What makes a space masculine? Is it the décor itself or the intentions of the designer? While “masculine” is a bit hard to define when it comes to design, we all know how a masculine space is supposed to look and feel. However, when you want to add some masculinity to your room, you need some precise elements. Whether you’re re-doing the man cave or making your ideal home, you should know some of the elements that make up a masculine space.
Color palette
No matter which room you want to give your attention to, starting with the color palette is the way to go. When you’re aiming for a masculine look, a couple of things should be readily obvious. For one, you’re not going to find a lot of pinks or light yellows. Those just don’t seem all that masculine. The color palette should be a shade darker than the average room, to set a moodier tone.
Some of the most recognizable classic palettes include a black and white space. The contrast between sharp versions of these colors makes for a striking and masculine space. You can always add something to break up the darker tones in the room. Warm metallic such as gold and brass can help accentuate décor elements in the room.
A mish-mash of textures
When it comes to designing a man’s space, some elements are even more important than color. Consider the texture of the various pieces of décor. You aren’t aiming to make everything in the room look the same. To breathe a little life into the room, you need some variety in texture.
For a masculine space, you’re going to want to put emphasis on rough and weathered surfaces. Stone and unfinished should always be the first choices. They are tough materials and they have a rough-hewn feel. However, metallics aren’t out of the question either. They might be smooth and shiny, but no one can deny their attractive and masculine aesthetics.
Plentiful masculine accessories
A lot of people think that masculine spaces don’t require a lot of accessorizing. After all, why add unnecessary pieces of décor when you can just aim for practical elements? This is the wrong way to look at it. The men of old have always had studies that they’ve adorned with trophies and books, so accessorizing isn’t anything particularly new.
In much the same way, the masculine spaces of today need to be accessorized well. The good news is that there’s no real limit to what you can add to the room. Start with the basics. Stoneware, statues, and pottery are great choices that can bring some interesting textures and aesthetics to any kind of room. Plus, they show that you have great taste in art. Pack your shelves with the books you enjoy most, and make sure that they’re the hard-cover versions.
Strong lighting and shading
Men often underestimate the effect of the lighting in their spaces. It’s a crucial element that should complement every other aspect of the room. Picking out the right kind of lighting can emphasize your other décor and make it look even nicer.
Start with the light bulbs you use. Try to shy away from sources of light like fluorescent bulbs. They’re rough on the eyes and they make the room look more sterile and duller. Stick with warmer sources like LED lights and iridescent bulbs.
Controlling natural light is just as important in a masculine space. You should be able to keep out the sun just as easily as you let it in. Just using curtains alone probably won’t do the trick. When you need to make your room pitch-black, some blockout blinds might come in handy. Covering your windows with the right blinds means you’ll be able to have a relaxing Saturday morning without the sun getting in your way.
Lots of leather
When talking about masculine materials, leather is never too far from the discussion. It’s a material with an aesthetic as rugged as the material itself. Leather has a reputation for being an essential part of any man’s arsenal. This goes for his living space, as well.
A bit of leather here and there will make your home look even more attractive. It’s a versatile material, but you should strategically apply it where people are going to expect it. Couches and sofas are a safe bet. This is where leather shines. It’s comfortable, tough, and easy to clean. You can show off your rugged furniture and use it to its full practical extent.
Conclusion
Creating a masculine space isn’t all that difficult. You just have to know where to start. People know what’s masculine when they see it, but creating a masculine space from scratch is a bit more difficult. Keep these ideas in mind when you design yours and you’ll see great results.
