Nesting.

Nesting (n) the tendency to arrange one's surroundings; the act of creating a place where one feels comfortable and secure; the fitting together of two within one another

The first order of business upon returning from the honeymoon is nesting: finding a place for all of her belongings to fit within all of his.  The meshing of two different personalities and two different styles can sometimes be challenging.  Here are some different rooms that showcase both a strong masculine style and a delicate feminine style, all nested together.

This kitchen showcases a great mixture of both masculine and feminine styles.  It even has stained glass windows and a gorgeous, frilly chandelier hanging in the center of the room; however, the white dimpled ceiling, the dark hardwood floors and the simple island balance it out.  The sea foam green color is carried throughout the room - cabinets, refrigerator, dishwasher, crown molding.  The unusual and interesting combination of white and stainless steel appliances with gold hardware is very unexpected.

This bedroom is gorgeous in the fact that it has such a simple, understated elegance.  The neutral color scheme makes it very comfortable and inviting.  It is neither feminine nor masculine, just a polite nesting of the two.

This pretty blue canopy bed is gorgeous against the dark grey walls.  I love the fact that this canopy bed is so simple - not reminiscent of a princess bed at all!

This bedroom mixes soft, plush bedding, feminine accent pillows and daintily carved accent tables with dark brown colors and lots of wood.  The accent lamps are especially interesting, with the blue and white patterned urn and stark black shade.

This dining room is a great mixture of masculine and feminine style.  The plain wooden table, bench and chairs are balanced out by pretty molded cabinets and spaces in which fine china can be displayed. 

The exposed wood accents and the carpenter stool balances out the ruffles and plush textures in this bedroom.

Monograms are a very southern and (mostly) feminine accent.  The white, brown and pale blue color scheme keeps it from being too girly.

This formal living room incorporates a pale blue pallet into its neutral color scheme.  The patterns on the fabrics, the large area rug and the accent pillows are all very feminine touches, while the dark wood accents and  oversize ottoman and club chairs are noticeably masculine.  A brilliant combination of both styles, nested through shades of blue.

I adore the fabric on the chair backs and the window treatments.  The neutral colors and dark hardwood floors lend a strong and modern feel to the kitchen and breakfast nook, while the bright blue polka dots and green window treatments are unexpected and inviting.  The colors in the fabric tone down the patterns, all the while still leaving a feminine touch to the otherwise masculine space.

Photos: 1 & 2 House of Turquoise; 3 & 4 House Beautiful; 5 belle maison; 6 & 7 Pottery Barn; 8 & 9 Tobi Fairley