As Father’s Day looms, Gabrielle Fagan explores macho decor - and it goes way beyond flat screen TVs and black leather sofas

TIME was when decor was a girly pastime, and men who were enthusiastic about interior design were warily regarded as being a little too in touch with their feminine side.

How things change; nowadays men are unashamedly style savvy and are blazing a trail with a rough luxe look which appeals to women as well. It features textures – beaten, rusted metal, loft-style unplastered brick work – which combine brilliantly with dark tones and leather and create a hard-edged industrial/ luxury gentleman’s club combo.

‘‘The lines are becoming more blurred over what style suits a ‘man’s space’ and one which is shared by both sexes,’’ says Maurizio Pellizzoni, a designer at architecture and interiors firm MPD London. ‘‘Undoubtedly, a rough luxe industrial dimension incorporating leathers and metallics which is striking without being overbearing, a characteristic of rooms that appeals to men, is becoming increasingly popular generally.’’ The key to creating a successful male-orientated space is to create an environment which is stylish, refined and inviting, says Pellizzoni, as men want areas where they can instantly relax and unwind.

‘‘Fun and playful elements which distract from the everyday pressures and preoccupations of work make an interior interesting and add to the chill-down feel,’’ he says.

‘‘In a recent project we created a sophisticated entertainment room for after-hours entertaining, which had a gentlemen’s club flavour. It had a large cinema screen, a pool table and bespoke Hollwood-style bar. It’s all about a space which isn’t too serious in tone but speaks volumes about the client’s style, taste and design credentials.’’ Another designer, Timothy Oulton – who has new ranges at Barker & Stonehouse which combine elegance and comfortable style accessorised by prints of historical sporting heroes, perfect for a unisex space – describes his style as ‘‘rooted in vintage British designs, but with a twist of the unexpected’’.

‘‘I like mixing bold combinations of authentic materials, like rich leather with shiny steel, or clear cut crystal with rusted metal,’’ he adds. ‘‘Your home should be a source of energy, an inspiration for life’s journeys and adventures.

It should become part of your story.’’ ‘‘When designing a male space, we often choose to use strong colours and lines to create a bold and distinguished look,’’ says designer Katharine Pooley. ‘‘For example, the current trend for warm metals, like copper and brass, works well in men’s rooms,.’’ Bold tones of red and burnt orange as accent colours will lift a design and give it a masculine edge, she says, while substantial fixtures and striking textures will complement a bold, masculine environment which is opulent while still being sleek and modern.

‘‘Masculine interiors are effortlessly cool and can be created with relatively few elements,’’ says Claire Hornby, creative stylist at Barker & Stonehouse. ‘‘Neutral colours, clean lines and sleek, stainless steel finishes will create a super-luxe feel, which will work well in modern spaces. For those looking for something a little more traditional, natural materials such as aniline leathers and beautifully crafted chunky timbers, paired with soft lighting and dark walls, will exude an understated glamour.

‘‘Vintage maps and retro memorabilia inspired by pursuits such as riding, tennis and cricket will go hand in hand with this backdrop and will come together to establish a curated feel.’’