Feminine VS. Masculine Design

In my experience working with couples, sometimes it can be difficult to get them to meet in the middle, or to agree on one particular design style. There is a such thing as masculine and feminine design. The magic happens, however, when you combine the two styles, and everyone wins. Then there’s the case where the woman prefers a modern sophisticated look that lends itself towards masculine, and then again, everyone wins!! In any case, I’ve found that functionality and relaxation can outweigh the battle of sexes, when it comes to design.

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Feminine Design incorporates lighter walls and furnishings. I’ve met women who say they’d prefer everything to be white. White walls, white sofa, white rug. The various shades of white can easily create a cottage or modern feel depending on the selections. Feminine Design also incorporates softer materials, like velvet, rounder curves on furniture, pinks and some floral design. Some interior design styles that would be considered feminine are Cottage design, Shabby Chic, and French Country design. Even some traditional designs display a feminine look. Here are some examples of Feminine Design.

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Masculine Design incorporates sharp lines, heavier furnishings, and darker colors. I would say 75% of the men I’ve worked with this industry over the past 10 years, have preferred gray over any other color, especially when considering flooring. Yes, it’s true men are simple, but I have found their input to be rather insightful when making choices. Of course, my male clients tend to lean toward darker walls, darker furnishings, and they usually prefer leather, over fabric. They also prefer larger scale furniture in lieu of something petite. Some interior design styles that would be considered masculine would be Modern and Industrial. Here are some examples of Masculine Design.

Photos from Google