judyg, it's funny how things get misunderstood in an online forum. I think peetabread was saying you were being rude (though I didn't see any rudeness on anyone's part). And I also think the original posting--straight guy seeks...--was a take off on those personal ads, a way to get attention among thousands of design dilemmas clamoring to be read. And I, too, could be wrong about all of that.

I don't think you're wrong at all groveraxle, I'm quite sure that's what tasihagisavas was doing with his title. And I also think that's what peetebread was implying. :)

Wow! For one, you have great taste! I may have entered late in the game and my choices already eliminated the vertical stripes but two of my faves are the wide verticle stripe with chocolate and turquoise, and then 2 days ago you posted a gray/cream rock pattern (along with a houndstooth and another pattern). Those two are fabulous, have a variety of was to accent different colors ! The are masculine without being too overpowering and are very versatilie. Just my opinion but great taste, very impressive!

I don't understand the drama, on the fact that poster used "straight guy". He was trying to get people to look at his post. And it worked. Why are some people hung up on this?? Like I have said many times before. " It's a design site" it's for fun, and entertainment. As well as helpful hints on design. It's not Facebook.

groveraxle, , yes, I got it, and had a good laugh. Straightguy has three posts going on at the same time, and he is a straightguy on all three.

travis, nothing starts drama more than a snarky dig. And I disagree. Houzz indeed can mimic Facebook.

I take offense, (and I’ll wager I am not the only one reading this post,) at anyone’s indicating that straight is incompatible with gay when it comes to design or anything else for that matter.

It is no different from race. Replace “straight” with “White”. How would you be responding to that?

None of this belongs on houzz, ever...”no fun and entertainment here”.

Kidding.. girls don't like competition.. Love the grays!! Mforr has it..
I wouldn't do damsk.. (the original photo you posted) too floral.

Adrianne, too funny.
They all should be named after former First Ladies, Mamie and Nancy for example?
Why not make it completely un PC ;)

lines symbolize movement.
Zig zag.. is something to get the heart pumping and add interest
Lineal adds length and associated with aspiration (because you look up)
Curvy lines are associated with femininity
Horizontal lines are peaceful and are associated with the horizon (not a horizon in Utah.)
Horizontal lines are also associated with masculinity.
Herringbone is associated with mens suits..

Man zone... horizontal lines, herringbone.. grays, browns, rich blues, studded leather, mechanical lighting..
Emperador Dark granite with gray walls

Mforr.. funny LOL I had bunnies and named them after pin up girls.. Marilyn & Betty.. soo off topic

:)

Judyg, I find it interesting that in this entire thread you have not made one real design suggestion yet on several occasions made what I have taken as snarky remarks playing the straight vs. gay card. The rest of us were having fun helping the poster, and at no one's expense I might add. Suddenly this thread took a turn as it was plunged into a rather one sided debate on the political correctness of the design dilemma. "Replace straight with white"...relax girl, there's no need for a soap box here, that's unless it's beautifully hand-carved
mahogany.

Bluenan, I have an antique Pears Soap box, it's also rather lovely, though not hand carved or mahogany. May I bring it to the reveal party?

;)

I'll bet you thought I was trying to diffuse the situation with a bit of stupid humor, and yes, I was. But not completely, I really do have my own "soapbox" to climb on. I really like it, so I hope that won't be necessary ;D

See?

Love it!

HI -- @bluenan --- I cannot get Ralph Lauren metallic paints anymore at least not in Canada -- it has some thing harmful in it and was told it is no longer available . Now tasi -- love the choice of going with the concrete look - perfect with your furniture . OK - now fellow Houzzers -- Geezzzz . Lighten up -- we are done now I hope ? I "was" having fun , now I'm done ! Bless you all !

Interesting news about the Ralph Lauren metallic paint, Lefty. I guess we don't have to worry about that now that the choice has been made. He's really happy and excited about the concrete paper and that's all anyone wanted. I agree it was fun, but I too am outta here. Buh bye!

Well, bluenan, you and I have been on several discussions over the past months. And if I have not necessarily agreed with your suggestions, I have always respected your input and would never think to criticize your suggestions or comments. So, I guess your remarks above about “mounts” gets a pass, then. Wow.


I will continue to stand my ground. Never should identification of a poster be introduced by his or her sexual orientation, race or religion. It is totally inappropriate and ignorant. There is no reason why this poster could not have identified himself (on three posts) as simply “a guy”.

Truly, you have surprised me. :>(

Hi---what an interesting thread.
Your space is terrific and the furnishings you've purchased are perfect. I would have opted for a wallpaper with curves---BUT--- I'm late. :)
Anyway, good luck with your new home. Looking forward to pics. CheerS!
[houzz=]

This should be given a rest.

Natalie, love the Phillip Jeffries grasscloth, texture is beautiful

OK so it's not right that the person who started this mess (me) would just sail off into the sunset while other people have to defend him. The truth is, I was away from my computer the last couple of days and am shocked at all this back and forth.

It's clear to everyone that I didn't mean to offend anyone by describing myself as "Straight Guy". I could have easily described myself as "Single Guy" because i am, indeed, single. Would that have upset you as well? Would that mean I was taking a dig at all the married folks? I even considered "Greek Guy", because I'm also Greek. Would that have offended the Germans? Italians? People from more fiscally conservative cultures?

Bottom line is, whatever I did....it worked. I made some new friends and got some AMAZING advice. I'm ecstatic with the choice that all these great people helped me make. I was nervous and confused; now I'm excited. Who could ask for anything more?

I'm still not sure why describing myself as "straight" is controversial. But if controversy does in fact lead to such amazing results, then keep your eyes peeled for my next post, "Man who HATES puppies needs rug advice!"

(Thanks again everyone!)

Hahahahahahahahaha, that would truly be awesome, hopefully not so titillating to some that it upsets them. That's great, please, please, please let me get involved with that one. ;D

I actually do need rug advice. I bought a rug early on in my search, but with my style taking such a drastic turn for the cooler, it doesn't work anymore I'm pretty sure (old rug below). You guys know the floors, and the couch, and the couch would be facing the fireplace. Oh screw it, I'm starting a new post. stay tuned...

Put new post name here so I can find it. I love looking for rugs even more than wallpaper, I'll be in heaven, lol

Here you go guys :-) https://www.houzz.com/discussions/man-who-hates-puppies-needs-rug-advice-dsvw-vd~602024

Oh! Back on the topic of wallpapers, I need help on where to end the wallpapering! So here are actual pictures of the accent wall i intend to wallpaper. As you can see, it wraps around to the doorway of the bathroom. Would I wallpaper that wall as well? OR stop at the corner.
ALSO, as you can see, there is a black trim on the accent wall. Will that ruin the look of the concrete wallpaper? What should i do with that?

Would wallpaper to the corner, paint trim the same color as wallpaper or remove. Removing would make it look like its really concrete wall, or you could put a big piece of timber on top to look more warehouse loft like. Or something metallic.

NO trim. Remove it and do not replace it. Keep it simple. Paper the whole front face of the wall including that little vertical strip to the ceiling and end at the corner.

BTW, Grover and Daisy are quite miffed that I'm still speaking to you. It will require major dog treats to get back in their good graces.

That concrete wall picture has my suggested floor lamp.. it might be a must

You might want to go with a large vinyl wall decal of an interest of yours...when it's appeal wanes you can peel it off and do something more trendy later. wall paper is horrible to remove should you change your mind later!!

Which paper are you talking about Serra? The stencil with the red chair in the foreground? I posted that and I don't post gag images. Is there a different one that you mean?

Is this the one you meant?

mforr, don't worry about it. I don't think Serra read the whole thread, and what he "knows in his parts" is just supposition and irrelevant here.

Fun thread! I love the two arched mirrors! Like the concrete wallpaper, didn't find the source for it though because the thread is so long. I think this self stick barn wood wallpaper would be good in your loft somewhere.
http://www.designyourwall.com/store/Rustic-Self-Stick-wood-wallpaper-200x2813-pr-1816.html

Here is a pic of the wallpaper. PS I like your rug!

Hahaha, groveraxle, you still slay me!!! Lol. Thanks

He might have apologized for it. Hmmmmph. :)

Jcpenneys actually carries that ombre type rug and I believe it was $300. I would've kept the dark wallpaper and just got a really bright light big piece of artwork for that wall. Just my two cents.

I think you could work with this wallpaper! black furnishings would go really well and dark timber, I would also pick up the blue teal colour for accessories. Use furniture with straight lines to balance the pattern on the walls.

Ok saw table not crazy for bench. Chairs on each side. Tale is small. But to scale for room. A chrome industrial light would work over dining table. Chairs in fabric or leather Pier One has them or world market. A light color to bring n some light with cement wallpaper. Which I like more and more.

Thanks Travis. I'm feeling more optimistic. Just gotta get art and chairs and i think we may have a shot here!

Sounds like you already know what you will do???????

Maybe you could develop some friends of all sorts so you wouldn't need to believe there is some huge gulf between gay and straight other than sexual preferences?

But following your logic, here's a suggestion.

Since this post is almost a year old, I don't think he is listening.

Go with a neutral and focus on lighting and art

I think this wallpaper is fine for a foyer, even in a man's home, because a foyer is supposed to be cheerful and inviting. However, I would tone it down with a plain white curtain or roman shade, provided there is a window in the foyer. Then, you might add a black-painted vintage wooden chair and a black-painted vintage table that can serve as a writing desk for a heavier, masculine touch that women will not consider a turn-off. A mirror in a black-painted wooden frame, a small green leafy plant, and a clear glass or crystal lamp with a white shade will complete the look.

I think bluenan's suggestion of grass paper (depending on your budget whether you buy the expensive real grass or a wonderful faux grass) is perfect for a man's taste. But mainly I think keeping the colors neutral, grays, tans, oatmeal in a little rougher texture is foolproof. Whether you go towards sophisticated or towards more casual, these colors PLUS a medium navy will look spectacular but low-key and not in your face. But like and be comfortable with whatever you choose.