Happy DIY Saturday! If you’ve always wanted a way to show off your prized sports memorabilia in your man cave but didn’t know what type of lighting to use, today’s DIY Saturday is for you! Proper lighting for man cave decor can often be a challenge. From ambient or overall lighting to accent lighting over your favorite wall art, look at these ideas from Craftsman on how to add lighting to your most prized room: the Man Cave! Watch a video showing you creative ideas from Frank Fontana of the Craftsman DIY – Down and Dirty Show. He shows you creative ideas for a cigar box coffee table for your man cave!

Image via: Douglas Johnson

[ad#co-1]

Video: Ideas for your man cave – Cigar Box Coffee Table

Link to Video –> Ideas for your man cave

Properly Lighting for Man Cave Decor

Lighting a man cave in the manner of a caveman appeals to a rogue strand of barbarian DNA lodged in my genetic blueprint. I’m nostalgic over sputtering torches and a smoke-blackened ceiling. I attribute this to a misspent youth involving countless parties in a cave overlooking the Missouri River.

Wisdom comes with age, and I realize that premature extermination via smoke inhalation is decidedly unwise. Thus, I brighten my man cave in a traditional fashion, confining my fiery instincts to several oil lamps and a bevel-cut, candle-powered red globe.

The point — a truism for all things man cave — is that lighting choices are subjective. Mixing the right kind of standard-issue fixtures with breakthroughs in luminous technology transforms your man cave into the envy of the testosterone brotherhood.

LED Lighting

The flashlight market moved to LEDs (light-emitting diodes) long ago and the man cave market has followed suit. These small, powerful bulbs are ecologically sound, and their appearance and function surpass that of their predecessors. LEDs have a long lifespan, use around 30 percent less energy than fluorescents, and 50 percent less than incandescents. They work with any voltage, are dimmable, and encompass the color spectrum.
LED rope lights and tape lights can be hidden in ceiling coves, used to backlight a TV, shaped into artistic designs, or strategically placed to set the mood over bars or conversation pits.

Command and control

You don’t leave your recliner to change channels, so why are you walking to the light switch? Innovations in adjustable lighting allow independent system control via your TV remote or smart phone. Integrate your lights with sound-activated controllers to shine, dim, strobe or darken in perfect synchronization with touchdown cheers or Mad Maxcarnage.

Opt for manual controls, adjusting the intensity and effects as you see fit. Or program interactive scripts that automatically regulate the radiance to match your tastes.

Image via: Designing Solutions

The traditional: pool tables and pub lights

A three-bulb hanging light is essential over a man cave pool table. They’re available in all shapes and styles, but stained glass and incandescent bulbs channel the ambiance common of 1930s juke joints (and highlight the wafting smoke from pipes and Cuban stogies).
If you’re a fan of neon pub lights, seek out vintage fixtures from an antiques or architectural salvage store. The heady glow of old-style neon tubes has never been duplicated by modern reproductions.

Lamps and accent lights

Avoid torchieres and fringed table lamps — they’re too feminine. Instead, purchase stand-alone lights that mesh with your personality. Lamps and chandeliers crafted from naturally shed moose, deer or elk antlers are an outdoorsman favorite. For readers, a deep, red-leather library chair demands the tried-and-true gooseneck lamp. It’s okay if the lamp is emblazoned with a Yankees or Packers logo.
Whether your walls sport a Rembrandt or dogs playing poker, by all means outfit them with clip-on picture lights. Each deserves to be gazed upon in reverent awe.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

How to Design your Own Personal Mom Cave

Image via: Buckboard Hill

[ad#co-1]

Talk to your spouse.

The first thing you may want to do when you’re planning to build a mom cave is discuss the prospect with your spouse. Just like you wouldn’t want your partner to plan a major home project without consulting you first, it’s important that you not assume you can utilize space in the home that might otherwise serve the whole family just because you’re making the most money. Your partnership should be equal in all possible ways, so discuss your plans with your significant other so that you can agree on a space in the home that is suitable and set a budget for your project.

Consider your goals.

Before you start picking out paint and wood flooring, it’s important to take a moment to think about what you want to do in your mom cave. Will it be a personal office space? Do you want to use it as a yoga retreat? Or would you rather fill the room with flowering plants and a comfy day bed for napping? The ways in which you plan to use your space will have a significant impact on every aspect of the renovation and design process. So make a solid plan ahead of time to save yourself from expensive and time-consuming changes later on.

Image via: Heartbeat Oz

Find sufficient space.

Many families are at capacity when it comes to using the space in their home. Even if you have an extra room, it may currently be a home office, a play room for the kids, or even a storage space. However, you can always consider alternatives such as an unused attic, a garage conversion, or perhaps even building a small granny flat or installing a prefab unit in the back yard to house your mom cave.

Make your space multifunctional.

You likely have several ideas about how you want to use your mom cave in those rare moments of respite from the demands of your daily life. You might have to get creative, but by doing a little research you should be able to find ways to make even a small space multifunctional thanks to convertible furnishings and hidden storage options, just for example.

Image via: Southern Exposure

Outfit your space appropriately.

Once you’ve painted and installed some plush, new carpeting, it’s time to start collecting the pieces that are going to turn your empty space into a mom cave. This could include an ergonomic office setup, a stressless recliner, or some of your favorite pieces of framed artwork. Lacking the budget to buy new? Check out estate sales and reclaimed furniture outlets for affordable alternatives. Just make sure that whatever you choose to put into your space, you make it your own.

For more home interior ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Last week you enjoyed – ‘Honoring Father’s Day in His Man Cave‘ from Eddie Wood and this week I bring you Tonya Stone Phillips a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room and I asked her to recreate the perfect campout ocassion with Dad for Father’s Day. See how she brought the outdoors to you in this nature lover’s scene that any Dad would love to share with his family.

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

FATHER’S DAY

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Origins of Father’s Day

This day to honor fathers was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd in 1910 and first celebrated June 19^th that year.  The celebration faded, even though a bill was introduced to congress in 1913 to recognize Father’s Day as an official holiday.  Two failed attempts and 53 years later in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring Father’s Day each year on the 3^rd Sunday in June.  Six years later in 1972 President Richard Nixon signed into law the permanent national holiday we now celebrate as Father’s Day. – *Wikipedia

[ad#co-1]

Camping With Dad

Many elements go into planning a successful camping trip, much like planning a well designed home.  After all, a campsite is home in the wilderness.  Dad gave us pointers on camping safety.  Have a buddy system, a medicine kit, and plenty of fresh water.  Keep your supplies and food inside your tent, along with your trash, away from curious critters. Honey is a natural antiseptic, good for scraps and bites, and great on dry cereal.  Ticks can be removed by saturating a cotton ball with dish soap, hold it on the skin for 15 to 20 seconds.  The ticks will let go and can be removed intact.  Always keep the integrity of your natural surroundings.  This trip we gave back to nature by planting a sapling by our campsite.  Nature awaits and we have to set up our camp.

Our Campsite

We brought indoor comfort to the outdoors by creating a functional living area in our campsite.  Comfortable chairs around the campfire are a must after a long days hiking or fishing.  The campfire itself deters unwanted visitors and provides light and warmth.  The beautiful log side tables are a great place to burn your citronella candles to keep insects away.  Wouldn’t these log side tables be a fun asset to your home or patio?  Lightweight folding table and chairs create our kitchen and dining area.  Our rolling ice chest packs in to our site easily.  Overall we have an efficient and functional campsite under the canopy of the great outdoors.

I live in Dallas, TX and am a native Texan.  I am happily married to my wonderful husband for 29 years.  Fifteen years ago I developed a 100% natural skin care, 100% chemical free.  My husband and I own a “Green” business named ARANSAS and we manufacture, retail, and wholesale our organic product line.  I am a calligrapher for 31 years, specializing in invitations, logos, and sign making.  Love to play with watercolor, swim, fish, garden, and design in Olioboard.  I love life, people, and nature.  My Olioboard  name is Lilybug, hope you join me and have fun designing. You can find me on my website. 

For more Olioboard ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Last week you enjoyed – ‘Celebration of 18 Olioboard Members‘ and this week I bring you Eddie Wood a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room and who gave us a beautiful board for Mother’s Day.  Today, I asked Eddie to create a Father’s Day board that honored the Father figures in our lives and he did a gorgeous job with this stately man cave.

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

Father’s Day was founded in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, who was born in Arkansas. It’s first celebration was in the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, was a single parent who raised six children there. After hearing a sermon about Jarvis’ Mother’s Day in 1909, she told her pastor that fathers should have a similar holiday honoring them. Although she initially suggested June 5, her fathers birthday, the pastors did not have enough time to prepare their sermons, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June.

[ad#co-1]

A Tribute

In honor of Father’s Day, I’ve designed a special retreat for the sophisticated gentleman.
An intimate library featuring paneled walls, hand carved book cases and a cozy fire to set the tone for an upscale “Man Cave”.

The room here is a refuge for dad to settle in with a brandy and cigar, the company of a good book and his loyal animal companions at his side.

The Design

Over the fireplace hangs a Civil War painting as a tribute to Sonora Smart Dodd’s father, William Jackson Smart, to honor the occasion.
I’ve keep the walls and bookcases in shades of creamy white to provide ample light for reading and to make a statement of elegance.
The wood flooring and twin stair cases provides a beautiful contrast for a monochromatic setting.
Bathed in beautiful low light from overhead and wall sconces compliment the ambiance from the glowing fireplace.
I’ve kept it sophisticated yet masculine with beautiful accessories that any dad would truly enjoy.

Theme

A “Man Cave” should be tailored to the man it’s intended for, so design it around their specific interest such as sports, games, wine room ect..
Just don’t over do it and keep the chotskies to a minimum. Less is differently more when designing a themed room.

For example if your husband or father competes in sports and has won ribbons or trophy’s,
keep it organized and display them in groupings on a mantle, or perhaps designate a focal point wall with beautiful large scale frames to showcase his prize ribbons in.

Keep it tasteful and remember to keep HIM in mind while decorating.

-Eddie Wood

His brand “Edward Doyle Designs” is currently available with Casart Coverings Decor and Project Decor, and is set to be featured in an up-coming July issue of the German Magazine -Madeleine. Eddie’s new hobby and passion is designing Olio boards. Again, using a digital process he creates a tranquil glow effect that brings his interior design creations to life! VisitEddie’s website.

Ok so we all want a man cave, that’s why we’re here right? And I’m pretty sure most people have some common themes in mind – the pool table, that’s a given, the arcade machine – rude not to! The home bar? Might as well while we are at it.

But as each man cave is unique we’re going to need something above and beyond the norm, and that’s what we’re looking at today – five great ideas you might not have thought of which could actually make the difference between average and awesome! Let’s get started.

Image via: Mark Pinkerton – vi360 Photography

Wall Decorations

This is a man cave and we’re talking about what to hang on the wall? Most men when thinking of their ultimate dream cave pay more attention to what will be going in it there rather than what’s going to be on the walls – after all decorating isn’t for guys right?

Well we’re not talking drapes and color shades you’ve never heard of – we’re talking man-decorations! Maybe a shark head, or perhaps a singing moose, or one of the many other choices out there. Perhaps not the first thing you’d think to buy, but they can become a real talking point!

A Car

Ok so we’d all like Tony Stark’s iron-man-cave, complete with sports cars, but hey those classic cars aren’t cheap! And getting them into the depths of your basement isn’t always going to be an easy job.

So we’ve got one cheeky idea for you – why not just get a model? We’re not talking child’s-play here though, we’re talking full-on scale model replicas that look just like the real thing. Not only that they can be constructed in stages so people will wonder how you ever got them in the room.

Anyway it’s not like if you owned the real thing the insurance company would ever let you drive it, and these little wonders won’t be leaking any oil on your carpet. Still they can still reach into the tens of thousands so they certainly aren’t for the faint of wallet.

Popcorn machine

You might have the home cinema setup (and congratulations if you do!), but if you really want the true cinema experience (minus the other annoying people of course) there is one thing you just have to have – popcorn!

We’re not talking the microwave stuff either, for true man cave aficionados then there nothing will do but the real thing! Luckily you can get a full on commercial popcorn maker for less than one of the bulbs for your home cinema projector – so you’re not likely to break the bank.

Cool Seating

Well this one might seem obvious – I mean of course after all those games of pool, and most likely beers from the home bar, you might need to take the weight off for a couple of minutes. Well this is where you can add another touch of cool to your man cave with a cool couch!

The one we’ve shown here is a Cadillac but there are plenty more of interesting, innovating designs out there, so why settle for a boring run of the mill seat when you can place your butt somewhere that truly stands out!

Image via: Willman Interiors / Gina Willman, ASID

A Robot!

Ok so you might have that home bar installed and fully loaded, but you know what sucks? Having to poor yourself a beer! And until that lottery win a full time resident barman is out of the question, so what is the answer?

Well if you have half of that lottery win then the answer could be a robot barman! Loaded up will all the robo-skills to not only dispense drinks but also impress your friends, and never get tired of your bar stories. Plus we are have been guaranteed that it will not rise up and crush its masters in a judgment-day style rebellion.

So there we have it – five out of the box ideas for you to consider for your man cave. We’re sure there are many more out there, so why not let us know yours in the comments.

This round up of man cave ideas is brought to us by James Cook of UK games room outfitter Liberty Games, who have been making man cave dreams come true for over 10 years.

For more game & man cave ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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.”

Image via: KDS Interiors

[ad#co-1]

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.

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.

Select Your Room Carefully

Choosing the right room for your home theater can help you save money while giving you a better cinematic experience. For example, if you use a windowless room, you won’t need to invest in heavy drapes to block out the sunlight to improve your picture quality. If you use a small room, you can buy smaller and less expensive speakers to fill the room with sound.

[ad#co-1]

 

Choose a Home Theater Projector

Although a flat-screen television offers a bright and crisp picture, a quality projector will give you a larger image for your money. Most projector models allow you to resize the image, giving you flexibility that a flat-screen television can’t offer. In addition, a projector will make your theater room truly feel like a professional theater.

Saving Money On Home9 Equipment

If you opt for the newest and greatest models for your setup, you’ll run out of money quickly. Instead, take your time to look for deals on projectors, speakers, players and other essentials. You can use the Internet to search for last year’s models to find some excellent savings. Additionally, buying refurbished or factory-second models will save you even more money.

Choosing the Right Furniture and Accessories

After you’ve equipped your theater you can accessorize your theater room. You don’t need to invest in expensive leather chairs to provide comfortable seating for you and your family. Shop around your area for affordable chairs that offer style and comfort. With the right arrangement, you can make any seating choice look professional.

Even on a tight budget, you can create an entertainment room that will enthrall your family for hours. With a little extra time and common sense, you can save money on each part of your deluxe home theater.

For more home theater room ideas on Stagetecture

Back in June of 2009 when I first started Stagetecture my main goal was to make my home staging business into a resource that would help busy homeowners stage their homes with my inspiration or hire me to take the work off of their shoulders! Home staging has been a love of mind while being an Associate Architect, and hence my company name was born – STAGE – TECTURE

[ad#co-1]

Staging a Home for Sale : Before & After

Throughout the months I have showed you how Olioboard has helped you ‘Get the Look‘ on Stagetecture, and our newest feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘ showcases home inspiration ideas for you home, using this incredible 2D or 3D tool.

If you are new to Olioboard their tagline: “Design a Room and try it before you buy it! Create 2D & 3D rooms that you can save, shop & share.” You can create inspiration boards to help you visualize your interiors, present ideas to your contractor/client or just enjoy perusing through thousands of sets for your enjoyment. I encourage you to join the Olioboard community on Facebook, Twitter, and see helpful tutorials on their You Tube Channel. I used those tutorials and they helped me with my home staging boards I have created below.

Home Staging – The Man Cave

In my year’s of home staging, the most difficult rooms to sell to a potential home buyer are the rooms that a homeowner has personalized ‘too much’. Sure, it’s fine to showcase your favorite colors, hobbies, and interests in your home. Although, the moment you decide to put your home up for sale – it now becomes the potential for a home buyer to envision themselves living in your home.

Stagetecture has a HUGE man cave following So I found it only fitting to feature a before and after man cave for home staging. To show how a overly personalized room can be changed into a family friendly room that could be appealing to potential home buyers, but still has masculine touches to keep the homeowner feeling like they have a place to still relax and enjoy, until their home sells!

BEFORE: Man Cave Mania

Home Staging challenges:

• Man cave is too personalized. Sports paraphernalia overload and darker colors create a “cave-like” feeling indeed! Home buyers who are not sports fans and are not wanting this overly personalized space will be instantly turned away.
• Overly cluttered with furniture, dark colors creates an unwelcoming room. Dark burgundy wall covering makes the entire space feel like you’re in a movie theater rather than a person’s home.
• Mixture of eclectic styles, and too many displayed collections are a sure fire way to turn a home buyer off!

AFTER: Welcoming Media Room

Home Staging fixes:

• Instead of removing all signs of personalization, the man cave has been turned into a media room. A sports/masculine theme is hinted at but the room is now inviting for a family to enjoy, or even non-sports enthusiasts!
• Burgundy wall covering is removed and a neutral palette of colors is used throughout the room.
• Sports collections, and “bar-inspired” decor is replaced with sophisticated decor that still welcomes entertaining & relaxing.
• Display areas are kept contained in bookshelves in specific areas and not placed randomly around the room. Less clutter and more organized!

I loved this home staging challenge because as home owners we love personalizing, but especially in those rooms that are dedicated to one hobby like a man-cave, these spaces can be the reason a home buyer doesn’t like your home. This before and after shows you that you can transform any room into an enjoyable space for any potential home buyer!

Now…Hop over to the other 9 blogs to see their home staging before & after Olioboards:

http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2013/01/before_and_afterst.html

http://lisamendedesign.blogspot.com/2013/01/january-olioboard-hop-quicker-way-to.html

http://asyoulikeitredesign.com/1/post/2013/01/january-oliohop-can-drama-sell-homes.html

http://interiordesignhq.com/2013/01/cost-ways-market-staging-business/

http://design-magnifique.com/2013/01/21/staging-a-home-for-sale-oliohop/

http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-use-olioboard-for-online-home.html

http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2013/01/its-oliohop-home-staging-concepting.html

http://thedecorologist.com/home-staging-advice-from-10-experts#more-16742

http://blog.rarooms.com/inspiration-to-staging-small-rowhomes-dc/

Visit their blogs and comment on which one’s you’d love to have come stage your home!

Thanks Olioboard for this awesome feature for Stagetecture readers.

-Ronique

For more home staging ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The basement space in most homes is generally reserved for one of a couple of key purposes. Since most people prefer bedrooms at the ground level or higher because of better lighting and less likelihood of a cold, damp atmosphere, the basement rooms are often used for storage . Most people won’t even turn them into guest rooms if they have space elsewhere in the house. And if the basement is unfinished, forget about it; it’s almost certain to house stacks of boxes full of holiday decorations, old clothes, seasonal sports equipment, and the like. And downstairs areas that are finished are most likely to become play rooms for the kids (because who cares if they get thrashed) or a get turned into a second living room (that only gets used when both kids and adults want to have their own movie nights). So if you’re looking to transform your basement in a truly spectacular fashion, here are just a few ideas to try on for size.

Image via

[ad#co-1]

1. Exercise room.

Whether you’re interested in bulking up with a full set of weights and machines that you might find in a gym, you’d prefer to install mirrored walls and a ballet bar, or you’d rather get your Zen on with a tranquil yoga studio (complete with an inversion wall), you can use your massive basement to create a perfect workout space in your home.

2. Home theater.

Sure you could set up a sizeable monitor, a couch, and a few beanbag chairs in the basement for the kids to use when you don’t want to watch their movies, but why not let the kids commandeer the upstairs family room while the adults take full advantage of the spacious basement to create a comprehensive home theater? You needn’t go all out with crazy carpeting and drapes that sweep aside at the touch of a remote, but you can definitely put in a giant TV (or even a projector), tiered theater seating (with the inclusion of a platform), a state-of-the-art surround sound system, and heck, even an old-timey popcorn machine. So keep the kids upstairs and turn the basement into your film-watching sanctuary.

Image via

3. Man cave. 

All men really want is a place to watch the big game, pour an Old Fashioned, smoke a cigar, and perhaps play a game of pool. At least, that’s what some men want. Whether you’re looking to imbue your basement with the atmosphere of a traditional boys club or you’d rather create a video game haven for you and your bros, the basement can provide you with the space to do it where the wife and kids don’t have to put up with the noise and smell.

4. Play room.

Okay, so it’s easy enough to throw a craft table and some toy bins in the basement, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your kids will want to play there. If you want to make the space attractive to children (and confine their noise and toys to one area), use bright paint on the walls, install plenty of lighting instead of a single, naked bulb, put in plush carpeting for them to roll around on, and basically turn the space into a fantasy land with furnishings, art, and amenities that will keep kids busy for hours on end.

Image via

5. Rental unit.

Passive income is a great way to supplement your earnings, but you will likely need to spend some money up front on basement finishing in order to make your basement rental unit a reality. In truth, you’ll have to check in with your zoning board to ensure that you obtain proper permits and meet all requirements (like the addition of a kitchenette and a dedicated entryway). But if you’re not currently using this space, why not make a little money off it?

For more home improvement ideas on Stagetecture, click here.