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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

This or That: Masculine vs. Feminine

bed tom stringer

{This bedroom by Tom Stringer includes a great mix of masculine and feminine items.}

Generally speaking, I would assume that the majority of us would describe our design aesthetic as a marriage of styles: high end items mixed with bargains, antique mixed with modern, and of course, masculine mixed with feminine. I know that when I decorate, I try to keep things balanced. Shiny, glamorous items can certainly use a hint of crisp, tailored shapes and fabrics to achieve an ideal mix. However, let’s pretend that for today only, you have to define your personal decorating style as either masculine or feminine. It’s just black or white, no grey areas, no blending of styles. What side do you veer towards the most when it comes to your style: masculine or feminine? If you had to choose one of the bedrooms below, which would it be?

fem masc

San Francisco 2008 059

{Master Bedroom from the 2008 San Francisco Decorators Showcase}

fem

renovation style

{An Ultra-Feminine Bedroom from Renovation Style}

29 comments:

*** said...

Feminine all the way - and I would definitely choose that feminine bedroom - so girly and beautifully decorated. When a room is way too masculine, I find them somewhat cold and not as cozy. I guess that masculine bedroom is perfect for a bachelor pad.

Have a great day!

xo

casey at loft and cottage said...

I love this question! It would have to be feminine. I love curves, shine and sparkle, feminine colors, softness, and pretty details.

KMS said...

Masculine! The crispness and the overall feel of that master bedroom is just wonderful. I think there is a certain conziness about it as well.

Luciane at HomeBunch.com said...

It depends who is by your side! :-)

Really, I don't think you should put only your personality in a room when divided with others. I you have a man sleeping on your bed and he's there for good (and he's good too ;-) ) I think you need to balance your personalities. All pink is for when you were a little girl, if you didn't have that by then and it's still your "dream" to have a pink room, use it with some brown to balance. If your don't share your bedroom with anybody, at least not for too long.. well, then go bananas! :-)

Balance is always the key for any design. So, not too feminine, not too masculine. Both! Connecting with each other. Like a good relationship.

BTW, Paloma, go take a look at JESSICA ALBA'S HOUSE at my blog today... she's renting it... furnished!!! Let me know if you like it.

xo

Luciane at HomeBunch.com

KMS said...

If I had to chose it would be - Masculine. I love the crisp, clean feeling. There is a certain coziness about this master bedroom.

Sketch42 said...

Masculine. Definitely. Im not drawn to girly girl.

Anonymous said...

something in between masculine and feminine! I love eclectic style so a mix of these two would be perfect!

Alcira Molina-Ali said...

I live at the crux of this design dilemma, but increasingly with time, I've found I'd likely veer into the masculine when it comes to a bedroom -- especially one for a couple.
That said, I do love how someone like Kara Mann is able to create these streamlined bedrooms that bridge the gender gap.
Alcira

thenerochronicles.blogspot.com

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Masculine for this gal. I never quite liked the idea of subjecting any man to an overly feminine bedroom. I try to inject my husbands personality into our home. Thank goodness however that he's not into Harley memorabilia (although we both ride motorcycles) or has a bobble-head collection

Have a great Wed. my dear ~ Deb

Alaina @ Live Creating Yourself said...

Definitely the feminine. What a happy bedroom. Even if you changed out the pink with ANY other color, I'd still prefer the lightness of that space.

A

Christine said...

I generally veer towards masculine bedrooms, but if choosing between these two bedrooms, I would go with the feminine bedroom from Renovation Style. Although, I don't really consider this room feminine but a mix of both styles. While the color palate is certainly feminine, I think the the simplicity in way the bed is dressed, geometric Hicks drapes and bedside lamp lends itself to a masculine flavor.

Proper Hunt said...

I have to say that I am an advocate of mixing masculine and feminine styles, and that Tom Stringer bedroom is absolutely a dream!

alison giese Interiors said...

Without a doubt, feminine!

Jami - XOimagine said...

Masculine! Love the clean lines and simple colors!

xo - jami
i m a g i n e

Bailey@ peppermintbliss said...

I am 100% feminine, but I really do try to bring in a masculine edge or moment here and there. When it happens naturally, its great. When I am self-conscious about it it looks ridiculous, and kind of drag-y. I am definitely a feminine but I appreciate both.

Anonymous said...

As one of the very girliest girls on the planet, I am shocked to realize I really do prefer masculine interiors.
Fresh flowers are all that is needed to make it feminine enough.
Great post!

PJ said...

Is it just me, or is the rug in the top photo off center? The only way a rug would fit in my bedroom would be if it were off center, and I've been hesitant to do it. But now I'm thinking it might be OK...

Montse said...

Son todas monisimas.

Marie said...

Masculine vs feminine, tough one... But in this case definitely masculine!!! I loved that bedroom.
xoxo Marie

Behind the Lashes said...

Feminine...I'm all about color.
xoxo Heather

Claudia N. said...

The masculine bedroom for sure!

Anonymous said...

masculine, totally!

Anna @ IHOD said...

Well, our bedroom looks closer to the masculine one but if I were single, it would be all feminine:)

Laura Casey Interiors said...

Feminine, color over here too. Love the comparison!

Megan said...

Love this question! I'm surprised how easy it was for me to answer, I'm immediately drawn to the masculine room. I'm going to keep that in mind for future inspiration- thanks!

littlebadwolf said...

while i happen to like the first two rooms better, a bit of change of fabric and color could shift any of the spaces to cater to one gender or the other. but i can't imagine anyone who would turn down a visit to any one of the three rooms.

StylishBird said...

I almost always lean towards the masculine room, but in this case I have to go woth the feminine room. The oly bed + la fiorentina curtains + weinrib pillows = obsessed! Love the table lamp as well

x A

DecRenew Interiors said...

Masculine for me in this case. I love mixing both styles so I'll take the bedspread from the faminine and put it in the masculine room. I'd be really happy then!

Ruthie

bazaarofserendipity said...

I go for girly every time! haha What about you?