We answer Wednesday - Masculine Glamour

"I have heard the term 'masculine glamour' used recently to describe a decorating style.  What is 'masculine glamour ?"

Masculine Glamour is a term that we are starting to hear a bit more in home design and decor.  When we hear about men and home decor many of us think of man caves or lay-z boy sofas (there's nothing really wrong with either of those things - if that's what makes you happy - go for it!!) But 'masculine glamour' is the new term used to describe a man's abode that has style.  It is chic, classy, streamlined with a masculine edge.  The glamour part usually refers to metallic accents and shine.

Just like fashion, men are starting to take notice of themselves and their space.  Men are starting to put time, energy and effort into their personal style and that also includes their surroundings.  But this look 'masculine glamour' is pretty clean and timeless so it may not be a passing phase or trend. Plus  should you be involved with a man with a /masculine glamour' decorated space it would be so easy for you to move in with a touch of your style, it is very transitional (hint, hint) ;)

Here are a few examples of Masculine glamour.



So note the use of layering neutrals (no real pop of colour), a decent amount of dark tones and streamlined pieces.  Again we see some shine in the coffee table and accessories - this adds a feminine touch without being overt.




 

Here's the same room just at a different angle.  We see symmetry in the end tables, lamps and even the pillows - this is very masculine.  The over sized art is also free of colour and layers various shades of grey.



What do we notice here.   The dark tones on the wall and in the furniture.  We don't see any colour or bold art, everything is very tone-on-tone. We also don't see also of different textures - we have upholstery and a glass coffee table - so very simple and free of fuss.  The shine from the table and the accessories as a touch of glam and the beautiful orchid arrangement adds some femininity but the orchid is still a very structural flower, so again not too feminine.

 

When it comes to masculine glamour it is about keeping the typical masculine elements we see in design and decor like simplicity, dark tones like navy or charcoal, very little colour, very little pattern and some texture.  The glamour only comes from shine and some metallic accents.  The look is cool, streamlined, modern and says this is a man's residence but is still designed and decorated. 

Design and Decor Trends: What's Hot for 2015

Every January, Style at Home readers look forward to discovering the trends that will dominate the homes of Canadians through the following year. From fabrics to paint colours to lighting and everything in between, homeowners are keen to hear what their favourite retailers will be stocking and which direction to take their next big decorating project. 

This year, they reached out to Toronto designer, Meredith Heron to share what is going to be big in decorating and design for 2015. Meredith Heron, owner and head designer at Meredith Heron Design, let us in on what homeowners should be investing in this upcoming year, touching on everything from jewel tones to layered patterns.

“My one golden rule for 2015 is that you must love one major item for your space,” says Meredith. “And falling in love with the price is not an option – you never want to decorate your room or your home around a mistake.”

So with that in mind, click here for Meredith’s five trend-driven design investments to make in 2015.

Style Guide: Finding your style

Many of our clients want to know - what's hot in home decor?  How are other people decorating their homes?  What's in style?  And there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking those questions but your home should really reflect your style (and lifestyle needs) and that way you will be comfortable in your space and still look good!

Whether you're decorating a single room or a whole house, a cottage or a castle,the sky's the limit and there's really no reason for anyone to be stuck with a home decorating scheme that doesn't capture their own unique style and interests.

 If you haven't yet identified your particular style or if you're uncertain about how to proceed, remember you do not have to fit completely into one style.  Nowadays, we are seeing 'hybrid styles' where people are mixing up 2 or 3 different styles.  I like to recommend the 80/20 rule.  About 80 percent of your space should be in one style and the remaining 20 can be a few or just one other style.  This will give your space a polished designer look while still incorporating your different tastes.

Some ways to update a traditional style - update a traditional chair or ottoman with some bolder fabrics (pattern and/or colour) can totally transform a piece and make it look new and fresh. 

 

Wallpaper accent walls, instead of wallpapering an entire room try one impact wall and add a bold piece of art.  Or try funky wallpaper in a small space like a den or powder room - those little rooms can be bold, too!



Switch up traditional art hangings by grouping them or even switching out the mattes and frames



Take a traditional dining table and add some more modern chairs - this cost effective idea really updates the space and also allows the table to be the star piece in the room


 
A solid glass coffee table is another great way to update a living room.  it gives you surface space without the bulk and you can really show of some unique table top decor pieces and yes, you can pair them with more traditional end tables.

 

Try updating your lighting!  That is a huge transformation - overhead lights, table and floor lamps...there is so much selection out there

Easy Does It!

Stylish spaces don't need to be expensive to look fabulous!

Keep it simple and follow (even just some of) these simple ideas to get a chic space in no time!

1.  Start with your basics (sofa, chair(s) and perhaps accent tables) in neutral tones and clean lines.  If you are totally starting from scratch spend a bit more of your budget on these basic pieces -it's worth it!  Clean lines and neutral tones are an easy and strong foundation to work with and have endless possibilities.The items can be used in your main living area and if you do move on to a large space in the future, they can be used again but maybe in a family room or basement rec room space.

2.  Accessories make the whole look come together!  And can be budget friendly, too!  Try looking at online stores too like homesav and onekingslane

3.  Pre-made panel drapes are easy and cost effective.  I like to go with a nice neutral with some texture or a neutral-on-neutral pattern like a lattice or stripe. 

4.  Pillows pull it together!  Mix up pattern, colour and texture for a cohesive and stylish look.  Don't see what you like in your home store? Try denydesigns for something truly unique or try going to your favourite textile store and ask about getting some custom pillow covers made, it's actual a lot more affordable than people realize.  Also don't be afraid to play with the size of your pillows, we are seeing a lot of bigger pillows on sofas these days instead of lots of smaller ones.



5.  Personalize yard sale or thrift shop finds and make them funky with paint and/or new upholstery.  A formal dining chair with some paint and new fabric can take on a whole new look and act as an accent chair in the living room - a perfect idea for smaller spaces like a condo.

 

6.  Art doesn't have to be expensive to look great! Try online stores like art.com or homesav.com for great deals. Or try framing scrapbook paper and hang it in a gallery arrangement, you can also frame fabric!  Or, try framing cards or your photos with over sized mattes - it looks expensive!

7.  Area rugs always bring a room together and they help to define spaces.  But the larger area rugs are more expensive, you can always layer your rugs on the floor.  and if you have wall to wall carpet but want definition in the room you can still use a colourful area rug to do that!

 

8.  Paint is so affordable and can do some much.  If you have an odd architectural feature or an ugly fireplace try painting it.  I like to stick with neutrals, that way you can change up your accessories as often as you like without be limited by a certain paint colour.



9.  Add pieces that reflect your personality!  Like books, photographs, items from nature, wonderful treasures from your travels or a collection display it on a coffee table or bookcase.  These items act as art but also show the world who you are, plus you should surround yourself with what you love!

 

10.  Keep it clean and clutter free!  It's so much easier to care for, clutter free living reduces stress and it allows you to show off your items and they won't get lost in the mix.

11.  Combine expensive items with inexpensive items and old with new.  You will get great results from mixing it up!

A Lesson in Colour

A lot of times people get very comfortable with the style and colours of their previous home and when it comes time to move (into something bigger or perhaps downsize) many people want to stick with what they know.  There's nothing wrong with loving the same colours year after year or from home to home. But if you want to keep your look fresh (which is one of the perks of moving) try applying the palette in a different way.

Choose textured fabrics in your favourite shades to change it up, or pick a wallpaper in one of your hues instead of using traditional paint on the walls.  If you know the name and make of your favourite wall paint colours, try going to that paint store and get the paint strip that shows all the other shades and hues in that family.  Even just the slightest tweak can totally change your look.


 If it's a bold colour you like but don't want it on the walls, try painting a piece of furniture in that colour.  The possibilities are endless and life is just too short to be stuck in one look and one colour for the rest of your life.  Live your life in technicolour!

Style at Home celebrates their 15th anniversary

Style at Home - one of my go-to magazines for great decor and design ideas, hottest trends, design on a budget and my specialty 'the look for less' is celebrating their 15th anniversary.

Check out their 15 years of covers.  It's really fun to see how home decor has evolved over the years...