Men are beginning to spend a lot more time at home than they did in the past, according to various trend reports. As a result, they are becoming more involved in making design decisions — and, for those with spouses, men are finding their “better halves” are increasingly open to incorporating masculine monochromatic schemes, rugged leathers, and earthy tones and textures.
In keeping with this trend, two Rochester Hills designers are inspired to create cozy interiors, where all can feel right at home.
1. Tanya Hamilton
WHO: Tanya Hamilton, left, of Studio Tanya Interior Design (studiotanyadesign.com). Cowhide rugs, simple cabinetry, and luxurious linens inspire sweet dreams, says Hamilton.
TEA ACCOUTREMENT FROM TEAVANA
“This black cast-iron teapot was designed in the image of a cocoon, while the aluminum handle represents a Japanese samurai sword,” Tanya Hamilton explains. “Everyday items can have a special meaning and be functional. Brew your tea in style!”
PEACOCK ALLEY’S OXFORD COLLECTION LINENS
Hamilton prefers the quilted Oxford Collection — imported from Portugal — with a diamond matelasse print (available through peacockalley.com).
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HEADBOARD FROM PIER 1 IMPORTS“Simple and clean lines — the tufting adds dimension and interest. Transitional feel will go in any decor.” | ‘WINNIE’ STYLE FROM STARK CARPET“A textured wool carpet like this is clean, classic, and soft.” | TUFTED OTTOMAN IN MALLARD GREEN FROM PIER 1 IMPORTS“Use it as a foot stool, for additional seating, or as a side table — great detail.” |
COWHIDE RUG FROM IKEA
“I like using textured, interesting rugs. IKEA has wonderful value for this type of thing. It’s naturally durable and will last for years, while adding unique color variations and style.”
COLORFUL ARTWORK ON NEUTRAL WALLS
“The homeowners are art collectors, and we worked some of their favorite Georges Mazilu oils, shown at left, into the mix. They look really nice against walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s ‘Sail Cloth’ (PM 21) paint, a soft neutral.”
BERLONI’S CLEAN-LINED CABINETRY
“I used all Berloni cabinets,” Hamilton says. In the room shown here, the cabinets in the background store tea accessories. “That small space has a sink … and is for making hot tea, which the homeowners love.”
AWASH IN EARTH TONES
To create a clean-lined space that was 100 percent inviting for both spouses, Hamilton went with a color palette of “natural elements and rich chocolate browns and grays,” she explains, “with a pop of bright color here and there.”
MASCULINE INSPIRATION
“When a bedroom’s design is for a man and a woman, the space needs to work for both and be comfortable and appealing, not overly feminine,” says Hamilton, a 10-year design professional. In the contemporary Bloomfield Hills home shown above, the homeowners preferred earth tones and clean, straight lines. As the couple often likes to enjoy a cup of hot tea in the morning, Hamilton designed a special space off the bedroom for tea accoutrement.
2. Armina Kasprowicz
WHO: Armina Kasprowicz, above, of AK Design & Accents (akdesignandaccents.com) makes cozy-luxe with sheepskin pillows and rugs, storied driftwood, and more.
BETTA HORN TABLE LAMP FROM INTERLUDE HOME
“The smooth beauty of natural horn, with all of its native color variations, mixes well with fur and chunky wools.”
SWISS CHEESE MIRROR BY STUDIO A
“Add some intrigue!” says Kasprowicz.
SWISS CHEESE MIRROR BY STUDIO A
“Another example of pattern and texture, this organic-feeling sculpture serves as a focal point over the fireplace.”
OTTOMAN
Kasprowicz designed the casual round cowhide ottoman herself.
DRIFTWOOD NESTING TABLES BY PALECEK
“These tables work perfectly in this space.”
LANTERNS BY ROOST
“Large Teahouse lanterns (not shown) cast a warm glow, especially come autumn.”
SHEEPSKIN RUGS FROM AUSKIN
“Authentic sheepskin rugs provide soft accents.”
AMINA TRAYS IN COOL GRAY BY MADE GOODS
“Another rich texture. The cool neutral gray and wood trim serve as a nice, sturdy resting place for cocktail-hour accessories.”
MASCULINE INSPIRATION
“When men are involved in the process of design, they often mention nature, history, and such,” Kasprowicz says. For the family room shown here, she drew inspiration from just that, as well as objects brought from distant travels. “The color palette is a full spectrum of warm, neutral tones, with particular play between taupe browns and grays. In addition, I am passionate about mixing textures (like the warm luster of a shell), for a rich display of organic materials.”
ATELIER SCISSOR TASK FLOOR LAMP FROM RESTORATION HARDWARE
“This was inspired by pharmacy lamps of the early 1900s. I relish the details in the geometric construction and the extension arm joints.”
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HOLLOWAY TEAK AND CRACKED RESIN POOF FROM INTERLUDE HOME“An extraordinary side table! The beautiful organic pattern in natural teak artfully combines browns and grays.” | SHEEPSKIN PILLOW FROM ARHAUS“I’m crazy about eye-catching natural texture. Sheepskin’s an irresistibly soft feeling on the skin. Luxurious leisure!” | TILE-COVERED SHELFKasprowicz designed an inventive shelf (not shown in room above, but detail shown here) herself. “I flipped an Ikea shelf horizontally and covered it with mosaic-tile.” |
MINI BEVELED HORN FRAMES FROM RESTORATION HARDWARE
“A small collection of these one-of-a-kind pieces brings refined personality to the room.”
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