When was the last time that you and your better half agreed on something? Was it where to go on your next vacation or was it how much to budget? How about something as simple as what to eat on the next meal? It’s a cruel joke that God has made us so different, yet so needy of each other. As you might expect these differences in opinion, lifestyle choices and what is really important to each of us as males and females often create epic battles when it comes to designing a new home.
Battle One: TV size and location
Men readily admit that it’s tough to put the cap back on the tooth paste, that we will never ask for directions now that we have Google Maps and GPS, and that we love our BIG TVs. With the advances in technology, TV’s have gotten thinner and thinner and at the same time, bigger and bigger. This has made it easy to put a TV anywhere and for that matter, why not everywhere? I had one client that requested 7 flat panel TV’s in his 3000 square foot house; the Living room, Family room, Seating area, Kitchen, Master bedroom, and Master ensuite opposite of the toilet. Some guys just don’t want to miss their sports, regardless of what they’re doing. Fortunately for my client, he was not yet married, so there were no battles or spousal agreement required.
As both a male and as a designer I can appreciate the female side of the TV battle. Just because a 65” TV is available, doesn’t mean it should be in a 10’x10’ bedroom. You know the TV is too big if you’re sitting in front of it and you have to rotate your head to see the entire screen. In fact, THX standards recommend the ratio of viewing distance to TV size to be between 1.54 to 2.2. That means the ideal viewing distance for a 65” TV is anywhere between 8’-4” to 12’-0”. If you are not familiar with THX, think of a movie you recently saw with the beginning trailer featuring THX sound that blew the audience away! Ladies, he might not listen to you, but he loves THX with a different type of love; a love where advice is listened to.On the flip side, as a designer, I have found women want as few TV’s as possible. They will likely quote relationship and sleep experts and say that the TVs should not be in the bedroom at all. Sorry to say, but I have found that most men will not take advice from relationship experts when it relates to their TV needs.
Battle Two: Closet Size
Conversely, if you ask women what the size of their closets should be, they will likely say the bigger the better. As a designer, I have found that closets are very important rooms for women. It’s a sanctuary to see and literally visit many of the things they love and bring them joy; shoes, jewelry, cloths, purses, accessories. However, unlike the TV battle, women really don’t need to put up much of a fight. Most men have already accepted that we will never ever get more than 5 square feet of closet space. We accept this reality. It is only a bonus to the women that we don’t really care. I often wonder if I can get men and women to happily co-exist if I designed a big TV inside the walk-in closet.
Battle Three: Colour
For men, colour is like a Charlie Chaplin show; they only need to be black, white, and grey. Safe, simple and again, we really don’t care as long as it’s not a black and white TV. Men will put up a battle only if extreme color choices are considered. Don’t even try to put hot pink anywhere in the house but the women’s side of the closet. Most women won’t even consider black and white as colours. Women are naturally more adventurous when it comes to colours. Dynamic reds in the dining room, gorgeous greens in the bedroom, relaxing sky blue bathrooms and every possible shade within the RGB can be considered. Good for them! The battle of the sexes is alive and well in home-design. This battle will outlast all wars and be fought for eternity. I’m honoured to be able to referee this classic game. There will be no losers in this war. The true joy and prize in this battle is a perfect home that address all parties needs, it’s a home that is truly built on love and respect; and maybe with a few big TV’s.
-Eric Lee
VictorEric Design Group