For the men who are interested in home design and decor, we’re back with part 2 of reporting on the most current trends (see part 1 here). What I love about home decor is there are so many options for inexpensively adopting the trends you really like. Paint is cheap, can be changed as often as you like with relatively little hassle, and makes a huge difference in a room. Thrift stores are chock full of steals and deals–a few pro tips on this front: go to thrift stores in upscale areas, the goods are much better. And check in frequently, like once a week, to see what’s new on the floor. Also, the internet has so many ideas for incorporating these trends with just a little elbow grease.
White….
When it comes to color, there seems to be a trend toward simplicity and a “clean” look. The bright accent walls of ten, twenty years ago have been replaced by soft neutrals. As someone who loves color and draws a lot of energy from living space, I was veryyyy reluctant to embrace what I perceived as blah blah beige. But. It can be done well, even for those of us who like color. And for those who hated those bright pops of color, your time has arrived. First up, white. White trim, white cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom, and then white paired with other colors, like black and white or orange and white. If you like this trend, but fear ending up with a virginal looking decor, try a pop of pure white in an otherwise non-white room. For example, a white coffee table between two black leather couches. Or simple bright white bedding, especially against a dark brown or black bed frame. (photo image credit)
….and Grey…
50 shades of Grey? Try 1000. Grey is THE trendy color right now. Which is sort of funny, I mean, can you get any more mild than grey? But it actually is a fun color to work with because it’s so versatile. There are warm greys, cool greys, bright and pale greys. There are greys with hints of purple, green, or red. I am the queen of color but I have recently painted three rooms in my home very different shades of grey and I’m loving it. Incorporate grey by matching the undertones to whatever is already in your home. If you have warm wood floors, use a warm shade of grey for the paint on the walls. If you have a cool grey couch, use cool grey frames for your artwork. (photo image credit)
…and Copper
For a long while, silver and brushed nickel lighting fixtures have been very popular. They still are. But recently, copper colored lamps and lighting fixtures have been getting tons of love. A few of my faves above, from left: Target Threshold Copper Stick Lamp – $24.98; CB2 Copper Arc Table Lamp – $69.95; Sleek Copper Tripod Table Lamp – $170.
Mid Century Revival
Mid Century Modern is a distinct style of furniture that you may not know by name but you certainly would recognize it by sight. Think Mad Men era. Lots of boxy couches, desks, dressers and side boards balanced on peg legs. It’s back in a major way. If you’re a committed hunter of thrifted treasures, you may be able to find some of the original pieces. Try antique stores, regular secondhand stores, Craigslist, ebay, and–maybe your best bet?–estate sales. If you don’t have the patience to search, you can buy the new stuff. Like any other style of furniture, these pieces are available in all price points.
Statement Mirrors
Tired of having snooping guests rifle through your medicine cabinet? Do away with it. The trend now is a simple statement mirror hung on the wall above the sink. True, you’ll need to find a new place for those embarrassing prescriptions, but at least they’ll be safe from the eyes of busybodies, and you’ll have a fresh new look for your bathroom.
About the Author: If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. She also might provide an answer without waiting to be asked. That happens from time to time too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com .