The Woman Trap

Collar Tugging

In general, when we imagine the bedroom of a bachelor pad, our thoughts turn to cliched details like mirrored ceilings or water beds, but these are elements that are, for the most part, a thing of the past. Men have grown up and their tastes have grown along with them. Yes, they want a room that is attractive to women—a woman trap, if you will—but the truth is that women feel very comfortable in a masculine space. This is in direct contrast to men, who may feel clumsy and oafish and tug at their collars when forced to spend time in a space that is frilly and pink.

Today's masculine bedrooms tend to have the feel of a good hotel. The bed is central, but doesn't overtake the room. The bedding is of the best quality, perhaps some soft Egyptian cotton with a high thread count, and the lighting is good, with three to five light sources instead of one central overhead light. You won't find a lot of artwork or knickknacks in this space and while there may be a mirror or two, these are tasteful additions which blend in rather than take center stage (or ceiling, if you will). Color is important. Try dark indigo with a subdued, earth-toned orange or a rich shade of ochre. Use rugged fabrics like denim or natural linen and forgo the silks and velvets.

Focal Point

As with any room decor, it's a good idea to choose a focal point and go on from there. A headboard can be a good place to start. Leather has timeless masculine appeal, but wood can give a rustic feel. Many men like things simple and a contemporary design is a good way to achieve a minimalist feel. If you go for this type of look, gunmetal grey is a nice neutral which, when combined with a splash of a deep, muted color, for instance pumpkin or eggplant, you'll have a tasteful background canvas for the rest of your decor. Bold colors give a bit of sexual punch, that feeling of being in the presence of testosterone but without any sense of intimidation. A woman will feel feminine in this space without feeling the need to make eye contact with the closest exit every half second.

That brings us to the size of the bed. How big is big enough without being too big and taking over the room? A huge bed is kind of insistent, but this is, after all, a bedroom. A large or tall man will want to be able to toss and turn in comfort, but you don't want the bedroom to scream, "Let's get it on!" to your lady friends. If you go for king size, keep the bed frame spare and simple, with simple linens and bedding to mute the impact of the bed's large size. A large, contemporary painting can help balance the effects of a large bed, too.