I’m not a believer in gender associations with color, like pink is for girls and blue is for boys. I think the world moved past that a long time ago. I also do not believe in stereotyping interior designs based on gender. However, I am discussing it here because these two things still seem to be very much part of our Philippine society. This is also an offshoot of a recent article we had here concerning His and Hers spaces.
Gender-Inclusive Interiors
I entitled this article “Masculine Interior Ideas that Woman can Love (or Vice-Versa)” because traditionally the woman is in charge of designing or beautifying the home. I am sure male architects and interior designers would disagree. Add to that the people who identify with non-binary genders, or LGBTQ+, the lines have blurred a lot, and this post may be anachronistic. Still, for the Pinoy culture, I think this is still relevant.
For me, it’s not primarily colors that may cause clashes with couples, but more interior design styles. She’s a maximalist, and he’s a minimalist. Or she’s into boho chic, and he’s into brutalism. That’s more difficult to bridge. And if couples are not careful, they will end up with a home that is too compromised that it looks like it has dissociative identity disorder. Picture a bedroom with a line in the middle. On one side you have a frou-frou frilly look for her, and on the other you have a rugged, unpolished design. That definitely would not work.
Couples, do try to find an acceptable integration of styles. Don’t be obdurate and make an unyielding stand, about a home you want to have together. Remember the vow to share a life together, and that includes sharing a home, unless you’re both okay with LAT. Living apart together could also work if both of you are of the same mind. (Oops, do I hear a chorus of disapproval from the peanut gallery?)
Neutral Colors
Start with a neutral palette of white, beige, black, and brown. You can always choose a tones or shades that would give your home a unique look.
Neutrals are beloved classical colors and some of the most used by homeowners around the world because it creates a versatile canvas that has a timeless appeal. It would be easy to dress up the neutral-colored spaces with accents, textures, and patterns.
Add Accent Colors
In the bedroom
Adding one color like this blue can bring in color that goes well with the neutrals found in the room. This subdued blue adds interest to the bedroom but also is muted enough for the function of this space. What makes it even more inviting are the textures from the softness of the bed linens, the mix of colors, to the variegated gray of the concrete wall. To get this look, use Konstrukt Lunar Series for the faux cement finish, of which there are nine. I suggest to go for something smoother like Kaiser, Kashmir, Kohl, and Kavern. Visit this link to see the finishes. Just remember that this is not a DIY product. You would need an expert to apply it on your walls.
In the Kitchen
A lighter blue complements the gray, white, and brown colors in this kitchen. The wood elements add a warm, organic, and welcoming feel to what otherwise could look cold.
I think most men would prefer to have a clean look, less abubot and things inside the house. I do so too except that I end up with detritus all over the space after a spring cleaning.
If both of you like to display beloved things around the house, watch this link to see what curated maximalism means and how to make it work in a shared space.
Go All Out With Personal Spaces
Couples, if you feel that you could not really give free rein to your creative juices while creating your home, do so in your personal space should you have that luxury. I am talking here about She Sheds and Man Caves. It’s good to revisit those articles if you want to know more about them by clicking on the links.
When building a home together, things like financial stability, shared financial goals, and legal implications are important to consider. However, when you get past that, then there’s the adventure of making your home a reality. Communication, creativity, compromise, and last but not least, a shared commitment to the project are needed to make this a rewarding and positive experience.
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