Mixing Masculine with Feminine

Sometimes it can be a challenge for a couple to agree how to decorate their home. If you're lucky, your husband may not care. But if you are one of the luckier ones, your husband will care, and the whole experience will be a chance to learn to better communicate (among other things) and you will both be even more pleased with the end result.

Usually, men tend to lean toward heavy or more massive pieces, darker colors or neutrals (blacks, grays, whites, browns), as well as clean lines and maybe even geometric prints. But when it comes down to it, they just want to be comfortable.

Women on the other hand, tend to like the opposite. For instance, they don't mind as much if the living room sofa is not optimum for nap-taking. Of course, women tend toward color, curves, prints, textures, etc. The more interesting, the better.

My husband and I recently moved and designed all the rooms in our home. Let me tell you it was definitely more of a task than I was expecting. I thought decorating would be a sinch because I didn't think he cared to much. He is a very "as long as you are happy, I am happy" sort of man. However, I was surely mistaken.

Exhibit A:

If my husband were to have his way, this is what type of sofa he would choose. A sofa plagued with puffiness. You see, this is optimal for afternoon nap taking. And for video-gaming. And for hours of sports watching. The nice leather makes it easy for cleaning spills and crumbs.

Unfortunately, this is what I call a "fat lazy bum sofa." Maybe this style of sofa is why American's are so overweight. Just kidding. But it sure seems as if it enables lazy habits doesn't it? To me, it just doesn't have "style."

Ok. Exhibit B:

Now, if I had my way, I would have chosen something more like this. Luxurious velvety fabric, pretty color, accessorized with silver nail heads on the arms, and set off on a clean-lined base. This type of sofa lends more to chit-chatting, lady-like sitting, and maybe even drinking sparkling lemonade. Doesn't that sound nice?

Well, when you are married, you don't always get what you want so you have to compromise. Here is the actual sofa we compromised on.

It has the more tailored lines that I like, and the cushions that meet my husband's puffiness standard (although now he is saying it is too puffy and not as comfortable as he thought. Poor guy).

Here is an example of a room with both masculine and feminine touches.

The balance of light and dark are equally balanced, keeping the room warm while still bright and airy. The furniture has tailored lines and is very practical. The textures are not too fussy, but rather clean and simple. The draperies have a more feminine quality to them and help prevent the room from being too sterile. Also, the greenery and flowers are a feminine element, but because they are branches, trees, and white flowers, it's not overly feminine and speaks to the masculine love of the outdoors.

There are so many ways to merge these two seemingly opposite styles. The trick is to simply communicate and compromise. It may take more time, but it will certainly be worth it. When all is said and done, accommodating for male and female styles can lend itself to something truly unique and original, something you both can take pride in.