What is your biggest fear, and why is it moving into an apartment with the man of your dreams just to find out he wants to use Legos as home decor? As a straight woman, we can do everything possible to try and suss out if a man has style, but there is no greater test than entering his apartment (that he hopefully doesn’t share with roommates) and praying there is more than a single poster taped to the wall. The good news is, even if you are coupled up with someone who has four cups, two plates, and one fork (and that’s on you), personal style can be taught!
With people spending more time at home, interior decorator Brea Mosely says there’s an increased desire to accurately represent both parts of the couple’s personalities and interests. In fact, TikTok has actually blown me away with some gorgeous “boy girl” apartment interior design inspiration.
I spoke with the home aesthetics expert on how to balance boy/girl apartment style, so your home can give “we are two happy adults in love” instead of FEMA temporary housing.
Boy Girl Apartment Decorating Tips
1. Don’t pick a neutral aesthetic! Mix and match your competing styles
@bacobell_ Girls please don’t let your man dull your diva likeeee… for the sake of you AND the vibes of your place 💔 #boygirlapartment #homedecor #apartment #aesthetic #girly #girlapartment #decor ♬ original sound – Bella ⭐️
When it comes to finally moving in with your man, it might feel natural to materialize a new impartial style from scratch, but Mosely suggests a different approach. Instead of hiding behind a muddy middle ground that feels “boy” friendly, pick large statement pieces that speak to both your and his preferences. Just like when you’re decorating for one, prioritizing authenticity and specificity will bring the wow factor to your home sanctuary.
“Gallery walls are having a moment, so think about your differing photography/art style and find frames that are the antithesis,” Mosely says. “If he likes black and white modern photography, place them in vintage frames, for example. If she likes florals or colorful abstracts, place them in modern, simplified frames.” By carefully clashing these vibes, you can balance out the boy and girl energy while showing off what you both like.
FYI: It’s okay if your boyfriend’s friends see the color pink!!! Just make sure to compliment your whimsy/cutesy/sexy touches with his essence, too.
2. Make a big statement in your main living space
@emmablogna the perfect mix of both of us❤️ #apartmentdecor #apartmentinspo #interiordesign ♬ If You Love Me – The Informers
The living room is the center of the home (and where you’ll host your boy and girl besties), therefore it’s where you’ll want to put a lot of your resources. Mosely suggests letting masculine and feminine forces shine by contrasting a dark and moody couch with colorful pillows, textured blanket and throws.
“Layering textiles will give the space warmth and a more feminine feel,” she says, ultimately landing a powerful combo of both of your energies.
3. Embrace The Media Center
Apologies to BookTok and librarians everywhere, but large media centers to enjoy visual media are back in style in 2025. Whether it’s for steaming his video games, binging her Bravo, or screaming at your mutual favorite sports team, a suitable TV is an escapism must (no balancing your laptop on your coffee table probably won’t do it). But you might ask yourself, “How can I make my giant TV in the middle of the wall a little more chic?”
Mosely advises amateur decorators who have committed to an industrial or modern media console to add balance by incorporating unique sculptural elements like a vase, or bring in plants for color and warmth.
For those like Mosely who prefer to keep the viewing space clear, spice up the mounted TV with a DIY frame. “It gives it a bit more softness and feminine edge,” she says. “If you have a dedicated TV wall, wallpaper it or paint it to bring more personality to the space.”
4. Spend time on smaller spaces
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Smaller, more functional rooms, like the kitchen or the bathroom, are easy to forget in the interior design to-do list. Even though the purpose of the kitchen is using it to avoid Doordashing and overpriced coffees, Mosely says you can elevate the space by adding peel and stick backsplashes for a kitchen, or even just funky colorful dishware for an easy “no power tools required,” renter-friendly choice.
And the same goes for your loo! A fun statement piece above the toilet is an easy sprinkle of personality to counteract the squatty potty hiding in the corner. If you have time (and patience) to go ham, you could consider painting or wrapping the cabinets. However, Mosely admits the task is not for the faint-hearted. An easier furniture style fix? She suggests replacing the hardware.
5. Style your boyfriend’s niche favorites to look cool instead of hiding them
@thamonaelisa last potential room & apartment tour 🥲 as someone who’s always wanted to make content, it’s been so fulfilling posting on here & being able to meet so many cool and creative people ❤️🩹 tiktok you will be forever missed #apartmentdecor #interior #apartmenttherapy ♬ Where Are You – 54 Ultra
Sorry, bros, but sometimes you guys love fugly shit. Like, I’m soooooo happy you’ve been collecting snapbacks since 2008 (a man with hobbies is a green flag), but that doesn’t mean I want to see twenty-five different Yankees colorways on my wall, feel me? So, is there a way to upgrade your man’s collectible toy cars or baseball cards to look more like art? Mosley says the girlies should incorporate them with intention.
“If the Lego statue is bold in color, add it to your boring media console to add visual interest and pair it with other funky items,” she says.
Taking your man’s tacky little keepsake and showing it off “on a girly pedestal” (like incorporating a few of those precious little hats in a larger gallery wall) will make his toys look cool instead of attracting unwanted attention from the corner or closet you attempted to banish them to. I think that’s called compromise.
