Nancy
Love the engine table!