Moving in together may mean making some compromises. From tidiness to schedule differences, you’ll probably have to make a few adjustments to your usual, female-friendly preferences. There is no exception when it comes to decorating your new shared space. Perhaps you swoon for Viva Magenta. He asks, what’s wrong with brown? You’re chintz. He’s corduroy. So, how can we make sure to decorate with both a feminine and masculine touch? Read on for some ideas on how to create a balanced look in your home that is equally his and hers.
Experiment with Minimalism
We’ve all entered a man’s home to see, gasp, a single chair facing a TV propped up on a fold-out table. Perhaps you remember the early days of dating, when your guy slept on a futon or a mattress placed directly on the floor. Men are quite comfortable living in, what we’ll lovingly call, a minimalistic environment. To achieve this look in a way that suits your own preferences, try the following steps:
- Stow clutter
- Clear countertops
- Embrace bare walls
- Let in natural lighting
- Design with clean lines
Not only will your man appreciate a clean, pared-back look, but you’ll both benefit from a space that’s easier to keep tidy.
Embellish with Greenery
A softer vibe can be achieved without the use of airy textiles and pastel colors. Simply bring in a few thoughtfully chosen houseplants and watch the space take on a fresh, balanced look. To ensure the approval of your significant other, go with non-flowering plants such as pothos (or devil’s ivy), bamboo, cacti, and monstera. Houseplants don’t just look great, they also provide surprising health benefits. For example, bamboo palm is known to remove harmful toxins, like formaldehyde, from the air.
Star’s pro tip: For a low-maintenance option, opt for faux greenery and forgo the need for ample sunlight and watering. Either way, you’ll both enjoy the lively boost of natural color to your space.
Prioritize Comfort
When it comes to decorating where tastes diverge, keep comfort at the forefront of the conversation. Consider bringing in motion furniture to please both his and your tastes. When we say ‘motion furniture’, perhaps your grandfather’s dated recliner comes to mind. Fret not, today’s power reclining furniture is designed with a nod to more modern preferences. Shop around and you’ll find that today’s power reclining sectionals offer a stylish look and enough room for the two of you to lounge together with space to spread out.
Go Au Naturale
When navigating neutral design territory, you can never go wrong drawing inspiration from nature. This means bringing a balance of elements such as wood, stone, cotton and certain metals. Take particular note of the mention of balance, as the overuse of any of these organic materials can be visually off-putting.
Star’s pro tip: In a room with wood flooring, roll out a neutral-toned, woven area rug. Then, embellish the space with glass lighting fixtures and a metallic wall-mounted mirror. Avoid heavy drapery as free-flowing natural light pairs perfectly with earthy decor.
Bring in Dark, Moody Tones
A minimalist space with plenty of natural light lends a great opportunity to decorate with a rich, moody palette. These types of colors will please his masculine tastes and appeal to your desire for dramatic flair. The trick to incorporating darker colors in any space is to focus on creating balance. Ideally, you’ll decorate with a mix of light and dark shades, preventing one from overpowering the other.
Star’s pro tip: In a room with white walls, bring in a bedroom set made of dark wood, such as the Linea pictured below. For the couple with a penchant for adventure, paint the walls with a color such as a deep, royal blue. Then, decorate the rest of the space with light-colored furniture and accents to balance out the look.
Light it Right
Now it’s time to light up the space. Although you’ve let in ample natural light, table lamps, floor lamps, and pendant lighting are essential for when the sun goes down. To keep him happy, look for statement lighting featuring sharp profiles and clean, uncomplicated lines.Try adding a uniquely shaped floor lamp, such as the Finley, for an eye-catching touch that you both can agree on.
Star’s pro tip: If the design of your home prevents you from letting in natural light during the day, consider installing dimmable lighting. This way, you’ll have total control over the level of lighting in your home throughout the day.
Try Your Hand in Up-Cycling
Although you love him dearly, your significant other might insist on holding onto a beloved piece of furniture that doesn’t quite tickle your fancy. Since your goal is to collaborate on a design that works for the both of you, consider the opportunity here for an up-cycling project. Perhaps the weathered armchair that he loves so much could be tailored to your liking paired with some new upholstery. Alternatively, that beat-up dining table he’s had since his college years might just need some refinishing to look brand new.
For an easier alternative, consider the use of a contemporary slip-cover to beautify the look of an old, outdated sofa or armchair.
Leather and Lace (Ok, Mostly Leather)
It comes as no shock that men have a particular liking for the rich, supple look of leather anything. You’re sure to appeal to his tastes with a few thoughtfully chosen leather-clad pieces. There’s good news for you, too. Leather doesn’t have to have a heavy, overly-masculine look. Because you’ve let in some natural light and learned the importance of balance in design, the addition of a leather sofa is sure to mesh well in your living room.
Make it Personal
This design idea is one of our favorites because it’s where you’ll let your respective passions shine. Go beyond traditional, store-bought decor and bring in cherished memorabilia, collectibles and accessories that speak to his, mine and ours. This can be done with the use of an empty bookshelf, display cabinet, or the surface of a buffet or credenza.
In the same vein, consider the addition of a gallery wall in an empty hallway. Gather a collection of photos that capture your most heartfelt memories, then mix in a smattering of prints from yours and his favorite artists. It’s up to you whether you prefer to display photography in mix-matched frames, or go with a more uniform look. You truly can’t go wrong with a personalized gallery wall, and it’ll likely bring a smile to each of your faces every time you pass it by.
Use Books as Decor
Now that you’ve established some neutral territory that you can both get behind, it’s time to do some simple embellishment. One of the easiest ways to do this, while still appealing to the tastes of your partner, is to decorate with books. Probably one of the more frugal design options, using books as decor is exceedingly simple and can usually be done without the need for a shopping trip. There are plenty of ways to embellish a room with books, such as:
- Stacked on a mantle
- Displayed on a side table
- Paired with a houseplant on your coffee table
- Arranged on a bookshelf with a mix of other curated art and objects
Star’s pro tip: Pay close attention to the color scheme of each book you choose to display. You’ll want to make sure that the collective look of each cluster of books, no matter how large or small, meshes well with your existing decor.
Get Help from a Trusted Professional
If, after trying these options, you find that you and your better half are still at a design-related impasse, it’s time to ask for help from a trusted professional. Not a marriage counselor, but an interior designer that can help you to find common decorating ground as a couple. That’s where the experts at Star Furniture step in. Visit our Houston, Austin and San Antonio stores and we’d be delighted to assist you in designing a space that speaks to the tastes of both you and your beau.
If you enjoyed this blog, check out our article on the 7 elements of interior design.