My dad likes baseball, electronic gadgets, not going to the doctor when he's sick, reality TV shows featuring hot ladies, and...INTERIOR DESIGN! For these and many more reasons, I am a lucky daughter. In honor of Father's Day I've put together a dream home that any clean line-loving modern dad would enjoy.
In the living room, there's an abundance of earth tones with just a hint of reflection in glass and metal finishes. Fabric patterns are solid, woven, or feature simple contrasting lines. Throw in some dark leather, burled wood, and a pretty chandelier to keep Mom happy. After all, Dad always says "happy wife equals happy life."
The kitchen has black cabinetry with some exposed cupboards, all accented by butcher block countertops and matching wooden hardware. The old herringbone floor and industrial lighting further complement the straightforward but refined masculine vibe.
Subtle stripes on the bedroom walls give a little bit of life to the otherwise serene space. A natural wooden bed, unfussy white linens, slender floor lamps, abstract art, and a plaid blanket finish off the space in an airy way. Tons of a stripey marble in the bathroom and a floor-to-ceiling shower body braced by polished nickel hardware provide a luxurious way for Dad to begin and end his day.
And finally, at the back of Dad's dream house there's a simple rectangular pool for doing laps, lots of comfy lounge furniture to lay on while doing brain teaser puzzles, and a handsome dining table for feasting on grilled stuff. The property itself is beautiful, with its perfectly manicured lawn and lush assortment of healthy trees providing privacy and shade.
Dad, I can't wait to hear all about which ones you like on Sunday. Which sorts of designs does your dad like?
Images: 1. Haus Design; 2. Roman & Williams; 3. Todd Alexander Romano; 4-5. S.R. Gambrel.
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I define his style as...unfinished. He is handy and loves to do things...build rooms, renovate bathroom, etc. The thing is he does the job about 80%!! I think once he realizes he CAN do it, he is over it. Love em though...and he is always willing to help me w my projects (80% that is).
My dad is a really talented woodworker. I would say that he made at least 75% of the non-upholstered furniture in my parents' house. My favorite peice in my own home is the coffee table that he made for me.
He's been pretty eclectic in the past--a single room could easily have 3 items that don't match at all--but now that he's retired he's homed in on an arts and crafts kind of aesthetic.
My dad recently downsized and Ive been helping him put his new house together. I would say dads usually dont think of defining their style. Whether he realizes it or not, my Dad's house is heading toward a Ralph Lauren Lake Cabin vibe. At least Im trying to get it there!
ooooh lovely spaces. love masculine interiors. mmmm. You're lucky your dad loves interior design - that's great! I posted bachelor pad make over recently on my blog you might like.
http://martinelouisedesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/mr-ds-bachelor-pad.html
My Dad seems happiest in any place that has a cabin steward to clean his space, make the beds and take care of the laundry...
...a dining room steward who remembers that he likes Shrimp Cocktail as an appetizer, and a bartender who remembers his favorite drink.
I don't think he cares much about the color of the curtains or carpets as long as his chair is comfortable and the view is nice.
My dad is also a woodworker, and has made a number of the bookshelves and stepstools in my mom's house. He appreciates craftsmanship, but I don't know what his style really is. He can be pretty thrifty, so it's hard to say what he'd choose with an unlimited budget.
My dad just built a chalet-style house for my parents, including tons of interior woodwork and furniture. My parents have moved in, and he's just finishing up details.
Here it is almost done:
http://www.brittanypowell.com/away-from-home/the-house-that-dad-built/
My dad is a retired architect who loves travel and Frank Lloyd Wright. He likes a mid-century and craftsman styles the best but would never turn down a family heirloom or unique treasure found while travelling.
Random question, but where is that last phot from? It looks like a scene from 'The Big C', where Laura Linney goes swimming in the pool of a house she's touring.
My dad likes functional, and industrial. Clean-lined wood furniture (he's built some, some very strong and overbuilt ones that have lasted through decades of abuse - but never stained them) radiant heat flooring, solar panels, windows to a centre courtyard but no windows to the street. Low-energy lighting.
Lots of wood, and steel, and exposed pipes/cables "so you can see what needs fixing" - and big open floor plans and places for the dogs to be. Everything very durable, and unpretentious.
No very expensive iconic furniture anywhere.
My dad's idea of iconic furniture is Poang. Eames chairs "look like school chairs" and Bertoia "looks like a cheese-grater for asses."
No leather either because he inexplicably hates leather sofas. But it does need to be sturdy enough for the dog to sleep on.
My dad's favourite wood is unstained pine. His favourite colour is grey.
He loves industrial lofts, but also rural settings, which pose a bit of a dilemma.