Contemporary masculine interior design can be identified by a few elements, such as the use of dark colours, materials like leather and steel, as well as clean silhouettes. Interior design experts, such as Akzonobel (manufacturer of Dulux paints) and Cameron Woo Design, have shared some tips and how-tos so you can recreate this look at home. We've compiled some photos for inspiration, too!
Pictured: See more photos of this bachelor pad by Wal Associates here.
TIP #1: Opt for clean lines
In this UE Residences home, interior design firm Laank used symmetry as well as clean lines to create a contemporary and masculine feel within the residence. Laank also lent a more masculine tone through their use of a dark wood, which was paired with the grey tones -- in the form of smoky tinted glass and wallpaper -- in the house.
To create the same effect, pair darker and warmer colour palettes with warm greys and black accents.
TIP #2: Introduce dark tones and rich textures
Here, Cameron Woo Design’s intent was to create a private retreat for the TV room in this penthouse apartment. The client’s functional brief was to create a room suitable for private television viewing and also double up as a guest overnight bedroom if the occasion arose, which lends the room to have a darker, masculine yet contemporary vibe to it.
Cameron suggests opting for darker hues like mulberry and rich textures like satin. Whilst seemingly formidable, a darker colour palette can be incorporated into almost any interior.
TIP #3: Break it up with soft touches
For a sophisticated living space, AkzoNobel recommends balancing dark hues and bold furniture with softer touches. Contrast the masculine elements of dark tones and leather furnishing with lighter accents, soft textures and some lush greenery.
Take a leaf from the interiors shown, and mix and match different dark colours. The use of deep green and brown tones (pictured) complements the wood-based furniture and pots of greenery, tying the entire look together.
TIP #4 Opt for non-dark colours, if it suits you
In this project, Cameron Woo applied a hand-painted gold painted linen effect on the walls in contrast, to create an uplifting mood rather than use the typical dark sombre colours found in many masculine interiors. The textured laminate bookcase cabinetry was requested by the client to house the extensive collection of books he had collected over the years.
The colour red is a strong focal point in the custom wool rug and inset red panel in the bookcase cabinetry and was selected by the client because it held special significance as his lucky colour.
INSPIRATION: The crate-like box that encloses the bed really create a sense of safeness and comfort in the sanctuary of a master bedroom. See more of this home here.
INSPIRATION: These homeowners decided to adapt the en-suite master bedroom into a walk-in wardrobe-cum-exercise space. See more of this home here.
INSPIRATION: This apartment is a rustic-vintage showpiece with a masculine vibe, with heavy wood accents on wall panels and dark-coloured furniture. See more of it here.
INSPIRATION: At the dining area, black and white hexagonal tiles are used underfoot, while in the kitchen, gold and silver hexagonal tiles were chosen for the backsplash. See more of this home here.
INSPIRATION: There are lots of offbeat furniture in this Yio Chu Kang home. See more of it here.
INSPIRATION: This guest room has a bookshelf as a “headboard” – the volumes on display add to the cosiness and personality of the space.