Decorative Wallpaper
Back in its heyday, the hunter green wallpaper with the mallard motif was one of very few masculine bathroom themes on the market. Perhaps this would account, to some extent, for its huge popularity. It has gone by the wayside in recent years though, replaced by softer colors and subtler designs as artists and decorating companies have shifted their focus to incorporate into their products a greater sensitivity towards men. The new designs and color schemes make one overall statement about decorating for men: it doesn't have to be as dark as a tomb to be masculine. Some of the more popular trends for men's bathrooms include the rustic lodge look, nautical and lighthouse vistas, fishing themes and water bird designs. There are also many color schemes and design packages on the market today that don't include a particular theme, but focus instead on color and texture. Before you start tearing off that old wallpaper, have a look through this list of current trends to get your ideas rolling.
Rustic lodge style: Thinking about going after a cozy, log cabin look? The rustic lodge theme is hugely popular with the guys these days. This area used to be dominated by some pretty cheesy stuff, but artists have made great strides in creating more naturalistic pieces. Though rustic decor will still tend to darken the walls a bit, it can be offset by light colored paint or wallpaper and good lighting. Lodge-style accessories in wood and rusted-looking metal abound for everything from the vanity light cover to the bath mat in themes such as wolves, moose, pine cones, bears, full moons and log cabins. This bathroom is sure to appeal to any man who enjoys hunting, hiking or time spent in the woods.
Nautical and lighthouse themes: The look here is bright and spacious without being overbearing. Nautical and lighthouse themes have been around for some time, but have evolved quite a bit since their early, all-white days in which these rooms tended to give the impression that the viewer was being blinded by the sun glinting across water and sand. Today these designs are infused with a good deal more color. Deep blues, maroons and sandy pinks coupled with pine, pickled or white-washed woods not only make these bathrooms much easier on the eyes but also present a color scheme that works well with the standard white of most bathroom fixtures. This look can be accessorized with lighthouse-, sailboat- or compass-themed soap pumps, trash cans, shower curtains and more. Round, compass bathmats, fishing nets and shelves that look like wooden fishing boats are fun additions as well. Simply set your creativity afloat and you're sure to create something you'll both enjoy.
Fishing: Country decorating takes on a new focus here in its appeal to a favorite men's pastime. The fishing theme for bathrooms is hugely popular and as such, there are many, many accessories and ideas to choose from. Washed blues, hunter greens and rough, woodsy browns dominate the market for fishing decor and by mixing and matching, you can create the look of a polished, pro-shop bathroom, a whimsical, country outhouse or just about anything in between. Themes for accessories may include fishing boats or poles, bass, trout and other fish, nets and baskets or something from one of the very popular outhouse collections. Whether your aim is to appeal to his corporate sense of order or his weekend sense of humor, the fishing theme has something for every personality.
Water birds: This popular trend is a good choice if you're planning to decorate a shared bathroom. The ocean and sky shades of blue lend a brightness that is sure to appeal to whole family, kids included. Large egrets or blue herons on the shower curtain are softened by pastels of sage green, salmon pink, sandy yellows and tans. If you're decorating on a budget, this will be an easy category to work with since the wide color range leaves open a variety of options for the sink, tub, toilet, walls, floor and accessories. You may already have many things that you can fit in with this design. It would be very easy, for example, to re-purpose your now-dated southwestern-style soap dishes, towels and other accessories to fit with this scheme. Since the shower curtain will be the largest, most obvious part of this decor, start there and see what you can whip up.
Non-themed designs: If you're looking for something a bit more subtle, there are many nice packages that focus more on color and texture. Many of these start with a wood-texture look then expand into soft blues, muted pastels or striking neutrals. The success of these designs comes from the contrasts between the textures and colors. A deeply polished wood coupled with brushed pewter fixtures and accented with a white or pink orchid, for example, will give a look that is rich and luxurious, soft and romantic and ultimately, quite sleek. The India look is making an entrance here, as well. Softly lit tan walls create a glow that can be accessorized with dark baskets and touches of deep reds, browns and blacks. This is a good color scheme if your bathroom already has black sinks or countertops. Lighter combinations might make use of a bamboo or basket-weave design and then, for a contrast in texture, revert to softer, more feminine color and style elements. Non-themed designs are, again, a good place to put to use many things you may already have. Using creative contrast as your ally here, you can create a rich and comforting look without spending an arm and a leg.
We all need to feel that our home is our sanctuary, our personalized escape from the demands of the day-to-day routine. Although he may be reluctant to admit it, a masculine bathroom, without any of the usual feminine fandangle, may be a very peaceful place for your favorite guy to start and end his day. These bathroom decorating ideas should help get your creative juices flowing about how to create a look that's perfect for both of you.” |
