Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades
Over the past decade or so, men’s decorating tastes have done a complete 180, shifting from dark wood paneling and traditional styling to sleek modern interiors. Bachelor pads and man caves are now expected to be fashionable spaces, seamlessly blending comfort with the latest technology and stylish furnishings.
Scandinavian and mid-century design aesthetics are perfectly suited to modern masculine tastes, featuring clean lines and simple detailing. Moody combinations of black, gray, brown and white are popular color choices for bachelor pads, with thoughtful pops of color to keep the space from looking institutional and cold.
Not sure how to transform your manly space into a masculine oasis? We’ve rounded up some of our best decorating tips for creating a sophisticated space for the modern man.
Embrace Technology As A Design Element
While most women try to camouflage electronics when decorating, masculine spaces tend to use technology as the focal point, designing the rest of the space around a large flat screen TV or full-entertainment center.
Prevent your tech setup from looking cluttered and chaotic by choosing an entertainment unit that has ample storage for extraneous electronics like a DVD player, gaming console or extra remote controls. And remember to keep cords and cables organized, even if it means hiring an electrician to move an electrical socket to a more ideal location.
Celebrate Hobby Paraphernalia
Decorating with items that represent your interest or hobby is a great way to personalize a space, however there is a very fine line between sophisticated bachelor pad and kitschy dorm room decor. For instance, honor your favorite sports team by displaying memorabilia in a purposeful way, framing posters or jerseys and resisting the urge to decorate the entire space in team colors. If you’re a surfer, prop your board against the wall. Like to hunt? Hang some taxidermy, but keep camouflage where it belongs – in the woods.
Set the Mood
Whether you’re watching TV, playing video games, or reading a book, lighting plays a critical role in setting the perfect scene for fun and relaxation. For optimum light control, it’s important to have the perfect combination of overhead lights, lamps and window treatments. Choosing the right blinds or shades is especially important for spaces geared toward entertainment, helping to combat glare and light pollution that can prevent you from enjoying your favorite TV show.
Add A Touch of Chrome
Mixing metals may be on trend, but silver-toned hardware and finishes are still the preferred metallic for masculine spaces. For a sophisticated look, choose leather furnishings with chrome accents or combine metal and wood for an industrial feel. Because nothing screams masculinity like a worn leather chesterfield sofa will nailhead trim.
Stock the Bar Cart
If Mad Men taught us anything, it’s the importance of having a well-stocked and styled bar cart. Bar paraphernalia can make excellent decorative accessories, so display your best tumblers, showcase that bottle of 18-year-old scotch and stack a few cocktail making books. Having a designated beverage station will pay dividends at your next party, when your well-stocked bar enables guests to serve themselves allowing you to enjoy the festivities!
Stick With Comfort
Most women prioritize style over comfort when choosing a piece of furniture (or shoes!), for men, it’s considered the most important criteria. Which is why so many are attracted to the overstuffed LA-Z-BOY style. As comfortable as these sofas and chairs may be, they aren’t particularly fashion-forward. Luckily, there are lots of comfortable AND stylish alternatives on the market. Our favorite sofa style is the modern-day sectional featuring a built-in chaise lounge. Choose butter-soft leather and extra padding for added comfort.
