the Wedding Planner

UK Wedding News

04/12/2015

Couples Argue Over Interior Design

A new study has revealed that more men are now taking an interest in interior design when it comes to decorating the house. However, while this means they want more of a say in the design project, it can also lead to arguments and disagreements between couples.

The research, commissioned by Direct Line insurance, found that – of the 100 interior designers involved – 45% noted an increase in the number of male clients who are taking an interest in the design of their home over the past 12 months.

19% added that men now want to be involved in the entire design project, rather than just furniture installations. They are also keeping up-to-date on design trends, with some believing the growth of 'menterior designers' is because gender boundaries have become less defined, therefore enabling men to be free to be more design aware without the stigma traditionally associated with it.

When it comes to couples designing their home, however, it isn't always smooth sailing due to varying tastes. 72% of interior designers said couples' tastes differed when it came to designing the home. For example, men are said to have more simple tastes and want decisions made quickly, whereas women pay more attention to detail and like to have a greater range of colour and pattern options.

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Elsewhere, one in 10 interior designers said men want to keep control of budgets and choose less expensive items, whereas women are more concerned about quality and style of fabrics. In addition, men are found to want to focus on technological aspects when decorating a room – compared to women who prefer to concentrate on the colour and pattern of the décor.

Some 70% of those polled admitted they had witnessed couples clash over the design of their home, with a third (34%) saying they would step in and mediate when disagreements begin. However – and perhaps wisely – 23% said they stay out of any incidents, preferring their clients to sort out their differences themselves.

Mila Podiablonska, Absolute Interior Décor, said: "I have seen a huge increase in men designing their homes in recent years, to the point that they now make up about 90 per cent of my client base. I find male clients to be very decisive and they tend to have fewer preconceived notions than my female clients, so are open to new ideas.

"Differing décor and design tastes among my clients is definitely an issue. Homeowners should be aware that projects which could be done in a short time frame and on budget can be significantly delayed and over budget when they change their minds or can't agree on a design."

Katie Lomas, head of Direct Line Home Insurance, added: "While the research brings up gender generalities, designing a home is a uniquely personal decision. Interior design is an important part of defining the way we live in and engage with our homes.

"It can be a disruptive process as many designers have witnessed, which is why planning is as important as execution in ensuring each partner is happy with the finished article.

"Homeowners should take note of the advice provided by interior designers, as spending time agreeing on a few ideas beforehand may help limit the possibility of clashes further down the line."

(JP/LM)

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"A new study has revealed that more men are now taking an interest in interior design when it comes to decorating the house."