How to Transform a Bachelor's Den into a Masculine Interior

A masculine interior doesn't have to be brutal, but there are rules it should follow. Eight ideas for a masculine interior were formulated by Diana Mal'tseva.

Diana Mal'tsevaDesignerFounder of the design service Oh, Boy! Diana Mal'tseva specializes in creating interiors with a masculine character, drawing creative inspiration from New York spaces.
1. Functionality

I believe that a good quality criterion for an interior with a masculine character is if it is liked by both sexes in the end. Instead of an overload of dark tones, brutal materials, bulky furniture, and commemorative sports trophies hanging literally in every corner, masculine spaces should be structured, functional, and look organic.

I love the depth of black, the elegance of gray, and the purity of white. A classic monochrome palette is an excellent starting point for a masculine interior. Add warmth of natural wood – and you have a winning color scheme! No matter how you mix its components, you won't go wrong.

I recommend purchasing clean finishing materials for floors, walls, and ceilings, as well as main furniture items (bed, sofa, kitchen cabinet) in these monochromatic neutral colors.

You should approach your interior style differently than, for example, your wardrobe. Trends in clothing are current, ultra-modern and seasonal items, but a home is what you develop and fill over time, and its arrangement should be approached with the criterion of longevity.

Everything you buy for your interior, consider as a long-term investment. This means it's better to prioritize timeless, simple and quality items. Materials should be durable and wear-resistant.

A good designer chair is not just a decoration of the interior. You will be able to relax well in it after coming home. It can also be a sofa, but it's better to emphasize one chair.

For example, a chaise longue designed in 1928 by architect Le Corbusier: its ergonomic qualities will be appreciated by your spine. And the minimalist design of such an item confirms that you know what's worth.

Adding items with history to the interior can give it distinctive appeal. Look for things on flea markets or in antique shops that have proven their strength through time, repair and reupholster if needed, and re-evaluate their quality and functionality.

Analyze which style you choose in clothing and reflect your preferences in the interior of your own home. If classical items dominate in your wardrobe, look for items that look just as solid and dignified as a man's three-piece suit.

If you are creative and passionate, a hedonist who appreciates beauty, consider furniture designed by mid-century designers, it is just as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.

If freedom is what you value most, maybe you will be interested in the freedom of loft style. But always choose materials that age beautifully: natural stone, wood, tin, copper or leather that even worn looks authentic.

Fill empty wall space with something truly worthwhile, such as good photographs or graphics. You can try placing your own works: black-and-white photographs or sketches of ideas drawn by hand will definitely be a winning option for a masculine interior, you just need to find the right framing.

Remember that not everything in your home should have a practical purpose. Individuality to an interior is added by items that reflect the owner's range of interests. These can be beautiful albums for decorating a coffee table, antique or sculptural elements.

If you're naturally a minimalist, you don't need to explain that less is more. But even if you prefer another style, your task is not to overload the home with furniture but to choose what's essential and necessary. Ensure that your space has enough 'air' and light, it's easy to breathe in, which means it's also easy to live in.