Creating a harmonious balance between gender-specific elements is essential when designing an inviting room fit for all. The following are suggestions on how to blend the elements.
Color Palette
Society has assigned blue hues to the male gender, and pink hues to the female gender; however, currently this rule is being challenged (particularly in fashion). Since rules are meant to be broken, this should also apply to interior design. Blend vibrant hues (i.e., teal, hot pink, orange, lime green) and neutral ones (browns, blacks, ivory, gray). Try combining complementary colors, such as blues and oranges or red and greens. A preferred duo of Color Splash host, David Bromstad, is the contrasting hot pink and lime green for a dramatic and chic look.
Patterns
A living room filled with only florals may not please everyone in the family. Also, a room full of leather and hide may be too stern. Adding airy fabrics and patterns associated with femininity will produce much needed balance to the room, pleasing most individuals.
Decorative Accents
The accents in a room are the most flexible pieces that can be easily changed without having to empty your pocketbook. These should be the items of focus rather than the main furniture of the room. Play with the accents and have fun while selecting these. Through the accents alone, balance may be achieved in a room. For instance, feminine items include decorative boxes, vases, and chargers, and masculine items include airplanes, cars, and briefcases. The idea is to mix items and themes historically associated with the male and female genders.
Ideas
Include heavy furniture (i.e., large wardrobe), along with smaller ones (i.e., accent chair), to maintain the balance in a bedroom. Also, it helps to include dark woods if several feminine accents will be used in a bedroom (i.e., jewelry holders, french mannequin, decorative boxes, florals, etc.). The theme of a room may also be manipulated to include vintage pieces associated with masculinity such as, typewriters, binoculars, oil cans, lockers, etc. with feminine nostalgic pieces such as, train cases, vanities, and small boxes.
Remember to juxtapose themes, colors, and patterns for a chic and harmonious look that stands out!
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