Hi there, cuties! With the fall season right around the corner, I’ve been really inspired lately by masculine design details, and how they can go hand in hand so nicely with fall colors and textures.
I hear from clients and customers all the time about myths they’ve heard when it comes to a more masculine look at home–there’s a misconception that “masculine” means “man cave” or old-fashioned “bachelor pad.” For my Design Team and I, modern masculine design has so much to offer beyond the cliches of recliners and neon signage.
“In fact, my favorite masculine design details are often right at home in any number of interior motifs–from industrial loft and rustic lodge to French country and modern farmhouse–and help to contribute to the overall harmony of any home!”
Read on for our expert tips and tricks for adding chic masculine design elements to any room of the home in a way that feels modern and statement-making–after all, it’s 2022…anyone (and any room, for that matter) should feel free embrace their masculine side in style!
Luxe Leather Accents
Leather furniture and decor elements have long been a hallmark of masculine design–and with good reason! A well-placed leather chair or sofa can instantly add warmth and luxury to any living room. I love the way that leather accent furniture adds a masculine and rugged edge to a design look that might otherwise be more straightforwardly modern classic or mid-Century.
“Masculine leather is just a super-easy way to add another dimension to your design and make a room feel both lived-in and luxurious.”
Leather is also easy to keep clean and and visually versatile when it comes to accessorizing with decorative pillows and throw blankets.
From our Hudson Valley Modern Transitional Design Project; click to shop!
From our Far Hills Farmhouse Design Project; click to shop!
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An Inspired Home Bar
Okay, now for the fun part–let’s raise a glass to the best part of any masculine interior design motif: A super-chic home bar!
“Something about a well-stocked and well-designed bar cart or bar cabinet is just so Don Draper to me, and I love look of a home bar framed by masculine mahogany wood and bold metallic accents.”
The first step to building out your modern masculine home bar is to decide whether you’re a cart or a cabinet person. Then, select barware and glassware you love (see our guide HERE) along with accent pieces (hello, you all know how I love my pewter barware!) that speak to your overall design sensibility. You can also mix and match your bar styling elements with the seasons.
One detail I would highly recommend if you’re really going for that “Mad Men” vibe? A statement-making decanter. There’s really nothing cooler!
From our Hudson Valley Modern Transitional Design Project; click to shop!
From Kathy’s NYC apartment; click to shop!
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Classic Neutrals With a Twist
One must for striking the right chord with your masculine design motif is to really get the color palette right. And honestly, setting the scene to highlight details like your home bar and leather club chair is as easy as embracing a versatile neutral palette with a modern twist!
The first thing to remember here is that “neutral” does not equal “boring” or “safe.” A classic neutral motif with an edgy spin could mean you use a variety of textures to add visual variety (think of your rugs, pillows, and accent chairs as canvases for intriguing textures), or you choose one contrasting color to really draw the eye to certain pieces.
“Unexpected masculine hues like charcoal gray with hints of blue, or burnt sienna orange really serve to bring out the undertones of lighter neutrals in new ways and showcase the strength of every small design detail in the room”
From actress Jamie Lynn Sigler’s home; click to shop!
From our Hudson Valley Modern Transitional Design Project; click to shop!
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Hair on Hide Rugs
It doesn’t get more masculine than the wild west! While I wouldn’t recommend going full ranch-mode with your decor, I do love western-inspired hair on hide rugs when it comes to adding strategically placed masculine design elements into a space.
A sheepskin fur or faux cowhide rug instantly adds visual interest, texture, and a fun, deconstructed quality to a room that’s distinctly rugged and masculine. We offer hair on hide rugs in a variety of sizes, and you’ll find that you don’t necessarily need a large one to make a strong design statement.
Click to shop!
Click to shop!
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Bringing Your Masculine Design Details Together Cohesively
Finally, I have to give a shout to the amazingly talented individuals on my Interior Design Team! If you’re really serious about refreshing your space with any of the modern masculine design details seen here, I highly recommend working with an accredited KKH Interior Design. Your Designer can help you make the most of your space and make pivotal furniture choices (which will ultimately save you money).
I promise, you’ll see your design schematics and instantly fall in love with the process (by the way, we can work with spaces and projects of just about any size and scope). Just take a look at these schematic examples from a recent masculine style Design project–I’m obsessed!
