Creating a Masculine Bedroom with the MANLY system.
There is a ton of information available on Bedroom decor and design. I have published some of it myself including articles about Bedroom Decorating Tips, Choosing the Right Bedroom Color, and even a piece about How to choose the right mattress, but I realized that there is not a lot to help if you are looking to create a masculine style bedroom, especially if you are hoping to avoid the cliches of plaid, deep colors and antlers (apparently that’s a thing).
I have created a simple 5 step system to help guys create the ultimate MANLY bedroom. It’s easy to understand, simple to follow and will help you create a bedroom that is not only comfortable but looks and feels like the stylish version of you.
M - Manageable
A bedroom with a white wall. The headboard is rounded an upholstered. Above the headboard hangs a painting.
The first step when putting together your bedroom design is to make sure it is something that you can maintain, so keep the design simple and clutter free. Consider how to maintain it–this means bedding that can go in the washing machine, not the dry cleaner (100% Egyptian cotton is a great choice). Keep clutter to a minimum, the simpler the design the easier it will be to keep it clean, tidy and organized. To do this really think about how you use your room, if you work in there, have a place to store your papers and computer, if you are a late night snacker, maybe a small refrigerator and some counterspace?
A - Appropriate
A bedroom with a headboard wall, a majestic wooden headboard, layered throw pillows on the bed and an upholstered footboard.
This is a big one. Remember, this is not your college dorm room, nor is it a man cave. So keep the video games out (or at least out of sight), no sports posters, or for that matter posters of any kind. Cool art is a great way to add flavor to your room and is available online at pretty much any price point. Try to stay away from sexualized art as well, I know it’s your bedroom but it just sends the wrong message.
N - Neutral Color Scheme
A bedroom with cream colored walls, a lattice wooden headboard and luxurious bedding.
There are a lot of cliches that surround masculine design. Not every guy wants to or should live in a Ralph Lauren ad, that honestly seems a bit dated. If you are looking to put together a room that has style and looks confident then turn the color way down. If you want an easy to follow rule think of 60-30-10. The main color should be 60% of the room (think walls and maybe bedcover), keep it warm, neutral and above all simple. Next is your main accent color which will be about 30%, this could be ceiling color and maybe a chair. I prefer to make this a lighter color as it will brighten the room. The last 10% is where you will inject something a bit more bold, maybe it’s a deeper color or maybe a subtle pattern. While this may not be the most earth shattering color scheme, it is reliable and will be easy to use and give you that effortless style we are all looking for.
L - Luxurious
A luxurious bed is flanked by side tables and vintage lamps. The headboard is wide panels of natural wood that extend beyond the bed.
The focal point of any bedroom is always going to be the bed, so do not skimp. This is where having a moment of luxury will really pay off. Do not confuse luxury with expense–shop to your budget. There are great options across a broad cost spectrum. Start with the mattress, I have a guide here on what to look for. For the sheets, go with 100% cotton, Egyptian if you can, and do not get too carried away about thread count. Percale is a type of sheet with an almost matte finish that is easy to care for and always looks great straight out of the dryer and is my go to bedding. Luxury isn’t always about objects either, there is luxury in having everything right at hand, so consider lighting (if you don't have switches by the bed, Alexa is a good choice) that can be turned on and off without getting out of bed. Also make sure you have ample bedside table space, enough for your remotes, a glass of water, a book and of course a table lamp. Think about the best hotels you have stayed at, they will be a good model on what simple luxury is like.
Y - You
A bedroom with rich dark brown walls and an upholstered headboard. The wall has framed sepia toned prints hung above the headboard. The bed is made with neutral colored linens.
Lastly, and most importantly, make sure there is some of you in the room. There is nothing worse than a room that is beautiful but soulless. So think about a few photos of people you are close to framed on your bedside tables (no more than 4). Select art that you respond to, not that you have been talked in to. If you are an outdoors person, then maybe a collection of landscapes is a good idea. When choosing wall art, you do not have to stick to paintings, a vintage surfboard could be cool (if you are a beach person), but try to steer away from personal travel photos. I know you are proud of your images of Machu Picchu but do not frame a giant shot of it. Make your art personal but in most cases, do not personally make the art.
The last piece of advice is, take your time. The best rooms are always created over time, with good choices made in an unrushed and considered way. Of course, if you get stuck feel free to reach out to our Los Angeles design team, we have created homes all over the world in all styles, so let us help create a room that is a true reflection of you.