The concept of a ‘man cave’ typically conjures up images of a foosball table, a large flatscreen TV, and perhaps basketball jerseys as the only kind of interior decoration. While these are undoubtedly ‘masculine’ by mainstream media standards, they don’t necessarily equate to the most stylish abode. We beg to argue that a sophisticated gentleman’s home is possible without disregarding those essential manly touches. Here, we break down all the elements of a smart and snazzy space:
1| Moody colors
Light colors are associated with femininity, and if you’re looking to go all-out with this modern bachelor pad, then you might want to veer away from that side of the spectrum. A dark color palette often characterizes an intensely masculine space. Black, gray, and white are obvious neutral options but you could also go for rich, bold colors for a dramatic effect. Navy blue, deep violet, and even chocolate brown are safe choices. For accent colors, try warm metallics like copper and bronze.
2| Clean lines
Modern spaces typically incorporate geometric elements and the best way to do this is to stick to clean lines to maintain a sophisticated aesthetic. If you want to step into something more exciting though, opt for interesting geometric patterns for your furniture, rugs, and wallpaper (if any).
3| A variety of textures
Although keeping it sleek is the best way to approach a bachelor pad, don’t be afraid to add interesting touches via different textures that are within the same color palette of your choice. For example, mix in faux fur pieces (like your living room rug or throw pillows) with velvet ottomans or leather seats.
4| Simplicity
While splashing your walls with all your favorite sports memorabilia seems like the surefire way to dress up your space and show your devotion, keeping the raucous decor to a minimum is the smarter route. Try to keep the space clutter-free by making use of storage items such as shelves, racks, and dual-purpose furniture.
5| Leather
Leather is quintessentially masculine. It’s hard to deny the roguish, handsome appeal of anything in leather, whether it’s a couch, a recliner, or a favorite pair of shoes. Adding a leather couch or armchair as the centerpiece of your living room is the optimal way to incorporate the material.
6| Dark wood
In line with the first element, keep your wood furnishings dark and moody, as blond wood tends to connote a homey suburban vibe, which you might want to stray away from if you’re going for a cool and casual look. An easy idea: outfit your kitchen space with dark wood and match it with the rest of your living room furniture.
7| Industrial elements
Industrial interior design does not only equate to stainless steel and metal furniture. In fact, it’s all about achieving the perfect mix of the modern and the rustic, and this includes wooden furnishings. That means you could still use that vintage sofa your parents gave you and balance it out with metal hardware.
8| Rugged materials
Decorating an industrial abode doesn’t just involve a lot of metal pieces, but it also revolves around baring details that would otherwise be concealed. This lends a raw and undone vibe to your space that makes it essentially modern. Brick walls, exposed pipes, or even bare nail heads on your kitchen table are such details. Simple ideas such as a concrete or stone wall can lend a warm masculine touch.
9| The Master Chair
Every apartment needs to have a designated ‘chill space’ where you could just sit back, relax, put your feet up, and watch basketball replays for hours on end. Yes, a typical lazy boy chair is ultra-comfortable, but sometimes it lacks a little style that will help elevate your living room. That being said, the 'master chair' should be both functional and sophisticated. Again, leather is a great option.
10| A bar area
Is it really a bachelor pad without booze? Whether you prefer to have a full-fledged bar area or a little altar dedicated to all things liquor, ensure that you have a nook designated for mixing alcoholic beverages. That way, you won’t be rummaging around your pantry while you’re entertaining guests or preparing a nightcap for yourself.
