How to Create a Gender-Neutral Decor Throughout the Home

How to Create a Gender-Neutral Decor Throughout the Home

Designing and decorating a home can be a source of conflict between a couple. Especially as tastes vary from person to person. Sometimes the solution is to simply go neutral. But do you know how to successfully carry it off?

 

Whether it be the bedroom, living room, dining room or bathroom, all homeowners deserve to be happy with the look of every room in their homes. Here are some ideas for an ambiance that is neither too masculine nor too feminine, but just right.

The Colours

Colours aren’t inherently gendered, and we shouldn’t label them as “for boys” or “for girls.” However, in the world of interior design, it must be acknowledged that some colours have been linked with one gender or another. While a “masculine” decor may evoke greys, navy or metallic blues, and black, a “feminine” colours scheme is characterized by pastels, and soft luminous hues like dusky pink and light blue. What to choose for a neutral style? To please everyone, yet still create a tasteful room, opt for earth tones like burnt orange, caramel, sandstone red or creams with a hint of yellow ochre

The Furniture

While some people’s head might be full of original ideas—usually women—when it comes to picking the furniture, others prefer to stick to tried and true classics—usually men.

A fair compromise is to furnish the home in the Mid-Century Modern style (see the main photo at the top of this article) with rounded sofas and tampered lamps, so typical of the 1960s without being old-fashioned. The gentleman will have no trouble picturing himself cigar in hand in a Mad Men-inspired room, while the lady of the house will be thrilled with the trendy retro look.

The Decor

Talk to your partner about which styles they like to create a decor that works for the two of you but that isn’t boring. There may be a theme that speaks to both of you. Perhaps you want to have a memento of your honeymoon in the Republic of Maldives? Have a large-scale print made of the tropical landscape (with or without you posing) and hang it over the bed.

Or, opt for textured accessories in coppery tones like metallic lamps or a bronze headboard. You can also create interest by mixing curved—feminine—and squared and straight lined—masculine—objects and motifs. Maintain a balance between both, though, as too much of either will tip the room towards one gender or the other.

The Nursery

Are you having a baby, but only wish to learn the gender at birth? Do you want the bedroom to be perfect for all you children, both boys and girls? Perhaps you’re just not interested in the traditional “pink and blue” nursery decor and are looking to break free of the gender codes that have been dominant for decades?

For a unisex baby or kid’s room, choose soft unconventional colours. For example, sage or mint green is particularly soothing without being associated with a specific gender. If you prefer warmer tones, go for a deep orange, egg-yolk yellow or an earthy cream hue. These pretty colours can complement any item of furniture and will energize baby in the morning or after naps. Pattern and motif options include animals, geometric shapes, nature or graphic art. The overall effect will be endearing!

 When creating a gender-neutral decor, keep in mind that it’s all about balance, whether it’s colours, shapes, styles, etc. Remember that less is more and not to overload the space!

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.