Feminine Influence in Interior Design

When asked whether the room that you’re standing in is masculine or feminine, how would you respond? Are there really masculine and feminine rooms?

There are instances when interior designers described houses or rooms in this manner but this does not seem to go well with a few readers. Calling anything masculine or feminine does not mean that the style is purely for males or purely for females. This only means that the characteristics that are associated with a particular design are more inclined with one gender than the other.

Ladies First

Let’s define what rooms are often linked to femininity. The living room is a high-traffic zone. When you see floral throws, a colorful abstract painting, or pink walls, then you’re sure to think that the place belongs to someone who is feminine.

This could also be the case in the bedroom where the floral wallpaper sits right on top of the pink walls. The furniture is fairly neutral but it is encased with light colors such as delicate golds and pastels. You are also likely to see comfy stuff such as a tufted ottoman, delicate prints, and pile fabrics.

Now on to Men

The rooms where masculinity thrives is a place where there are leather sofa, rough-hewn logs, dark-colored furnishings, and sometimes, even stuffed animals. And nothing screams bachelor pad more than black leather chairs.

You are also going to find a lot of wood beams, textures, plaid, some gold frames, and a leather headboard.

What makes these things masculine is the thing that is associated with the particular material used. For example, leather is linked with hunting as are animal hides. Exposed bricks, concrete, and wood beams are known to be rugged, thus, manly. Simple, straight lines define the very nature of men as the female form is more angular.

Metals such as chrome or steel are the epitome of simplicity as well as honesty.

Going Feminine

Feminine interiors are not all created alike. Just as there are many different kinds of women, there, too, are different feminine designs. Those who have a romantic, Bohemian personality could go for shabby chic. The career woman could opt for the more linear designs.

Home décor that comes with curvilinear forms, asymmetry, and soft colors is a style that epitomizes what’s typically feminine, though. If you want to set up a more feminine room in your home, then you can always begin with any muted, soft color.

Don’t immediately go for pink, though, as this is already too cliché. Explore the wonders of the color spectrum. Pick the color that speaks to you then find the grayed down version of this same hue. You can then create a soft palette out of the color that you mixed.

You can still use darker colors so long as you have them paired with lighter colors.

The next step is to achieve the curvilinear forms that are naturally feminine. Don’t go for geometrics as these are strictly edgy and, therefore, more masculine. If you still can’t let go of geometric shapes, then you could go for random asymmetry. Don’t go for symmetry when you have to use geometrics. Remember this especially when you are organizing framed photos.

Say yes to traditional or romantic designs since these tend to be more associated with femininity. Use ornate details on your metals, wood, and stone works. Consider using lighter woods and leather so that the soft lines and materials are counteracted.

Femininity is also defined by lush fabrics and materials. Invest in the fluffiest pillows. Use a plush-textured accent rug. Find also some touchable textiles for all your living spaces.

Tags: feminine design, feminine interior design, feminine interiors, feminine style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 10th, 2018 at 8:00 am and is filed under Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.