On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate feminine inspired design. A good place to start is right at home, by adding some unapologetically feminine décor to your home interiors. While frilly and pink décor may not suit everyone’s tastes, there are many ways to infuse your home décor with feminine accents without overdoing it.
Here are some great ways to do so.
Pastels and polka dots
While larger geometrics are dashing and bold, tiny geometric patterns like these asymmetric polka dots work well in feminine décor. The shades of pastel pink in the bed covers, armchair and flowing drapes add softness and depth to the palette. The delicate framed prints on the wall above the bed complete the look.
Florals and botanicals
Bold stripes, checks and chevron prints tend to look decidedly male. To create soft allure, try decorating with pretty florals, leafy patterns and paisley prints. This living room corner ticks all the right boxes with a discerning eye for matching colours and plays with textures and prints in the fabric, wallpaper and rug.
Little things matter
It’s the little touches that really matter. Tastefully grouped accessories on the centre table, like this vase of wispy reeds, a cut-glass cup that catches the light, and wooden letters that spell out HOME can transform a space from indifferent to warm in an instant.
Decorate with mirrors
All women love mirrors! Functional as well as ornamental, a mirror can make a room appear lighter and brighter. Pay attention to the frame; we’re looking at decorative, not bold. So oval or gilt-edged frames, chic metallic accents, or vintage mirrors with unusual frames should be high on your priority list.
The charm of wicker
Wicker is inherently feminine, with its flowing style and painstaking attention to details. And when it’s painted white, it becomes the perfect spot for some afternoon catch up on girly gossip! This charming balcony set is livened up with bright cushions and overflowing pots of greens.
Stylish lights
This unique, quirky set of pendant lights above the dining turn what could be an ordinary space into a décor statement. We love the twists and twirls that go any which way in the pendant suspenders. A lovely crystal chandelier will also work well here.
Ruffles and lace
A warm, feminine aesthetic is all about tufted bed heads, bed covers that are edged with frills and sheer, flowing drapes in the bedroom. These soft pink linen pillows with ruffled edges and pretty ties are at the heart of all things feminine!
Say it with lights
The right lighting can transform spaces and create the ambience you seek. A string of twinkling lights and the flickering glow from rows of candles creates a dreamy, magical atmosphere in this gorgeous bedroom. Time for some romance!
Accent cushions in a cosy corner
Piled high with cushions in pleasing colours and subtle patterns that blend beautifully together, this comfy couch takes a feminine approach to home décor. The oversized Monstera plant in the background adds a delicious touch.
Sprigs of flowers
Sprigs of fresh flowers in delicate vases or jars are all you need to infuse feminine charm into any space. Let the flowers be the hero (or heroine, as it were!) and don’t let them get overpowered by the vase. This powder pink bathroom counter gets it just right!
Creative crafts
Delicate handwork, like crochet and tatting, adds a quaint touch of old-world grandmotherly charm. There’s no one who will not agree — lace doilies, lace-edged table cloths and patchwork quilts are so much prettier than store-bought home linen!
Tassels and strings
DIY macramé crafts, popular in the 70s, are coming back in trend. Macrame décor features add boho-chic appeal and work well in organic, earthy interiors. Here, these macramé potholders with their twisted tassels and lovely fringes are rich in patterns and textures.
To sum up, do keep these tips in mind:
- Feminine décor always combines functionality with aesthetics. If there is a tussle between starkly practical and purely decorative, the decorative piece would always win!
- Soft shades of pink, purple, mauve and cream are intrinsically feminine in nature.
- Floral or paisley designs and curvilinear patterns are considered feminine. Apply larger patterns on drapes, matching with the same pattern on a smaller scale on bedding or cushions.
- Look for materials that are silky and smooth. Embroidered detailing, ribbon inserts and fabrics like fine linen, silk and satin make a decorative statement.
- Pay attention to detailing. Fringes on the edge of lampshades, scalloped and frilled edges, tassels and lace lean toward the feminine.
- Opt for light furniture with curved edges and delicate styling.
- Soft lighting is key to bringing out the feminine side of a room. Scented candles and strings of fairy lights are some examples.
- Crystal, ornate gilt and stones like marble all appeal to the feminine chic trend.
- Accessories like vases with bunches of flowers, glazed pottery, pretty table linen, or small works of art that are tastefully arranged can add a lovely, delicate touch to any room.
- Curves and flourishes add glamour and flair, as opposed to straight lines and hard edges.
This article is contributed by Dipti Das, AVP-Design, HomeLane.com.
(The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of RoofandFloor)
