Guest Blogger: How To Create a Sophisticated Man Cave

Entry #2124, March 20, 2013

For years couples have argued over the topic of a “man cave”; a term many people don’t like the sound of. The thought of one of the rooms in the house turning into a shrine for his favorite football team, beer posters that you would see in a college dorm room and a picnic cooler that belongs in the garage. “Oh yes! Speaking of the garage, I can send him there, I think there is a small space in the corner next to the Christmas decorations, I`ll just send him there.”

Create a sophisticated man cave that is gender neutral.

Image via: KDS Interiors

Create a gender neutral man cave

Ladies, a man needs more than a small corner in a packed garage. Although you may have spent years decorating your house and making it a home for your family, your husband`s prized bachelor pad belongings have been stored in a box, packed away for years and he misses them! Besides, he needs a space of his own; somewhere he can unwind after a long day or a place to entertain “the guys”.

If you have the space, an extra room or a den, let him have it but on your terms! A classy man cave is possible and that keeps both partners happy. Invest in a nice leather chair that he can pass down to his son and a big screen TV. Get a small portable fridge and mini bar where he can keep cold beverages and snacks. And the great thing about it, when guests come over to the house (and not just “the guys”) it can be a perfect place for you both to entertain your friends of both genders.

How to add sophistication

Add elements to your man cave that create a distinct theme that is refined and subtle. Traditional elements such as those in a den or library are ideal. Dark wood elements, classical detailing, wood frames around sports memorabilia are just a few ways. Install lighting that is tasteful without being offensive. Your man cave doesn’t have to be sports or hobby related in every interior detail. Modern pendant lighting, even classy chandeliers and comfortable seating is a must. Remember, your man cave should appeal to all who enjoy the room.

Create a man cave that looks great for all

Image via: Bernard André

The dreaded term “man cave” has now changed into a more chic term, a “man studio” (but you don`t have to tell him that you changed the name). Let him have his sports paraphernalia but class it up. Put his posters in nice frames and maybe surprise him with a nice pool table or one of his favorite arcade machines from “back in the day,” maybe a pinball machine or a Ms. Pacman. You can then say: “I got him a gift for his man cave” rather than plotting with your friends on how you are going to get rid of it.

If a man cave inside the house is just not possible because you don`t have enough rooms, try to find another space he can call his own. Clean out part of the garage if you can by having a garage sale or donating some of the things that you never use or clear out the basement. After all, no one ever goes in there anyway.

The man studio is a now a place where both genders can find peace and have some of his own space. You don`t have to love it but you don`t have to hate it either. It can be a great place to entertain and who knows, you might find yourself enjoying it more than loathing it!

For more man caves ideas on Stagetecture, click here.