Men are muscling in and creating impressive style

Move over decor divas - men are muscling in on interiors and creating impressive temples of style.
Undated Handout Photo of the Cole grey fabric bar chest trunk, upholstered in grey felt, 355, available from Alexander and Pearl. See PA Feature INTERIORS Fathers Day. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature INTERIORS Fathers Day. WARNING: This picture must only be used with the full product information as stated above.Undated Handout Photo of the Cole grey fabric bar chest trunk, upholstered in grey felt, 355, available from Alexander and Pearl. See PA Feature INTERIORS Fathers Day. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature INTERIORS Fathers Day. WARNING: This picture must only be used with the full product information as stated above.
Undated Handout Photo of the Cole grey fabric bar chest trunk, upholstered in grey felt, 355, available from Alexander and Pearl. See PA Feature INTERIORS Fathers Day. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature INTERIORS Fathers Day. WARNING: This picture must only be used with the full product information as stated above.

While they were once seen only as DIY-ers, who wouldn’t be seen dead dithering over Elephant’s Breath or Downpipe (paint shades, in case you’re wondering), blokes are now exploring their taste, and becoming as fussy about their homes as they are their cars and clothes.

“Men have grown in confidence about expressing their personal style and being aware of trends. They’re becoming just as savvy about interiors, knowledgeable about furniture designers and specific about a look they want to live with,” says Benjamin Hanley, who works at contemporary furniture specialists, West Elm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’re seeing them buying into mid-century and industrial styles. These have quite masculine, structural aesthetics, which offer big impact.

“We encourage them to select a statement piece of furniture they love as a starting point, and then build around that, so their look can grow and emerge.

“A sleek, sophisticated pared-back look, with a colour palette at the darker end of the spectrum, is currently the most popular.”

Here’s how to create the ultimate man-zone...

“A home needs to be a sanctuary and for modern-day men, it’s a place to show off personal style. While the basic ingredients were once leather, shagpile carpets and lava lamps, today’s reality is about a classy yet comfortable space, which makes the most of minimalism and shows off gadgetry,” says Anna Gillespie, guest editor at Anglian Home Improvements. Visit Anglian Home website for more information.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“My advice would be steer clear of a boring black and grey colour scheme and opt for lighter neutral shades, such as cream and white, and then add on-trend bursts of bright colours - racing car red or green, or even emerald green and bright blue.”

Inject colour by painting a wall, or even just the alcoves.

You’re the boss at home, so choose a ‘hot’ seat which combines cutting-edge style with comfort.

“Seating’s key and a sofa, usually the largest piece in a living room, should be in harmony with the overall decor scheme,” says Rebecca Snowden, interior style advisor at Furniture Choice

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The industrial trend is particularly male-friendly as it creates an air of relaxed informality and relies on colour and texture in natural materials, rather than fussy detail. Choose chunky, leather sofas or a Chesterfield - a ‘gentlemen’s club’ classic.

“Other characteristic ingredients are exposed concrete floors or polished concrete walls, brickwork, ladder shelving and metal lighting fixtures.”

Storage must be smart, and Alexander & Pearl’s Cole Grey Fabric Bar Chest Trunk (pictured), upholstered in grey felt, currently reduced from £375 to £355, certainly fits that criteria.