So I have a confession. Something about blog-land has been on my mind for quite some time. Where the hell are the men in design? Have they all passed out under the choking cloud of chevron, glitter, acrylic, gold, pink, and brass? Are they buried under furry pillows, floral prints and Moroccan everything? I’m dying to know how all the interior design lovers around the interwebs have rendered their men mute. Because I know the guy in my life would never let such an overtly feminized style fly.

And if I’m going to be honest, I kinda can’t stand they hyper-girlie design trends either. I find spaces grounded in thoughtful, yet practical design both refreshing and calming.

apt34oneroomchallengewk3IMG_7966+edited

There are a few key elements to this look.

A less is more approach. If there’s one thing I’ve come to learn over the years, particularly now that we have a baby – you really don’t need a lot of stuff! Sticking to utilitarian pieces will serve you in the long term. Yes, you can accessorize with things that you truly love but the tchotchke is only something you have to dust (or keep out of little fingers’ reach!).

Only add pieces with meaning. When you have an empty space it can be very tempting to fill it. But instead or running to the nearest big box take a more considered approach. What do you really need? What do you really really love?

Prioritize function as well as form. There isn’t a lot of room for precious pieces in this kind of style. That doesn’t mean you can’t collect beatutiful pieces but there’s a lot to be said for a gorgeous leather ottoma that will petina with age or a marble coffee table that will stand the test of time.

I’m excited to keep these design mantras in mind to create a space that is as useful as it is beautiful. Here is my current furniture inspiration for the media room.
media-room-design-one-room-challenge-apt34

couch | floor lamp | living room | rug | side table | pillow | pouf | art 

I see a cozy sectional that will be ready for lots of hours spent lounging. The key to making the room interesting is a variety of textures. Linen, leather, a wool rug, a cool textured mirror. I might sneak in a pop of metallic with a killer floor lamp, but we’ll have to see if that passes muster with my guy’s discerning design eye. With this insipiration in hand, I’m excited to move onto the next step – shopping!

Be sure to check out the rest of this week’s updates.

Apartment 34 | Arianna Belle | Because It’s Awesome | Coco+Kelley | Design Darling | Design Indulgence |Design Manifest | Christine Dovey | The English Room | Vanessa Francis | Hi Sugarplum | Honey We’re Home | Jojotastic | The Pink Clutch | The Pink Pagoda | Simplified Bee | Style Your Senses | A Thoughtful Place | Kimberly Whitman | The Zhush |

room image 1, room images 2

What do you think?

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23 Comments

  1. My thoughts exactly. I add a few accessories to style for shoots, but for day-to-day life I really prefer a more clean, edited look. The more masculine side of design is deep in my heart, as well. It just feels more sophisticated and grounded. Looking forward to seeing how your media room turns out!

  2. I’ve found that I have a neutral-feminine decorating style personally, but I am itching to create a space such as yours for my husband to enjoy. I enjoy the look so much, and I know he does too. Maybe one day! Until then, I’ll keep following along here to see just how wonderful your space is going to turn out!

  3. I’m not huge on the hyper-feminine design either – so happy you feel the same way! And my guy would not live like that either, but I like that we can put together a room that we can both enjoy.

    xx,
    Marisa

  4. I love the direction your room is heading. I would always choose one special thing over a bunch of semi-special things. It is hard to stop yourself from “filling up” because there is so much now at our virtual fingertips. I’m trying hard not to overdo my room.

    I love your choices in furnishings because they are all unique and stylish on their own. I scored a curved back tufted sofa a while back that changed my life. I agree with you that an interesting piece can go a long way all by itself. Can’t wait to see it come together!

  5. I admittedly love feminine design but always like it best when mixed with some edge and modernity. I absolutely love your design board- that Anthro mirror is one of my all time favourites. Your colour palate is a stunner! Excited to see this come to life.

  6. I personally am a lover of all things grily, white, and bright, and my husband doesn’t really care what I do with the decor all that much (except no flowers on pillows or bed spreads, ever), so with that I basically get free range!

    Paige
    http://thehappyflammily.com

  7. I love a man’s touch in most remodel-type things I undertake. I don’t always agree with mine, but I don’t tend to lean too girlie-girl either.

  8. This is GREAT – I love that you call it like it is!! Many times I have shown my husband instagram pictures and jokingly asked if we could have that room. A home needs to feel comfortable and be enjoyed by all inhabitants. I prefer a neutral space with thoughtful items that add texture and interest. Refreshing & Calming interiors? Yes, PLEASE 🙂
    I’m looking forward to see your room progress next week,
    Darlene
    http://www.BundleMeBaby.etsy.com

  9. I think chevron killed them. All of them. Except maybe Andrew Howard and James Farmer.

    I love girly stuff, but also ADORE a masculine room. Something so sexy about them.

  10. I agree, and have been impressed with the masculine spaces I have seen…although, not many. I’m also happy my husband doesn’t care what I do in the way of decorating. As long as it includes a tv.

    1. I love this comment about the TV! Our space is all about balancing his want for a crazy home theatre system and my want of furniture.

      I love moody men’s spaces – especially in a bedroom. But as a family space I can’t wait to see this room.

  11. I’m drawn to a more masculine look both in design and personal style, although I also like to add a little feminine glam as a finishing touch. I am definitely one for the “less stuff, more impact” approach. And it’s so refreshing to see different points of view on my favorite blogs, so thanks for not getting caught up in that cloud of chevron and glitter!

  12. I was at Ikea today, and I saw a really pretty doormat. I thought about it, then I thought, this is really really girly, and I walked away. I didn’t end up getting a doormat today, but I am definitely decorating for my husband’s taste as well as mine, so nothing too feminine.

  13. Can’t wait to see how the room turns out! Media rooms are one of the most fun rooms to decorate, in my humble opinion.

  14. No surprise that I’m loving your design direction. You always nail it, Erin. Strangely, I am finding myself gravitating more and more towards fem design. Must be the extra ladies in the house 😉