by Jemma Pearson Masculine interiors are elbowing their way into the Coast's most stylish homes. It's not pretty,  but get it right and the whole family will love this on-trend look.

Interior design – for better or worse – has long been viewed as a less-than-manly preoccupation. The woman of the home often becomes the style-setter inside, while the bloke retreats to the shed or on the deck manning the barbecue. But furniture manufacturers, fabric designers and retailers have always provided products with a masculine edge – it’s just the man of the house needs to take time to discover them. If you think that cushions and kitchen appliances, wallpaper and window coverings are only for the ladies, think again. You can create a stylish, comfortable interior that is all man.

Sink again

In the kitchen, gleaming integrated appliances, 2-pac cupboards and uncluttered surfaces are popular with today’s home owners, and this movement suits the masculine trend. Black glass splashbacks and darker surfaces are jostling for room amongst the myriad light, bright surfaces and white cabinetry in kitchen manufacturers’ showrooms. Match black cabinets with commercial-grade gas cookers and brushed aluminium appliances. A black coffee machine in the corner is all the embellishment the room needs.

Bare it all

The masculine look is utilitarian – everything in the interior has a purpose and nothing is merely for show. A pair of sleek, low-rise armchairs face off over a modernist glass-topped coffee table in the lounge room. For a touch of decadence, an ancient leather armchair in the corner provides
a place to recline and catch up on some reading. Lighting is provided by understated floor lamps that stand sentry by the lounges.

Study group

A computer is an unavoidable necessity in today’s studies but a laptop rather than a desktop should be your choice of technology as it can be easily hidden away in the top drawer. Choose a desk with a past – or one that at least looks like it’s got one. On the desk, a reading lamp sheds light on framed photos of loved ones and a leather blotter prevents your Montblanc pen from marking the timber top. Keep paperwork and books in order on a metal bookshelf, while a vintage world globe on a stand in the corner is a good spot to pause and plan your next overseas jaunt.

You snooze, you win

A king-sized bed with leather bedhead dominates the main bedroom. Sheets and bed linen are unadorned in muted tones of brown, taupe and olive green. For a splash of brightness, a couple of white cushions is okay, but avoid bright colours in this room. Sleek contemporary light fittings and the latest high-tech gadgets in brushed aluminium or gleaming industrial silver provide a bit of bling. For the bedside tables, a pair of travel-worn leather trunks provides interest and storage for extra blankets and sheets.

On the desk, a reading lamp sheds light on framed photos of loved ones and a leather blotter prevents your Montblanc pen from marking the timber top

Back to nature

In the backyard, revitalise your old outdoor setting with weatherproof cushions in heavy-duty fabric. Thick black and white stripes are a timeless choice. If you are serious about giving the area a makeover, an outdoor fireplace with sandstone surrounds on the dark timber deck will be a place you won’t want to leave. And pot plants aren’t just for the ladies – choose large black plastic pots filled with tropical plantings and herbs for cooking.