Five ways to blend his and hers decor

It takes a lot of creativity, a sense of adventure and plenty of character to design a room that feels both masculine and feminine at the same time. It's easy to create a space that feels like neither but we're here to prove it is, in fact, possible for man and woman to live together in perfect harmony-well, their styles, at least.

Here are some easy ideas for getting the best of both worlds in your home.

1 Feminine florals
In the world of decorating, there's nothing more feminine than gorgeous floral patterns, but there's no reason why they wouldn't work in a robust space like this. Instead of choosing pretty pastel patterns go with dusty, figurative florals that are less prissy, more sophisticated.
   
2 Masculine accents
Add a touch of old boys' club by accessorizing with an eclectic mix of antiques. Old books, globes, maps, nautical knick-knacks and faded war sketches are the perfect counterpoint to the feminine vases, lamps, cushions and chandeliers that may be sharing the space.

3 Masculine woods
Dark wood is rich and sophisticated (think Old English library), so counter with a few feminine frills. Heavy wooden doors and dark panelled walls fill a space with subdued character, so add faded florals, fringes, damasks and velvets for a sensuous, feminine allure to the scene.

4 Feminine forms
Add a note of delicate opulence by incorporating shapely pieces, such as an elegant French settee or a set of dainty-legged foot stools. Mix tailored tweed upholstery with satin ruffles to maintain the room's cohesive feel, while letting the curves soften any rough edges.

5 United colours
Pretty pastels are no match for strong, heavy features in a room, so instead of using powdery hues, punctuate with bold splashes of sparkly red that appeals to both masculine and feminine sensibilities. Offset the frills in some objects with streamlined shapes in others.

The best of both worlds
Decorative styles through the ages have always mixed his and hers.

1880s: Queen Victoria's sombre, strict aesthetic mixed with new exotic fabrics from the Far East

1930s: Streamlined Deco shapes mixed with sparkly Hollywood glamour

1960s: Pop art graphics mixed with flower power

1980s: Androgynous mystique mixed with form-fitting fashionability

Today: Strong, well-made silhouettes mixed with softer textures and tones  

Read more in Decorating & Design and Styling Secrets