Contrary to the popular myth that only women love working with designers, the truth is that some of my most enthusiastic, involved and fun clients are guys. Why not? Aesthetic appreciation of surroundings, and the way they inform quality of life and home pride, is universal. With Father’s Day on the brain, it seemed fitting to report on the popular design trends and “asks” we see from the male side of the aisle.
Bar and Billiard Room requests are high. With a dual focus on entertaining, for both guys’ nights and couples’ nights, the look can be clubby or Old World. Handsome cabinetry and stylized furnishings set the stage. Add fully customizable billiards table design, that raise the pool table to “artform," and the room’s temperature is rising. Game and card tables are appropriately traditional or freshly posh, such as this custom faux shagreen wrapped table. After preserving the correct play space for the customizable pool table size, space permitting, an adjoining lounge area is also a popular request. The logic: Why go out for a great night when you can “go in?"
Specialty Rooms requests for Wine Rooms are on the upswing. While for one client we indulged their request for a traditional, European-inspired wine room, for another, we're designing something uber modern with sleek finishes, lots of glass and where the bottle display becomes part of the story and eye candy in the space. Common to all wine room requests currently is for both a temperature-controlled area, plus a comfortable dining area used for either tasting only, or for intimate wine-paired dinner parties. As wine collecting continues to gain speed, indulging him with a wine room “experience” is not surprising. Cheers to that.
His Bath: Yes, you read that correctly. He cares about the bath. Boasting handsome finishes, and richly appointed cabinetry, His Bath also boasts tricked out media that includes a flat screen, integrated music and motorized shades for privacy. The bath pour l’homme makes his daily ablutions a ritual pleasure. Think hotel luxury come home to roost. Or in the vernacular, Guy-Bling-Baths.
So, happy designing, fellas (and…Happy Father’s Day, too.)
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InteriorsByDonnaHoffman.com
About Donna Hoffman: An interior design visionary in whole home, new construction and multi-room design, Donna says she uses her unique Wise Design process and sharp skill set to lead her team to create impeccable, multi-award-winning spaces that clients love. IDH has garnered 14 Designer of the Year awards from the International Design Society and American Society of Interior Design.
Design showcased here: Interiors by Donna Hoffman
Cabinetry spotlighted here: Zaveta Custom Homes