Dudes Deserve Nice Things Too

We often hear things like from men in the shop “I wouldn’t want to make any decisions without my wife.” Or “I don’t really know anything about design.” While yes, you should consult your partner or spouse before making a major purchase, it’s important to us that all our customers feel empowered to buy things for their home with confidence. We are champions for men taking an increasingly active role in curating their living spaces. Culturally, we are evolving beyond days when home shopping is a task relegated to female partners, or that a man must identify as queer or gay to have taste. We want all men to feel comfortable expressing their wants and needs for their home, and to decorate in ways that reflect what’s most important to them.

Developing Your Approach

Breaking Stereotypes

Traditionally, home shopping has been viewed as a feminine domain. However, many men are now embracing their role as equal contributors to how their home looks and functions. As modern relationship dynamics often showcase a balance of responsibilities at home, it is up to each partner to contribute. Furthermore, while it can be an important part of a relationship, a home should reflect elements of self. Prior to a long-term relationship, the “bachelor pad” can be an authentic representation of lifestyle rather than what society might expect. It can be a space for working remotely, developing hobbies, embracing personal fulfillment and relaxation, and welcoming dates, friends, and family. It’s where you can be you.

Prioritizing Functionality

Men often look for pieces that are both functional and stylish — prioritizing items that serve a purpose while also contributing to the overall aesthetic of the space. Balancing practicality and looks will ensure you hold on to your purchase as long as possible. A key aspect of functionality is quality. Ask yourself, “Will this thing I’m buying last? Does it do what I need it to do and will it do that well?” Whether you are investing in dishware or bed linens or purchasing dish towels or a candle, the value of the products should be clear — a fair price for something that is well-made. 

Embracing Personal Style

Home shopping allows men to express their individuality. The home serves many purposes — a space to entertain, showcase personal items and achievements, work, rest, and explore personal goals and hobbies. Color and style are individual choices, meaning there aren’t really right or wrong answers. Trends come and go, but it can be helpful to seek advice from others if you feel it will help you articulate what you want your home to look like. What’s most important is that your lifestyle has a strong influence in your home. 

Tips for a Better Shopping Experience

Define Your Style

Before diving into shopping, take some time to define your personal style. Browse design magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram to gather inspiration as a starting point, but don’t feel constrained by what you see. Take note of how spaces and individual elements you see make you feel. For example, you may see a dark library space filled with wood and leather. Your home may or may not be able to accommodate this type of space exactly, but what is it about the library that catches your eye? Do you like the finishes, the lighting, and/or the purpose it creates? Understanding how your space can reflect your values, hobbies, and overall flavor of your lifestyle will help you make the right choices. 

Make a Plan

Identify what you need for your space. Is it furniture, decor, or organizational items? Prioritize purchasing things that make your life easier, solve immediate problems, or create lasting aesthetic impact. Make a list and save images so you can articulate your thoughts when you go into a store or are searching online. If you’re a spreadsheet person, this is your time to shine! Having a clear plan will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases that don’t fit your vision. 

Set a Budget

Home shopping can quickly become overwhelming, especially with high-ticket items. Setting a budget helps you prioritize spending on essentials while allowing for a few splurges on pieces that truly resonate with you. If you find multiple options for things, take note so you can make comparisons based on materials, where things are made, and how well your design needs will be solved. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. Oftentimes when you settle for the cheaper option, it ends up either being lower quality or compromising desired aesthetic or values. Set guidelines and allow for flexibility where you can, especially when you find something that exceeds your expectations. 

Research Before You Buy

Take the time to research products and read reviews. This is especially important for larger investments like furniture and appliances. Knowing what to expect can save you from buyer’s remorse. Read reviews and use your gut to evaluate if a purchase feels right and fits your values. We think it’s a good idea to identify options for purchases so you can make a comparison. Don’t believe everything you read online — so much modern marketing waters down the understanding of where, how and what products are made of. (Insert plug for shopping at Flourish & Foundry…we do a lot of research for you to ensure good quality and impact on people and the environment.)

Consider Your Impact on People and the Environment 

With a growing awareness of environmental issues, many men are looking for sustainable options. What does “sustainable” mean though? There is a lot of green-washing by companies and it can be overwhelming to really know where to begin. Consider purchasing items from makers that prioritize materials with low impact on the environment and ethical production practices. At Flourish & Foundry, we focus on and elevate human experience and impact — both for you and those who are involved in making our goods. We have relationships with those who source and make the things we sell to ensure as much transparency as possible. This allows you to make educated decisions. 

Your home should bring you joy and shopping for it should be as joyful as possible (or at least not completely horrifying!) Whether you’re moving into a new place or simply sprucing up your current space, shopping for your home can be an enjoyable and fulfilling adventure. However, if you feel yourself dreading a purchase, slow down a bit. While it feels great to click and receive things all within a 24-hour period, making educated purchases that fit your values & budget and support your lifestyle feel much better in the long run.

Check out these and other high-quality goods made by real people in our shop.

Fable Flatware

Pretti.cool Centerpiece Bowl

fiVO Design Birch Wine Racks