In the last few months, I’ve listened to countless women complaining that their husbands would never go for a “girlie” or “frilly” master bedroom (and no, I’m not a therapist). I guess the idea of floral prints, ruffles, and pink makes these men a little uncomfortable. 😉

Whatever the reason, I must just be lucky as my husband could not care less how pink or frilly our home décor is, including our shabby chic master bedroom which is as pink and frilly as can be.

Right now our room consists of a French-style tufted bed, shabby chic, floral bedding, crystal lamps, white curtains & side tables, plus a few other feminine pieces (post coming soon).

I think I mentioned in my article about lavender rooms that I would paint my entire house lavender if I could. I’m all about feminine, French, shabby chic, & English garden style and thankfully, huz goes along with whatever I like. But for the rest of those unlucky ladies, how do you make a master bedroom masculine, yet still lovely? Is there a way to have a pretty, yet non-frilly master bedroom?

Yes, there is! Creating a space like this only requires a balance between masculine and conservative feminine styles. You really just have to follow a few steps:

• Find A Neutral Color Scheme

The first step in designing a non-frilly master bedroom is starting with a neutral foundation: color scheme. This doesn’t necessarily have to mean neutral colors, it just means the colors need to be ones you both like, whatever those may be. Some great options are navy blue, taupe, black & white buffalo check, greens, etc. Implement these colors throughout your room. I like to stick to three main colors, max, and then introduce pops of other colors later.

• Add Masculine Industrial &/Or Rustic Pieces

The industrial style is very masculine but can also be dressed up. Adding pieces like an industrial table lamp or light fixture, and a masculine, rustic bedframe, or even a plain solid-color comforter or duvet can give off the masculine look & feel you want to achieve. Stay away from curvy lines and feminine prints (for now). Check out my list of 10 affordable canopy beds for some ideas.

• Don’t Be Afraid To Mix Design Styles

The best spaces are created with a unique mix of several design styles. Finding this balance can be hard, and it’s where a lot of people struggle. Combining different design styles (ex. farmhouse, industrial, modern, and even lighter, feminine) can really bring the room together–which brings me to my next point:

• Find Subtle Feminine Pieces

The final step in creating a non-frilly master bedroom that both of you will love is to implement subtle femininity. This could include white curtains with a ruffle down the side, pearl picture frames on the nightstand, a vase of flowers, or a wreath on the wall. Adding the slightest touches of femininity will make all the difference between a harsh, masculine space and a room with a softer, lighter feel you both can enjoy.

So, to summarize, creating a non-frilly master bedroom the man in your life will love starts with a neutral foundation: colors and patterns, then the addition of masculine furniture and décor, and finally, soft, subtle feminine accents. It’s totally possible to create a master bedroom that is pretty, but not frilly.

Below are some great examples of non-frilly master bedrooms:

In her post describing key elements of a modern farmhouse bedroom, Sarah from Grace In My Space shares her pretty, yet non-frilly bedroom. Sarah uses modern wall sconces, a dark, masculine feature wall, neutral colored bedding, plus subtle feminine features such as an upholstered headboard with nailhead trim, a white ruffle bed skirt, and a vase of cheery pink tulips.

 

KariAnne from Thistlewood Farms had the honor of visiting and photographing a house designed by Refresh Home . The master bedroom in this home is cozy & pretty without being frilly. It’s got neutral colors throughout, masculine, unfinished wood detail on the ceiling, and hardwood floors. However, the room also presents subtle feminine accents such as a dark gray tufted bench, French crystal chandelier, and pretty throw pillows.

 

This non-frilly master bedroom (designer unknown) boasts a masculine farmhouse-style wood bed, simple neutral colored bedding, and a taupe area rug. The light feminine accents include pale blue walls, a fresh wreath on the wall, and white porcelain table lamps.

 

Karen from Mrs Rollman Blog put together this neutral cottage master bedroom that screams “pretty, but not frilly.” She used a wrought iron bed frame, dark blue, masculine side tables, and gray & white neutral colored bedding. However, she also added three framed botanical prints above the bed, pretty brass table lamps, and houseplants on either side table to create a pretty, yet non frilly master bedroom.

 

This master bedroom (designer unknown) has warm colors, dark side tables, and a steampunk-look sign above the bed. However, there’s a feminine curve along the top of the headboard and a houseplant sitting beside a stack of books–a great example of a non-frilly master bedroom.

Do you have a non-frilly master bedroom? How did you style it?

 

 

Find my favorite modern Victorian designs HERE.