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Posts Tagged ‘feminine style’

The Masculine vs. Feminine Interior Design

Tuesday, September 18th, 2018

Just by looking at these two chairs, you can surely pinpoint which one will go inside a masculine room and which will look perfect in a feminine space. Featured pieces are, from left to right, the Hooker Furniture Living Room Windward Dart Honey Chair and the Hooker Furniture Living Room Kato Leather Club Chair with Dark Brindle.

 

If you were asked, would you be able to pinpoint the masculine from the feminine décor? Many people default into the blue and pink palettes while others say that whichever color is used, both sexes can actually embrace the style. While this is also true, there are certain elements that can make a room appear traditionally feminine or masculine and the best rooms are often a fusion of both.

Defining a room to be more masculine does not mean that it can only be used by a man. It just says that it has qualities that are often associated or linked with masculinity than femininity. But have you ever wondered why certain features look more masculine while other characteristics are perceived to be feminine?

If you’re still wondering, let’s break the characteristics down and, of course, ladies first.

The Feminine Touch

The pink palette always helps, however, this isn’t the only hue that works in a feminine setting. Other elements that could make a room more girly are the small details such as the tiny floral prints, some delicate paintings hung on the walls. There could also be vases of flowers on corners and the fireplace.

At times, it’s not about flowers and having a pink color base. One can still feel the feminine vibe if the designer uses other delicate accents such as a fine bed tray, some pillows, and scalloped linens.

Feminine rooms have a pretty neutral furniture line. You could go shabby chic or country yet the elegance remains. Whether you add comfy and soft things such as a tufted headboard, light hues, delicate prints, fine golds, and whatnot, the refinement is what always remains.

Feminine rooms also play well with patterns. These spaces make good use of botanicals, florals, and the darkest they could go is damask. Polka dots are also sometimes seen and the materials used are mirrors, gilt, crystals, laces, and everything that’s sweetly feminine.

For the stronger women, textures are the go to design element. Combine shiny and soft textures with matte. Experiment with depth by adding layers of textures. Use velvet, cotton, chenille, silk, and cashmere – just to emphasize the femininity of it all.

The Sturdiness of Masculine Spaces

The rooms that gravitate towards masculinity are often decorated with earthy hues. Think on the line of grays, browns, and charcoal black and you have the perfect manly room.

‘Talk of being macho, this does not mean that the room automatically has to be dark. You can try darker shades with pops of bright colors. Just bear in mind that bold tones like deep red and dark jewel hues are best.

Masculine rooms are also devoid of frills. In place of these embellishments, you will see straight and sleek lines. These do not close the doors on soft edges, though. Generally, masculine silhouettes are either geometric or clean-lined. Don’t infuse curvy elements or you’d be in danger of putting too much femininity in the space.

In order to depict the strength of man, you can also use patterns such as plaids, stripes and herringbone. Solids are safest but you can always experiment with the exciting patterns mentioned. Of course, veer away from florals and other patterns that are often perceived to be pretty.

The materials that you use in a masculine room also count. These have to be polished mahogany or glass, concrete, even steel. Their textures also have the power to visually break the room.

If you have to hang artworks in a masculine space, then be sure to find the biggest and boldest masterpieces. Black and white photos are best and they look amazing on walls right under huge wood beams.

 

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Feminine Influence in Interior Design

Thursday, May 10th, 2018

One look and you’d know which room is masculine and which one is feminine. Featured collections are the Fine Furniture Design Living Room Northam Cocktail Ottoman and the Hooker Furniture Bedroom Modern Romance California King Upholstered Shelter Bed.

One look and you’d know which room is masculine and which one is feminine. Featured collections are the Fine Furniture Design Living Room Northam Cocktail Ottoman and the Hooker Furniture Bedroom Modern Romance California King Upholstered Shelter Bed.

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.

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The Pink Home: Beautifully Feminine

Wednesday, February 24th, 2016

 

From FFDM's Palm Island Collection

From FFDM’s Palm Island Collection

The color pink, when mentioned, conjures images of sweet candies or a baby girl’s room. But there are a lot of pink shades to begin with, each one setting different moods. Fuchsia, for instance, energizes anyone who sees it. The softer shades of pink are more restrained, more like a blush, which gives a soothing feeling.

Those people who find safety in the color white should try pink. If they go a step further and try it with gray, then what they have already achieved is a flattering hue, something that always makes people feel good.

Peony, a more intense shade of pink can be used in a space where there isn’t much foot traffic. Deep pink paired with raspberry undertones will look great inside a dining area.

Pink can be paired with many other colors including black, chocolate brown, mint green, silver, metallic gold, even white. Pairing it with a masculine hue such as navy blue will ground the pink shade.

Dusty pinks when mixed with any neutral color can instantly add glamour inside a bedroom. It can also be sophisticated as it is paired with beige or brown. Such color combination will look wonderful in a dining area with raffia walls.

Salmon pink or deep rose is the perfect color to use if you want your pink shade to become a little more dramatic. Pink is sweet and romantic. It is the ultimate girly shade.

Pink works best on small homes where the color can be appreciated without being overwhelming. Pink is also a great choice for the exterior of cute or storybook type homes.

Creating Moods with Pink

Use light posy pink with just a hint of gray. This fusion will spell both innocence and sophistication – two things that are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

If you want to have a feeling of spring indoors, then mix pink with fresh green shades. This will make any room appear more inviting.

Adding energy inside a home office is now easy by painting the walls with vibrant pink. Begonia pink can also bring in higher level of excitement. This is best used in the usually unexciting long hallway.

Pink, a touch of lilac and taupe would be the perfect combination if you want to add sophistication in  your home.

More Pink Combinations

Pink offers a huge array of delicious colors. They can be warm or cool depending on your preference and how deep or light the shade is.

Don’t think that the color pink is just for little girls, though. This can be the go-to color that can make accents pop and one that can give you the most beautiful styles.

Pink is now used in abundance on many interior design projects. You can now find pink fabrics, wallpapers, rugs, and artworks. Pink is fresh and it adds pizzazz without any effort.

Block painting one wall can give you an interesting focal wall. Choose from the many shades of pink. Find out also which you prefer, the high gloss finish or the flat type. Adding pink to the former will give you a breathtaking result.

Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Loop 9' x 13' Rug 1929RS09001300525

Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Loop 9′ x 13′ Rug 1929RS09001300525

Pining for More Pink

Black and pink is your designer pair. This is stark and highly dramatic, it is also intelligent as well as crisp. This combination works pretty well when mixed with gray tones or sharp white.

Pink and dark buff is a powerful pair that will balance each other. The latter will tone down the tempers of pink. This is a combination that is more often used in classic or traditional settings. This is especially beautiful when there is an abundance of natural light.

Still Unsure of Pink?

If you still don’t know how to control pink, then just use it as a surprise element in one of your rooms. If you love inviting people over, then use hot pink in your dining room. An extra jolt of pink can liven up any dull space. Mix it with metallic silver or gold and it instantly spells luxury.

Don’t be afraid to use pink anymore. This is the best punctuation that you can use in your space so you should embrace it rather than be fearful of it.

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Shabby Chic Means Stylish

Monday, January 25th, 2016

 

This FFDM Protege chair will be a lovely 'mismatch' to another neutral-colored seating piece.

This FFDM Protege chair will be a lovely ‘mismatch’ to another neutral-colored seating piece.

If your heart jumps each time you see a condominium unit or a townhouse, then know that you have to prepare to live in a place that is cozy. Foregoing the idea of an open space plan is not an easy decision to make but should you sign up for this kind of home, then it’s time to look for the right design that is most suitable for it. ‘Ever considered the shabby chic style?

Okay, so you have saved every bit of hard-earned money and have sacrificed on shopping and travel – what now?

Old vs. New

Carefully plan what theme you will use before you move in to your new condominium or townhouse unit. One of the most utilized, these days, when it comes to limited space is the shabby chic concept.

Rachel Ashwell popularized this stylish interior design concept to focus on comfort, highlight the beauty of seemingly time-worn furniture and objects, and for the homeowner to appreciate practical living.

This concept can even guide you in mixing traditional and new pieces. Choose from our catalogue and find the right furniture, accessories and lighting fixtures.

If you are thinking of buying second-hand furniture, think again. It is much better to have new furniture given a distressed appeal than to take the risk of buying the damaged ones. Bargain shops sell at the lowest prices but you are never guaranteed of the quality of the stuff that you are buying. So, it is much better to invest in a few quality pieces than to have different sets of furniture only to end up spending more money on repairs.

Coming from the Ancestry Collection of FFDM, this light-colored drawer is sure to be a big hit inside any shabby chic setting.

Coming from the Ancestry Collection of FFDM, this light-colored drawer is sure to be a big hit inside any shabby chic setting.

Let’s Decorate

The shabby chic style is basically minimalist and is almost synonymous with white. You may paint the walls of your home with flat white, pearl, cream, or any shade of white. Apart from having white(ish) walls, take note that you also need to have a few white furniture and accent pieces. These will add a distinct as well as intimate feel to your home. White furnishings are also easy to clean using your regular household bleach.

Now, which room would you like to design first?

First, there’s the living room. Carry the modern facade from the outside to this part of your home. Your condominium or townhouse unit will surely have a rustic yet cozy appeal once you start bringing in the lovely furniture and accent pieces.

The living room must have a clean yet non-antiseptic feel. It should be minimalist but with a few accent pieces to boost such as a lovely chest, a coffee table, console table, or some shelves.

In the dining room, be sure to showcase a table that was aged to sit perfectly in this important space. Have a Victorian couch rest against the white wall. Wicker chairs would look lovely when placed with white curtains as backdrop.

Now to the kitchen: have the furniture and appliances in neutral colors. This is so they won’t clash with the condo or townhouse’s overall appeal.

If you are one of those who prefer to have a home office, then use a white desk as much as you can. Now couple the lovely white desk with a unique accent chair and some neutral shelves.

Should you still have space for one guest room, then make sure that this room is just as cozy as the rest of your home. Use the same shade on the walls and on the furniture that will be placed there. Since the bed is pretty much the focal point, then take time to choose the ones that you will invest in for the master bedroom as well as this room.

Lastly, with your shabby chic bathroom, ascertain that you do not miss out on an ornate mirror that will bring character to this room. Find one that has a wooden frame that matches the stylish theme that you have chosen.

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