I think when it comes down to it, this blog is really going to be about breaking the stereotype that guys are not interested in home decor.  So, to start of this blog I wanted to address three common stereotypes when we talk about guys and home decor:  (1) the bachelor pad, (2) the theme room, and (3) the media room.

1.  The Bachelor Pad - The bachelor pad is my favorite stereotype.  It is the idea that the single guy’s home consists of a giant TV, a huge leather sofa, some pin-up posters, and furniture made of 2×4s and cinder blocks.  Now, to be fair I have been in a number of “bachelor pads” (and, honestly have lived in a couple).  But, I think the bachelor pad is really a home of necessity.  And, it is by no means the ideal male home.  I know that as I have gotten older and more stable financially, I have bought nicer furniture and made my home far nicer than the stereotypical bachelor pad.  I think that most guys want nice things, and this includes home decor.

2. The Theme Room - I think the theme room is one of the most common stereotypes that women have for men when it comes to home decor.  You see this stereotype on design shows all the time.  Often, it is on those “surprise” design shows where the guy leaves for the weekend and when he comes back, he is gifted with this wonderful sports themed room.  But, the theme room is not only limited to sports.  I have seen golf themes, hunting-lodge themes, and -of course- bar themed rooms.  While, I am all for the occasional theme, I like to think that most men are creative enough to discuss decor in any room of the house.

3.  The Media Room - While, I think this is technically a theme room, I wanted to break this out into a separate category.  The media room stereotype seems to becoming more-and-more popular lately.  It is the idea that men have one room in the house specifically for them—the room with the TV.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the media room concept and really wish I had one in my house.  But, not only do I think the media room suites the women in the house, but also -once again- I think that men have interests outside the media room, as well.

There you have it, my three stereotypes for guy decor.  I am sure there are many others.  But, for me these are the three that seem to be popping up the most when I watch TV and surf the Internet.  Let me know what your favorite stereotypes are in the comments below.

This entry was posted Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 at 6:32 pm and is filed under misc. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.