In honour of LD: Why do men let women decorate their house?

That is one interesting chair! Oh and I (unfortunately) have to agree with a lot of the guys that said it's just a part of a serious relationship. I'm getting married soon, and my fiancee is already planning the decor for our future house. Funny thing is, she barely has any furniture (it's mostly my stuff that's getting moved in) and never seemed to have strong feelings on interior decorating in the past. However, we have come to an agreement that I get my own bathroom, majority say in the bar area, and at least SOME influence in most common areas. We'll see how much of that actually happens! It's the same deal as weddings. You find someone you love enough, you sometimes agree to give up some of the decision making if that's what makes them happy (even if you're the one with the taste).

Where can I go online to develop my taste in interior design and furniture? I'll be decorating a new apartment in the not-too-distant future and would like to make sure I don't end up wasting my money (in the same way that browsing SF has ensured I won't waste money when buying suits, shoes, etc.).

I'm assuming some good photo galleries would be sufficient to figure out what I like. Links, anyone?

A pre-req for my wife is that she has some design sense. One of the reasons it was tough to let my ex go was because she was really good at dressing, decorating and cooking. A couple months ago I was dating an earthy chick who claimed to be a "designer", let's just say mine and her styles didn't match up and I don't care how well we might have gotten along, celestial moons just creep me the **** out.

I would like to have some input as to how things go but once she has things under control I have no qualms with letting her handle the decorations. Dressing me, however, is not an option.

My longtime girlfriend is getting her Bachelor's in Interior Design in about 6 months. Needless to say, I'm not worried about the way that she'll design our future house, as I've taken a look through her portfolio and internship preparations, but I still do expect to have a say! And she recognizes and respects that.

She's very modern/minimal, with creating a relaxing atmosphere, which lines up exactly with the kind of thing I am into.

Originally Posted by Asch

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Where can I go online to develop my taste in interior design and furniture? I'll be decorating a new apartment in the not-too-distant future and would like to make sure I don't end up wasting my money (in the same way that browsing SF has ensured I won't waste money when buying suits, shoes, etc.).

I'm assuming some good photo galleries would be sufficient to figure out what I like. Links, anyone?

Do you have access to a bookstore with a good magazine department? Dwell is a pretty good interior design magazine.

Originally Posted by Asch

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Where can I go online to develop my taste in interior design and furniture? I'll be decorating a new apartment in the not-too-distant future and would like to make sure I don't end up wasting my money (in the same way that browsing SF has ensured I won't waste money when buying suits, shoes, etc.).

I'm assuming some good photo galleries would be sufficient to figure out what I like. Links, anyone?

Lots of pictures of personal residences here:

http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/281/?tid=51

Thanks guys.

Why do women let men decide which stereo to buy, or which car?

Seriously, I think you can tell by the responses in this thread exactly who is married/living with someone long-term and who isn't. In every relationship, you have to pick your battles, and towels aren't worth it to me. I live with my fiancee, and we've basically negotiated it this way: she could do whatever she wanted with the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. The living room and dining room were joint decisions, and the office and all the tech stuff were up to me. But even then, we both get veto power on things we absolutely hate. I'm really happy with how it all turned out.

Besides all that, though, comparing single women's apartments to single guys' places, women are just much better decorators. One thing we have established in this forum is that most men don't have a clue about how to dress themselves, let alone what to do with a whole apartment. Yes, women overdo the pillows and candles (seriously, wtf?) but I know exactly two straight guys whose apartments are even decent.

Originally Posted by Dragon

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I am not sure if it comes from China or Japan, but there is an old tradition that basically says that you should let the wife decorate the kitchen and bedroom any way she wants. The rest of the house is yours. In reality I think decorations become a disaster when only one of the partners makes all the decisions. If both make the decisions together, there should be no problem in the end.
+1. My wife and I are equally responsible for our home's decor. I like color and the occasional unexpected piece matched with functional storage and comfy seats. Otherwise, I'd have some mash up of modernist furniture, New England hand-me-downs, and off-white walls.

I let my wife decorate the main floors but my office and basement listening room are all my design. She does a great job so I am quite happy with the result. I do get to make the decisions on any electronics or appliances which works well.

Mid-century Czech Design:

http://www.praguekolektiv.com/index.php?s=about

I agree with a few guys here - it does mainly go back to the fact that a lot of people have ****** taste. I'm not against any particular style, I've seen it all; modern, classic, country, contemporary, vintage, etc all done very well. However, it's mis-matched styles that clash and those damned ugly-ass K-mart special partical board pieces of furniture that ruin things. For me, my fiance and I both have a similar tase in style, mid-century modern. Having the same taste in style as your significant other helps a lot!

I forget who said it, but they stated most guys have terrible decorative sences. I have to agree. About 90% of my friends who are men have mismatched decor that looks like they bought out a Salvation Army store in one day and threw their home together. On the other hand, a good friend of mine who lives in Minneapolis has excellent taste. I've posted a few pictures of his place. This goes back to where I stated it helps to have the same tastes as your wife, or convert them to liking your style. Both of them decorated their home and are very happy with it. No pink towels or stools anywhere!

Originally Posted by lawyerdad

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I think it often has to do with who gives more of a sh**t what color the towels or duvet covers are. Personally, there are certain areas of the house where I care about the decor/organization. The rest I don't, at least within reason.

+10 000

You have to choose which hill you are going to die on, and 99.999999% of men are not choosing the interior decorating hill ...

Originally Posted by Nantucket Red

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So, all the married guys with horribly decorated houses are married to the same wife? Therein lies the problem.
Saves on food and clothes, leaving more money for [our] shoes.

Originally Posted by Nataku

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[pics]

Not my style, but very nice.