There’s a common stereotype that people who identify as men don’t care as much about interior design or decor as people who identify as women. And perhaps that is, in part, because interior designers have historically focused on serving and pleasing women customers. Whatever the case may be, there are ways that you can create a space that is both bold and stylish while bucking the stereotype that interior design is “feminine” territory. Let’s take a look at six great approaches to creating a strong and robust environment in your home.
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Bold Colors
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phototropic / Getty Images No matter what room you’re decorating or what style you plan to decorate in, it’s always a good idea to make choosing the color palette your first step. Of course, a bold room isn’t one where you’re likely to find a lot of bright shades of yellow or pink (though you may find some). Stronger colors tend to run a different gamut, ranging from moody shades of darker colors to warm neutrals.
Classic neutral palettes such as black and white work well in just about any space. Given the tendency toward darker tones, pops of color are an important way to break up color blocks. For this role, warm metallics like gold or brass are always a good way to go.
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Geometric Patterns
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ExperienceInteriors / Getty Images It’s hard to pinpoint just one pattern that suits everyone’s tastes and expectations for what a bold room might look like, but some patterns make a better argument for inclusion in mature rooms than others.
Generally, you can’t go wrong with a strong geometric pattern. This sort of bold style is all about clean lines and sharp edges, as opposed to curves and softer colors. Having geometric patterns on textiles and accessories allows you to weave that aesthetic all throughout your space.
A great way to achieve that patterned effect is with a rug. Beni Ourain rugs from Morocco, with a beige and black color palette that is fast becoming a classic, are a perfect choice for more sober spaces. The neutral colors and diamond geometric pattern are ideal for fitting into a neutral heavy space or brightening up a moodier one. Depending on the size of the rug, the scale of the pattern can add visual interest to the entire room, alleviating the need for other patterned textiles.
If you’re feeling really creative, look for furniture pieces that have some geometric design built in, like the stylish yellow credenza shown above…
