I think I’m getting a headache
Now My Friend’s House has no interest in perpetuating tiresome gender stereotypes*, but, erm, do you ever look at a house in an interiors mag and think, wow, a man sleeps there too? Yes, we’re talking about emasculating bedroom decor. Here’s a run-down of decorating decisions that indicate one person only is getting their own way in the bedroom.
1. Love cushions. Sure, write it on a pillow but it won’t seem so cute when you’re weeping bitter tears into it post argument.
2. Pink and silky. Hmm, very seductive. But that Shirley Bassey mannequin looking down on you might be a bit off-putting.
3. Hyper sexy. Baroque gold headboard? Sure. Bronze and pink toile? I like it. Casual bowler hat? If it makes you happy. Lips picture? Valid choice. Riding crop and pink boots? Very Jilly Cooper. Matching pillows and dressing gown? Perhaps a bit much.
4. Naked lady art. Put it back in the family vault.
5. Unicorns, photographic swags and coral. I wouldn’t, personally, go for this unless I lived alone and loved it.
6. Massive four poster bed. I actually ran this past a real life man, who said that there was something sort of impressive about this room. Imposing even. Intimidating? He didn’t say. Can you guess who this room belongs to? Think hard…
Yes it’s the majestic bedroom of Dame Barbara Cartland, queen of romance. Which just goes to show that perhaps when it comes to decorating a bedroom in which love can flourish, we haven’t got a clue. You like cherubs, pleated pink valances and huge swag curtains? Sirs, we salute you.
ONE LAST THING… which seems pertinent.
For a really aggressively feminine bedroom check out this New York Times article about one woman who built her shabby chic dream home in the woods. Possibly to escape the trailer ‘decorated with dog hair’ that she shares with her husband? The full article is full of strange and hilarious detail, here.
*Too late
Ha! I know the owners of bedroom No. 4. Definitely her choice of artwork…
Thanks Mole! Brilliant comment. There is a whole other post for us to do on people having portraits of themselves up at home. In all mine and My Friend’s combined years of visiting houses to write about them we’ve seen some art to take your breath away
Travestytastic. I love this post.
Also, how helpful of the owner of the gross naked lady portrait to provide an eye mask so you don’t have to look at it.