Who Cares What Your Home Looks Like?
In general, are men not paying attention?
Years ago, I met a contractor whose work was primarily on homes in Santa Barbara, California. He told me,
“All home renovations are spearheaded by the woman of the house. I wouldn’t have any work if it wasn’t for them. Men don’t care. All men want is a comfortable chair and a TV.”
I thought that was harsh. Surely men care about the esthetics of their home environment. I mean, at least a little? Also, this generalization is based on gender, which doesn’t seem fair, let alone accurate. But maybe there is some truth in it? You tell me.
Far from scientific, I’d love your input. If you’re a guy or identify as male, please respond. If you’re female, respond on behalf of your male partner or experience with men. If you identify as something else, forgive me for asking such a blatantly gendered question. Note: this inquiry is in no way meant to be offensive. A poll cannot possibly cover nuance. Pick the answer that comes nearest to what you think and then leave me a comment!
I’m thinking about this a lot these days. Tom has known me through the creation of three homes. In every case, I had to work with what was there, as I had nothing to do with the design of these dwellings. By creation I mean the decoration and functionality. Wait - make that four homes. When I met Tom, the layout of the furniture in his place made absolutely no sense. Not only was it bad Feng Shui, it was also what I considered dangerous. For example, one should never turn a corner directly into a table. 🤦🏻♀️ It was a few years into the relationship when he was out of town that I wrangled a friend to help me move things around. I added a coffee table and an area rug, creating a living room. I put the desk off to the side. I repositioned the table in the kitchen, hung curtains and some art. You get the idea. Just one weekend and a few changes and the inside space looked and functioned SO much better.
This, of course, brings us to our current home. After scrubbing kitchen cabinets and walls for days (from grease and other unknown substances), I started on the hallway. When I discovered the same amount of gunk on the walls there, I called Tom over to see. I was baffled. Seriously, how in the world does a hallway end up having this amount of grease and dirt on the walls? Tom’s response? “That’s why I like renting to middle-aged men. They don’t notice these things.”
😆 😂 🤣
Ooookkaaay… is there some truth in this? Do men typically not pay attention to their surroundings? Let me know what you think!
No, this isn’t the home we’re renovating. But maybe someday! It’s the original homestead that sits in our backyard and would make a great studio. But the point of the photo is the great bike we got for just $20 at an estate sale last week! One of the tires keeps losing air but… twenty dollars!! (I love a deal!)
I can't speak for all men. In fact, I've known some that are much more attuned to esthetics than I am. My husband and I mostly agree on things, certainly the basics such as basic cleanliness -- when the dog and human hair on the floor is ankle deep, time to vacuum or bed making-- no need to tuck anything in ever unless company is coming.
I think we need to talk here about cushions, throw pillows - whatever you want to call those squares of color that I think are vital and my husband views as obstacles to his comfort. And the location of the recliner that still functions but is so ratty I blush when others happen by to visit.
I'm usually pretty lazy about it, but every so often I just get in the mood to completely reorganize some facet of my home or work environment, like the kitchen or bathroom for example.
The resultant feng shui always brings me joy.