If the seasons had genders, fall’s would be decidedly male. It’s the season of tweeds and leather, flannel and football. Maybe it’s the crisp autumn air, but we’re feeling an undeniable attraction to menswear-inspired spaces. With its classic shapes and warm, understated luxury, menswear is perfectly suited to the genteel home. And since home is where we’re likely to spend the next four to five freezing months, we’re feathering our nests with handsome haberdashery in mind.
To get the scoop on dapper design, we turned to interior designer Nicholas Moriarty, known for his modern, gentleman-chic aesthetic. He says his approach to menswear-inspired design all starts on the runway.
“Every season I spend a considerable amount of time reviewing the new collections from relative newcomers like Bespoken to stalwarts like Saint Laurent,” Moriarty says. “I truly approach all of my projects with this mentality. While most people may not see the complexity that is menswear, for me, it’s the pinnacle of restrained creativity.”
Moriarty likes to use classic suiting colors, like grey and blue, as a neutral backdrop. He says that starting with that palette allows you to tailor the environment to your individual style. From there, he says to “layer in burnt oranges, deep reds, drab greens and accents of black and tan to further exemplify a masculine perspective.”
Look for materials like felted wool, tailored cottons and linen—some of Moriarty’s favorites for imbuing a space with a cool menswear vibe. He likes textiles from Pollack, Maharam and Castel. Furniture with defined rectilinear silhouettes stands up to stately fabrics and showcases immaculate tailoring and subtle detail.
“When it comes to furniture I’m always drawn in by the strong, yet elegant forms produced by Bright and Poliform,” Moriarty says.
Above all, Moriarty insists you must edit. He says the menswear look is really all about restraint in decorating. Think of your room as a classic three-piece suit.
“You have the main element that has to be tailored perfectly (the blazer and pants equals the space plan and furniture selections); then you have the shirt (the textiles and finishes); and finally the vest, tie, shoes, belt, etc. (the accessorizing items: tables, lighting, drapes, art),” Moriarty says. “When all of these items are informed by one another, and perfectly balanced, you can’t help but create a cohesive environment full of restrained beauty.”
