Vieve Interiors Masculine Interior Design - matching bird photos with dual nightstands and lamps — Bedroom designed and styled by Viève Interiors

If you’re anything like me, you’re following a slew of interior designers on social media and blogs who share images of airy designs with soft color pallets. But every now and then, you come across an image that’s strikingly different in the best way. It’s bold, it’s moody, it’s functional, it’s masculine interior design style.

What is masculine interior design style? It encompasses simple lines, strong materials and comfort. It can even be elegant, industrial, modern, contemporary, or bright. But the best description we have heard of masculine interior design style is this: “a bold, yet functional [design] trend which takes inspiration from the lifestyle of a man”. As with women, no two men are the same, so masculine interior design style is definitely up for interpretation and personalization. But with all design styles, there are some characteristics that can help inspire you to create a space that has a masculine flare.

Before we get into it, we wanted to point out that using masculine interior design style doesn’t necessarily mean you are decorating a bachelor pad. This dramatic design style is perfect for a game room, a sexy bar, or a cozy guest room. Even if you’re set on a more feminine feel, incorporating elements of masculine design is a good way to balance more feminine curves or floral patterns in your home for a look that feels right for all family and friends.

1. Choose rich, deep and dark room colors.

One of the most prominent aspects of a masculine room is the color scheme. Usually, masculine design style features darker hues of blue and green, plus varying shades of gray and brown, as well as black. The key is rich, deep, dark colors with decorative accents in lighter colors to create contrast. This creates a dramatic vibe. You can easily incorporate these colors using interior paint, decorating home fabrics or small accessories.

masculine office space designed by Viève Interiors — Masculine office space designed by Viève Interiors

masculine design style with moody and dark colors — Photo credit: @masculine_interiors

masculine design style black and white kitchen with wood beams — Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

2. Accent the room with strong materials.

Another key defining characteristic of masculine design style is to incorporate materials including metal, wood, stone and leather. These materials naturally exude a more masculine energy and also tend to come in more masculine and neutral colors. Focus on key pieces of furniture like a leather chair or sofa, the bed frame, or our personal favorite, an impressive, live-edge dining table. You could also consider adding these elements into other parts of your home like sky beams, light fixtures, and appliances.

large live-edge dining table for masculine interior design styled by Vieve Interiors — Dining room designed by Viève Interiors

masculine design style with leather chairs and dark colors — Photo credit: @jlv_creative

dark gray bookshelf with stone desk in masculine office — Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

3. Design for comfort and functionality.

Any good interior designer will make sure to balance the aesthetics of a room with functionality. And when it comes to masculine interior design style, it is pretty evident that comfort and functionality are at the forefront. You won’t see a lot of wasted space or nick knacks in this design style—every desk, bookshelf, chair, sofa, bar cart, pool table, or decorative box, etc. has a purpose.

pool table with plush bar stools and house plant — Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

masculine office with blue curtains and wood accents — Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

4. Focus on simple and clean lines.

Effortless simplicity is at the heart of this design trend. And clean, simple lines are the key. Masculine spaces have very clean, tailored lines. In addition to using more linear and simplified furniture, you can tie a masculine room together with the clean lines of your flooring, drapery, bookcases, wall finishings, backsplashes, the tub or shower, and so much more.

clean lines throughout staircase, walls, flooring and table — Photo credit: @masculine_interiors

5. Don’t forget the finishing touches.

Along with tip number three, the finishing touches are really what make a space your own. Don’t forget to hang artwork, prints, mirrors and shelving that speaks to you. Fill in empty spaces with meaningful sculptures or oversized plants. With masculine interior design style, the finishing touches are often inspired by nature, so look for pieces like the matching bird photos we used in this Orange County bedroom!

Photo credit: @havendesignandconstruction

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