If These Walls Could Talk

I love to go into other people’s houses. I find that one of the best parts of meeting someone new, is being able to go into their house, and see how it’s decorated. Let’s be honest here: I’ve seen my fair share of bedrooms, however every time I walk into one, it’s completely different.

I went over to AJ’s house, a couple of months ago. He’s a 29 year-old black man that lives in the Denver Dry Lofts (only doors down from an old friend of mine, Steven). What’s so great about this building, is that it’s completely renovated, styled and painted very modern with tan carpets and beige walls, accented with stainless steel, and overlooks the breath taking Downtown Denver. However, they couldn’t be more differently decorated.

From what I remember (and it’s been months since I’ve visited Steven’s house), his apartment was VERY minimalist. He had two perfectly rectangular modern black futon-style couches facing each other, a glass coffee table in the middle, with a book of photography placed in the center, a smaller glass end table with three candle votives, a glass dining room table, and a chair next to the window, complete with ashtray, for guests. His bedroom was a bed pushed to the center of the far wall, beige down comforter, a light army-green accent throw and a cherry beside table with matching bookcase and bureau. He had three framed pictures of Lindsay Lohan cut from a magazine, and a photograph of all of us on his shelf.

What does his apartment say to me? Professional homosexual who (sometimes) strives for cleanliness and order. Everything has it’s place in his apartment, not unlike the people in his life. Not very sporadic and very un-lived in… almost secret. It exudes a magazine-apartment feel. An interesting perspective, but I adore his apartment, to say the least.

AJ’s apartment was the complete opposite. Clutter everywhere. The apartment was very African tribal art meets business bohemian. Dark leather couches, tapestry’s over everything. Covered in tribal art, floor to ceiling. Smelled of weed and sensual massage oil. The only thing better than his very passionate sex, was what I learned about him through his apartment. It was like I window into his soul: He loved to live in his passions. Very urban and very interesting.

It’s boggling how two apartments that are exactly the same, lived in by two gay men, could be so completely different. I am a personal believer that my home says a lot about me. Whether it be clean or dirty, minimal or cluttered; it speaks lengths about who I am.

Chad and I just moved to a new apartment together in the Downtown/ Capitol Hill area. Gorgeous downtown views, remodeled apartment, minimal lobby and elevators. He was the first person to start unpacking. I go to school and work full time, so I took a few days to pull myself together before opening the first box.

When I came home from work today, his room was finished, and the living room was cleared. There’s an oversized sofa, my television, and my CD player. Other than that, it’s completely BAREN. I talked it over with him, I’m we’re both very excited to hang pictures and art all over the walls. I’m very excited to make this art to put on the walls.

Where we differ, is our bedrooms. His is very similar to Steven’s. Since I am such an expressive person, I have a hard time understanding how someone could find comfort in such an empty room. I am such a loud and outgoing person, that my room screams red tan and maroon. There’s art already on the walls, accompanied by my favorite movie and signed band posters. You walk into my bedroom, and you immediately know what my favorite color is, what my favorite bands are, and what my favorite movie is. Hell, you even know my clothing style, what my friend’s look like, and what I like to do (I have an entire desk FULL of art supplies).

You walk into Chad’s room, and you see his bed, his night stand and a computer desk. I live with the man, and see his everyday, and I still have 101 questions to ask.

What does that say about Chad and I? We’re complete opposites. I am a very in-your-face, hey-how-are-ya, I’m Matty B, welcome to my life, sort of guy. Chad on the other hand is very introverted, quiet and reserved. Although we’ve hit a few bumps in the road, I know that I’m going to learn a ton from this guy. Maybe how to be a bit more mysterious. Maybe he’ll learn to relax and lighten up a bit; have some fun, meet new people.

As far as personality goes, is it better to be upfront and honest with people? Perhaps a little “too” friendly? Or is it better to be reserved? Wait for people to talk to you, hold back and let the others live life aggressively?

Either way I think that you have to find a balance. Hopefully Chad will be that for me.

Matty B.