click below for more images A "Venus" choice of chairs FurnitureGuide.com    Email to a friend  Printer friendly version Related Resources • Guy Decor • Floorplans • Furniture Related Resources • Hiring a Designer • Architecture to Sit On • Moving In About Interior Decorating Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Your Email Address:

You may remember the scene in the movie "When Harry Met Sally" when a couple had their first fight while moving into a new home.

He'd brought his huge "bachelor pad" wagon wheel coffee table, only to find out that she can't stand it. The next scene shows the weary man hauling his prize table out to the curb for trash pickup.

Why is this so funny? Perhaps because we've all had our run-ins with the Mars vs. Venus factor in home decorating. He's thinking "comfortable, sturdy, and functional" while she's thinking "floral, pastel, and pretty".

Whether a couple is merging two established households or just starting out, these two different views can collide into small and large disagreements over how to furnish a room and a home.

Unfortunately there's no one solution to this dilemma. Every week, Michael Payne, host of HGTV's "Designing for the Sexes", tackles one project, mediating the divergent wishes of a couple for their room decor. The show often make it look easy, but it's probably rarely as smooth as it seems.

While there are numerous exceptions to any rule, men often want sturdy furniture, a comfortable lounging place, simplified accessories, and room to spread out. She's worried this means ugly recliner chairs in the living room. When she sees floral designs and curvy lines, to her it's elegant and pretty. He views it as being fussy and uninviting. Then she begins to think he has no decorating taste whatsoever... and they're off!

Since the key to solving most dilemmas is understanding, the following chart of men's and women's likes and dislikes may be the place to start. Instead of marveling at the opposites however, see what "likes" you may have in common with your spouse, and use those as starting points for decorating harmony.

Here are some other generalities about the things each gender may find appealing:

General Decor
Mars:
What He Likes : Functional, comfy, straight-edged, spare, uncluttered, unfussy, architecturally clean
Venus:
What She Likes: Pretty, light, floral, curved lines, displays of collections, architecturally detailed

Colors
Mars:
What He Likes : Muted, tan, brown, earth tones, gray, silver, dark colors, black
Venus:
What She Likes: Brighter, floral colors, soft pastels, tea-stained, whites

Fabrics
Mars:
What He Likes : Leathers, plain colors, stripes, plaids, nubby textures, sturdy weaves
Venus:
What She Likes: Beautiful patterns and designs, florals, silks, chintz, smooth, shiny, soft, color coordinated

Upholstered Furniture
Mars:
What He Likes : Comfortable, simple designs, larger scale, plain and leather upholstery, straighter lines, substantial, few or no extra pillows
Venus:
What She Likes: Curved backs, rolled arms, delicate lines, details such as skirts, cording, and lots of soft pillows

Sofas: Men often prefer large scale, comfortable seating, in dark leather upholstery
Women often prefer lighter colored upholstery, curved shapes, and details like skirts, cording, and extra pillows

Wood Furniture
Mars:
What He Likes : Straight lines, sturdy, heavy weight, simple designs, dark woods, metal, substantial
Venus:
What She Likes: Curved lines, lighter weight, embellishments, lighter woods, traditional designs, painted furniture, stenciled designs

Coffee Tables: Men often like very sturdy tables in dark woods or metal, straight lines, with room to spread out
Women often like more delicate, curved lines and the airy feeling of glass, also wicker, antiques, and interesting details

Style
Mars:
What He Likes : Mission Furniture, contemporary, functional pieces in plain "no style" designs, "recliner" casual
Venus:
What She Likes: Elegant, traditional, garden looks, country, French, English, Italian, California casual

Accessories
Mars:
What He Likes : One of two looks -- either minimal with a few substantial pieces or cluttered with memorabelia or masculine collections; textural, unfussy, straightforward
Venus:
What She Likes: Detailed, arrangements, florals (silks, fresh, plants), treasured collections displayed with care, themed rooms with coordinating elements

Go on to:
Next Page: Solutions to End Disagreements