It always makes me sad to walk into a couple’s bedroom that is wall to wall pink or florals. Some poor husband has to relax in what he would consider his worst nightmare. My apologies if that is the bedroom youre sitting in right now.. but come on ladies… at least try to decorate for two people! And i know, i know… he has his man cave, so this room is for you. Nope! Most of time time you spend in your house is in your bedroom. Its for you BOTH! Let your man come home and relax instead of want to gouge his eyes out.
One thing that I’ve learned in our (almost) 1 year of marriage… dudes (at least my dude) have no clue how they want to decorate. Well, Kenny usually knows what he DOESNT want. So sometimes they just need a little help. And as women its hard to read their minds and know what it is they actually do like. And even when you do figure out what they like, it might be the opposite of what you like. For example, my man loves rustic. It makes sense since his dad is a carpenter and built his parents (very rustic) house himself. Is that impressive or what? So it makes sense that Kenny would love a rustic look – but thats pretty much the opposite of what I like. Lets just say I’m a city girl and the lets-hang-dead-animal-heads-on-the-wall-and-live-in-a-cabin kinda look is just not my cup o tea. But its all about balance. Balancing my weird antique/modern style with his rustic is always a challenge but it can work! I’ve found using raw woods in minimalist pieces work for both of us – it has the warmth and rustic-ness that he likes with the simple lines that I like.
So to decorate for a guy – don’t think that you have to put up neon lights and beer posters. Guys like design more than you think they do.
I love this space because it works for men or women. Its sleek, elegant, not to feminine, not too masculine.
Need help figuring out how to decorate for a man? Heres a few hints that (most) men love.
Styles
Minimalist, rustic, natural, industrial, modern. Once you figure out his style, it’s easier to decorate for both of you.
Colors
Neutrals, blues, greys, greens. Pretty much every color except pink or purple.
via Anyone know the original?
Patterns
Geometric, Greek Key, stripes, solids, texture, chevron. You definitely want to avoid florals. One piece here or there is OK – but only a splash, please!
Materials
Metals, linens, wood, stonework, brick. Have a masculine brick wall in your bedroom? Add a chandelier for a feminine touch. It’s all about balance, people!
Decor
Books, glass decanters, b/w photography, metal sculptures, candles (men love fire), succulents, maps/globes and minimalist paintings.
Furniture
Comfortable couches and chairs, mid century buffets, trunks, industrial storage pieces. And you know he has that one piece that he absolutely loves that you can’t stand? Just let him have it! I’m sure for every one piece of his you hate, theres 12 of yours that he cant stand.
It’s really easy to get selfish when you’re designing, but keep in mind you’re not the only one who lives there. Lets give our husbands a break from florals and have a house hes actually excited to come home to.
*All images were chosen or approved by Mr. Kenny himself.