Colors, Decor, Wood

Colors and Patterns: Deep, solid, earthy colors -- think brown, navy, burgundy, forest green, or even a certain amount of black -- fill out a room and clearly define its bounds for a feeling of secure and predictable enclosure. Again, choose simple and subtle patterns -- geometrics, stripes, or checks, for example -- if any at all.

Wood: There's a strength, solidity, and masculine character to rich, dark wood. A room can acquire this ambience from paneled wainscoting on the walls, exposed beams on the ceiling, rugged planks on the floor, or thick wood in the arms and legs of furniture. Detailing in the wood should be subtle and geometric, not elaborate and frilly.

Decor: Simple, uncluttered surfaces are the way to go. Keep walls, shelves, and tables generally free of knickknacks, accessories, and purely decorative items. For most men, fussy throw pillows are a useless nuisance. Avoid them.

Think function: A wall is a place to hang a clock, shelves are for storing books, a coffee table is a place to set food, drinks, newspapers, magazines, or feet. Decorate with personal mementos and signs of achievement, such as trophies, diplomas, certificates, photos of travels and ceremonies, and collections.