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HOW TO: Decorate Like a Man

First and foremost, this HOW TO needs to be prefaced by establishing the idea that men indeed do need to decorate. Any gentleman worth his weight in booze should have a home as stylish as he is. Men, just like women, need a place to come home to that makes them feel comfortable and relaxed and that space should speak to their individual taste. While some homes still rely on the strictly feminine touch to decorate the den, many households combine styles, creating superior decorating abilities. In doing so, historically masculine elements have earned their place in interior styling. Here are a few elements any man, or woman for that matter, should feel comfortable styling their home with.

Wood

It seems rather basic but wood, whether it be in the floorboards, coffee tables or ceiling beams can bring warmth to any living space. Bold without being brawny, wood is a simple way for a man to start carving his own interior style. Wood can also be a great place to start when combining styles with a spouse, partner or roommate. I prefer dark, hearty tones and, lucky for me, so does my wife.

Wood Decor

Booze Bottles

Now incorporating bottles can stray dangerously close to the decor of a frat house, but if done correctly can bring subtle sophistication to any space. You can include bottles in an obvious sense, such as cultivating a well-rounded bar and displaying them purposefully (might I suggest something wood as their throne?). Or, if you dislike most hard liquors as some do, take a slightly more creative approach and add a little romance with wine bottle candle holders. Take an even more straightforward approach and pick up a Rewined Candle from West Elm.

Booze Bottles

Books

Ezra Pound once said, “Properly, we should read for power. Man reading should be man intensely alive. The book should be a ball of light in one’s hand.” Use the power of books for more than just reading. I know, I know this is the age of the e-reader and I myself have even fallen victim to it. However, I still have many, many books and so should you. Decorating with books is simple. Add a few to the coffee table, add a few to the bookshelf, add a few to a dresser. Whatever it is, add a few. Books, like wood, give off a sophisticated, historic feel. Use them for more than just reading and display your library. Warning: Ensure that you have in fact read them (or at least have a plan to in the not too distant future). No one likes a poser.

Books

Industrial/Rustic Decor

This idea is where more of your personality can shine through. If taken to extremes your home could turn into a hunting lodge. So be careful. Adding elements of a more rustic nature need to be approached with subtlety. Whether you’re leaning a rusty anchor against the sofa or hanging a few antlers (faux I hope) to the wall, rustic elements should be used sparingly and delicately. So add iron elements, but don’t only use iron elements. Add elements of concrete, but don’t turn your living room into a parking lot. If you are in doubt, leave it out. Or leave it in and ask someone their opinion. That always works too.

rustic decor

These are just a few tips to getting started with decorating like a man but there are definitely more. Something to remember regardless of if you are decorating a bachelor pad, or, like me, navigating living (and decorating) with the fairer sex,  keep to your personal style. Your home should never scream you, but whisper that you have been there and are bound to return (very much the same as when applying cologne). Good luck and good styling!

1 Comment

  • Reply
    Tara
    May 30, 2013 at 3:38 am

    this is really cool. even as a woman, i would like all the elements

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