DESIGNING FOR THE SEXES

I recently read an interview interior designer, Kyle Schuneman gave to Dwell Magazine where he was asked if men and women approach design differently. His answers were interesting and in a way comical.  He stated that men "have a need to claim their space...men want their place to function right, but they want it to be known as "theirs" with no apologies."

 photography / powers and crews

Women on the other hand are more collaborative in their method. He explains that we consult magazines, friends, and television shows to assist us in making our design decisions.

 photography / manny rodriguez

Schuneman makes a really great point...I don't ever recall my husband sharing decor magazine clippings with his buddies or discussing the new neutrals (not that anything is wrong with that). I have persuaded him to watch a design show or two with me. He was more likely to do so if they were discussing a basement design or some sort of man space.

I just found this observation to be food for thought and a great opportunity for discussion...

How involved is your mate in making decisions on decorating, etc.? Do you have similar tastes or is it more like the battle of the sexes?