Decorating for the Male Influence in Your Home

A perfect example of how antler can mix with a contemporary design. Designer Show house by the very talented Atlanta designer, Suzanne Kasler..

Remembering the Special Man in Your Life
Jan Adrian-Hink

Let’s be honest… if we were to decorate just in our personal tastes, our rooms would be pretty easy to decorate. But, when we share our space with a male we need to take into consideration his tastes in decorating also. It is a matter of compromise, so both are happy with the outcome.

We will start with the bedroom, a room where we can unwind and completely relax at the end of the day. When purchasing furniture for this room be sure to keep the proportions for the room.

For instance, if you have a larger room with a vaulted ceiling, you would want to purchase a taller, heavier headboard. A leather sleigh bed style is a masculine choice and gives the space more weight. A comfortable chaise or overstuffed chair upholstered in a jacquard is soft and inviting Geometric pillows on the bed and chaise should be minimal and in larger sizes.

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The colors used in your bedroom should be quiet and soothing. Charcoals, sand tones and cremes can be mixed in the bedding, walls and ceiling. Wood floors in a larger and lighter toned carved plank will still feel masculine, but will also offset the dark furniture and add interest. There’s always room for an interesting rug in a sisal or patterned wool.

From Lighting to Drapes to Duck Decoys

Our lighting sets the mood of the room and chandeliers are increasingly popular in the bedroom. To keep it simple; a large drum style in black would be sexy and keep with the minimalist style. It would also add weight to the ceiling and balance the room.

Lamps on each side of the bed, either on a night stand or wall are very functional for reading.

Artwork can be placed over the bed or on each side of the bed above the night stands. A good choice for art would be scenic travels you have taken together or dream about taking together. It always adds comfort to have your favorite family member photos nearby on the nightstands or walls shelving, too.

Floor length draperies over roman shades offer privacy and soften the window. The draperies could have a 24 inch height banding at the bottom in a contrast color for interest.

We can add more of our feminine touch with a chenille throw on the chaise and some patterned pillows on the bed and chaise. And, to set the mood some scented candles and fresh flowers.

Now, for some of the other areas of your home, remember we are still compromising… the deer head dilemma is one that I hear quite often. Adding an antler chandelier to the room and hanging large pattern wallpaper on the wall where the deer head or antlers are to hang-mixes two styles together. Duck decoys can be mixed with a modern decor by displaying them in a sleek display case. This could be a horizontal case to rest on the fireplace mantel or a hanging vertical display case for the wall. Large comfortable upholstered pieces in a soft wool flannel blend well with the outdoor, casual style. You can add your personality in area rugs, pillows and art.

By compromising on some of the choices and adding some of your mates ideas, your home will be a comfortable retreat for both of you.

Special Touches