(woot! woot!) I think we can all agree that we have been moving toward clean, sharp, if not more hard edged lines in both architecture and interior furnishings over the last several years. I have often said that Interior Design trends closely follow that of the fashion runways of Milan and Paris. So as a Designer I am always curious to see what the buzz is each year during Fashion Week. Major Fashion Designers like Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Hermes and Yves Saint Laurent used classic fabrics and patterns from Men’s Suiting in their Women’s collections this last Fall.

 

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Thus, menswear has been popping up in interior design’s furniture, draperies, pillows and accessories for the home. Men’s suiting fabrics like pinstripes, houndstooth, plaids, wools and soft felted fabrics layer very nicely and add an instant classically tailored appeal. These patterns and textures are reintroduced nearly every year, so why wouldn’t they be sustainable and stand the test of time in interiors as well? Just in terms of practicality, these fibers are more durable and require less maintenance; and just like a suit you can change the whole look depending on how you accessorize it. Dress it up, dress it down, just like changing out a tie, changing out pillows and patterns can give your classic foundation sofa an entirely fresh styling.

 

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World events and economic conditions have also contributed a significant role in interior design. The recession over the last several years has had a dramatic impact on families. With so many people out of work, the structure of the household has had to evolve with the times. Men are spending more time at home (probably than ever before) and they are voicing their opinions and participating more in the decisions about home design. As a result interiors are becoming much more gender neutral, if not leaning more toward masculine features. The key here however is that these spaces, although incorporating more masculine elements are balanced that anyone, male or female are represented and feel comfortable in their environment. Masculinity and Interior Design…my the times they are a changin’!
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