decorating and design ideas with men in mind. part 1 of 3.

     This week has taken a bit of a turn…for the better. As far as posts are concerned. In a good way. In a…”manly” way. We are thinking about design ideas. For the testosterone filled of the population.

Let me explain. A bit ago I was looking around my living space and smacked my forehead. Gah!!! When did our home get so GIRLY? I mean, Levi had complained about it being girly. I just shrugged him off. He’s 9, what does he know about design? And Nate never said one. single. word. Yep, he’s a good one. Suffice it to say I never realized that the fluff had overtaken our home.

Now that I knew how bad it was I decided to do something about it. I had no budget; so major changes wouldn’t happen. But, I know enough to NEVER underestimate the power of simple changes.

And so…I set out to change what I could with what I had.  I didn’t have any idea what to do or where to start. So, I asked for help from some of my fave blogs. And boy did the help come in!!

Let’s have a peek at what some of my living spaces looked like BEFORE. And they were worse then these pictures because I added MORE girliness after the pictures. Yes, I admit it. Now, you are going to say that they aren’t that bad. You’ve seen worse. And yes, it’s true. But the point is…why? Why do I need all the ruffles and girl? Why can’t I throw in a little man love? It isn’t just my space. I can afford a bit of compromise. And by golly, I’m going to give it.

And that’s where we are this week…getting help! I got so much help and such fabulous info that I wanted to share it. And then show you what that advice did to my living spaces. You’ll be amazed!

The next couple of days I’ll share the advice I got and then the results later this week. Take what you want and leave the rest. But, your men will thank you if you make a few changes. Seriously…how much ruffles and lace do you have?? I had pink, floral, pastels, and ruffles in amounts that belong only in little girl’s dresses…NOT in a grown-up home. It’s embarrassing.

 How about you?? What do your living spaces look like? Do you have a hoard of pink and ruffles? Then stop back the next few days for fabulous tips and advice from…

Melissa at No. 2 Pencil
Debbie at DebbieDoo’s
Jacque at DIY Village
Ashley at Domestic Imperfection
Melissa Riker at The Happier Homemaker
Heather at Setting for Four
Jen at Four Marrs One Venus
Jenny at Birds and Soap
Kelly at View Along the Way

And how well do you think I listen to their tips and tricks?? Hmmm….guess you’ll have to stay tuned!