First things first: The idea of masculine and feminine in decorating has less to do with sex roles than with form, placement, colour and other pieces of their visual package. Feminine rooms tend to convey a feeling of softness and nuance; they are more mysterious and less direct than manly spaces. They highlight curves over stiff lines, randomness over symmetry, little scale over big and airy hues over rich jewel tones or dark neutrals. And the bedroom, such an intensely personal space to begin with, is an perfect spot for allowing this strategy blossom.
Rinfret, Ltd..
From the whispers of shell pink as well as the flashes of lilac into the layers of sheen and glow (even on the canopy), this bedroom showcases feminine flair in a superbly controlled manner. Everything about it seems subtle and sensual.
Having a neutral palette and rich forests, this room easily might have gone manly. What keeps it at the opposite camp? Detailing such as the billowy draperies and cutout-style bedskirt edging, along with romantic notes such as the cherub art and antiqued mirror.
Elizabeth Brosnan Hourihan Interiors
Again, details make the distinction here. Yellow is one of those unisex colors that can go either masculine or feminine, however scalloped bedding, pinch-pleat drapery tops, tasseled cushions and graceful patterns plant it firmly in the latter camp.
Jane Lockhart Interior Design
Airy but no-nonsense, this boudoir breathes life to the well-worn pairing of pink and gray. The headboard and unfussy accents prevent short of overall sweetness, nevertheless the space gives off an unmistakably feminine vibe.
Tobi Fairley Interior Design
This is how you do grace and poise with a side of sass. Stylized florals, conventional shell prints and softly curving furniture profiles get an edge from the vivid turquoise and coral tones, which change the disposition from serene to zingy. Sudden notes such as the light blue seat legs add to the light feel.
The Lettered Cottage
While men can rock a purple shirt or lavender tie, this space is nothing but girly, thanks to small furniture, curvy types, a swooping canopy, a ruffly seat skirt and tiers of toile. Streams of natural light improve the delicate effect.
Clarkson Potter
This is a woman’s bedroom, but an adult will be pleased to maintain it as her haven. The bare canopy bed retains its childhood-fantasy feel but shows off its bones in a sophisticated way, while the watermelon-pink toile wraps the space in delicate layout. Layers of cushions add to the feminine air.
Caitlin Moran Interiors
Nothing says glam like a statement chandelier, and this one tops off the room just like a giant pearl choker. The towering ceiling opens up the room enough to handle a luxuriously overscale bed with a headboard that is sculpted, and an upholstered bench right for strapping on a pair of heels. The light scheme also helps to soften the room’s angles.
Feminine style gets an exotic twist in this comfy bedroom, with a medallion-print fabric that feels both modern and dainty. The asymmetrical chaise at the foot of this bed is simply luxuriant.