A man’s home is his escape from the world. It is where he is allowed time to recharge himself. It is the war room, restaurant, library, and gymnasium. It is his citadel of seclusion. The home provides security for the moments when you have no choice but to crawl back with tail between legs.
Some men claim that their home should be utilitarian and bare. Spartan. Every item in the home has its purpose and lack frivolity. Men are told colors are feminine and instead decorate with shades of black, grey, and white. Furniture and other items should be metal, wood, or leather. Terracotta, porcelain, and fabric have no place in their habitat.
I am not of that school. Many are flabbergasted to learn I believe a man’s home should be warm and inspiring. It should be filled with color and texture. I am not a fan of clutter, but an advocate of organized chaos. Walls should be littered with frames and bookshelves full with knickknacks. Lamps, candles, and lanterns should establish a warm glow. Fresh flowers on tables and greenery found all around.
Articles I read on garnishing a masculine apartment take one of either two bents: a focus on attracting women or an attempt is made to create a media-system friendly set up. This is how to ornate your dwelling if you wish to be predictable and uninspired.
When I prepare my home I focus on two tenants: Inspiration and Respite.
A man is nothing without his creativity. Creativity requires the muses to gift us with inspiration.
One never knows when inspiration will strike, but one can help facilitate its frequency. If your home is dull and cold then it is hard to be moved with idea and passion. The Dark Ages. There is a reason why many great thoughts found their origin in the outdoors. Newton. Nature is chaos. In nature we find multitudes of colors, textures, and creations. Variety.
You must endeavor to do the same with your home.
Stop trying to build a home that focuses on enticing women with a guitar placed in eye sight or photographs of a recent trip to Asia. Build for yourself and not another.
Construct your residence so that you are constantly being moved and provided with stimuli. Textured wallpaper and vibrant walls. Shelves that hold things such as old tools, cast iron toys, almanacs and biology texts, and other oddities you have come across in your travles. Walls adorned with old signs, posters, photographs, or poetry that has moved you. Choose a wall and cover it whiteboard paint so that you can always jot down ideas when inspiration shocks.
Do not fear a home where you fill vases with flowers. When at the market or florist choose what colors and petals speak to you. They will add color, vibrancy, and scent to your home. Sunflowers. Lavender. Gladiolas. When they wilt you know it is time to clean your apartment and then pick a different variety to replace them.
Each day you will seek respite from the world beyond your walls. Home Spa.
Do not be tempted to fill your den with gadgetry and electronics. If you are stirred to make your television a focal point in your home then I feel for you dear reader. Lost cause.
Fill your apartment with green leafy plants such as weeping fig and English ivy. Unsullied Life. These plants clean the air you breathe. Purification. Do not fear painting your kitchen a soothing yellow or your living room lavender. Color has the power to improve one’s mood. Soothing. Take advantage of this. Think differently.
Your bedroom should be an oasis. Many of us have unknowingly poisoned our bedrooms. Toxicity. We lay in our beds with the glare of monitors radiating upon us. If you are having trouble falling asleep it is because you have not trained your body to learn when to sleep. Sleep Hygiene.
Keep electronics out of your quarters. Watch your telenovelas in the living room. Keep your phone beyond your bedroom’s threshold. Invest in blackout window shades. Teach your body that in the bedroom you either sleep or engage in coitus. Nothing else.
Your home should inspire you and provide you an opportunity to unwind.
Do not fear creating a space that showcases the reflection that is you.
Do not focus on building lodging for someone else. It is your home. Design it to fit your needs and tastes.
Build around you and not your flat screen.