Rooms Men Love
If you’re a fan of old movies,
you’ll often see men’s film
scenes take place in private
libraries, pool or games rooms,
or a smoking room. The men
play cards, shoot pool, sit and
smoke cigars in these dimly-lit,
wood-laden rooms planning
their revenge, discussing some
important political topic, or
carrying out an important scene
in the film.
What these rooms
have in common are their
romantic dark colors, rich with
elements of crystal, wood, and
low-lighting – and they’re just
the kind of rooms that appeal
to men.
The den
Twenty years ago, the family living area was called the den. Now it’s called the great room. When you think of a den today, the word conjures up a dark, dimly lit cave. Men love dens and private spaces where they can carry out their technological and poker-playing fantasies.
And why not? Dark paneled smoking rooms with bouillon-fringed pool tables make you want to go into them and hang out for hours. Simply having a room with a pool table and mega-TV isn’t enough, though. A true man’s room requires the full treatment to get the full effect. That starts with the walls.
Color sets the tone
No doubt the single biggest element in a man’s room is color. Whether you’re creating a library, a home office, or games room, color is the starting point. Color cues should come from men’s goods, too – like the deep tan color of a cigar, dark reds and browns of leather, and the rich deep greens of golfing clubs.
Light-colored walls don’t have nearly the appeal or interest that a deep color has. It also doesn’t make lighting look the same. Dark colored walls make a room more inviting and intimate.
Even the scenes from a large screen TV pop and come alive when surrounded by a dark wall. When paintings are really important, many museums paint the walls behind them a dark, rich color to make the painting more important and draw the attention to the artwork. That’s what dark walls do for furnishings in the room, too – they make the items in the room become the focal points rather than the four walls.
Create a cave
If you’re thinking of refurbishing a room to make a man’s room whether that’s a games room, media room, or some combination, bring the interest into the room by placing an important piece at the end of the room. This creates an inward draw to the space. Use lampshades with dark, opaque shades that focus the light down and to create a more interesting and dramatic ambience.
For fun, add a faux zebra skin or other animal skin, head or element to the room. A man’s room cries out for some kind of animal conquest, but it doesn’t have to be real if you don’t have one or don’t like them. Add heavy wood elements in the room and select sturdy furniture with larger legs. Avoid fine details and frilly drapery. Select heavier drapes with heavy trim detailing and positively no flowers.
Sized right
A man’s room also needs leather as this is the fabric of choice for most men. Large leather chairs or sofas with nail head trim look fabulous. And speaking of large, men like TVs the way they like their steaks – and that’s big. So, think generously for your man’s room on all proportions and you’ll hit a home run. Even if this room is your media or games room for everyone in the home, consider making this the room with a manly appeal. That’s because manly rooms are also cozy, appealing places for women too.
© 2007 Kathryn Weber, all rights reserved
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©2001-2007 Kathryn Weber
All rights reserved.
