We have all heard of the man cave – the sacred, testosterone-lined sanctuary that for many years followed an interior aesthetic based on repeated key elements: a pool table, a beer fridge and bar, sporting paraphernalia, mismatched furniture, and a tribute to the-one-that-got-away ceremoniously nailed to the wall (be it fish or female). This was the divine space that the man retreated to, where he could escape the pressures of the world and the florals of the household curtains – a space that was off-limits to both women and also any sense of style.
Innocuous once the doors were closed, the man-cave was fairly non-threatening to those outside the room. However, with little influence from other sources, this form of interior adornment started to filter through to bachelor-types as an appropriate form of interior design that should be employed throughout the home. The blueprint for men’s spaces was on the table.
Popular culture has influenced a transformation. Men’s fashion and grooming have entered a new age and level of sophistication and are embraced by men at all ages. Changes in the way we live as a society means that more men are living and working in their own spaces than ever before. And whilst its likely that no man would turn down the opportunity for a sports-themed man-cave of his own, more men are looking to create a space that reflects their appreciation of design and send a message to others about their personal style.
Creating a sophisticated, cool or cosy interior for a guy employs the same rules that it does for any space. However, there are a few key elements that can help keep it looking modern and on-trend, elegant and masculine, all at the same time.
A Neutral Palette
Black, whites, greys and earthy colours like caramels and rich browns are perfect for men. It’s a simple palette to assemble and if done with texture and layering, is a fast track way to a cool, luxurious feel. If you want to introduce some other colour, stick to dark colours like navy or moody blues, greens or browns. Keep the palette simple (say 4 colours maximum for beginners – two base colours and one or two accent colours) and you can’t go wrong. Just remember you want a blend of warm and cool colours. For example, bringing in earthy caramels in a natural textured product like leather or fabric offsets the starkness of black and white. Also remember grey is such a great versatile colour as you can layer different shades to give the sense there’s more than one colour going on. Try moody dark walls if the space can take it – ensure you have some cool lighting to offset. Don’t get caught up in the 80’s man-style of a room full of all dark wenge-brown pieces – it’s one dimensional and dated. Make sure you have layering going on, with both colour and texture.
A Classic Design
Nothing speaks male sophistication or class like classic furniture. The 1971 James Bond film, Diamonds are Forever featured the John Lautner-designed Elrod House as its cool and futuristic set. Look to classic, mid-century modern design pieces to create a timeless and stylish aesthetic. The goal is not to make the space look like a Mad Men set, so mix classic pieces with original designs from current designers. Steer well away from ‘replicas’ – apart from the ethical argument against using someone else’s work, they are mass produced and low in quality, and are easy to spot. Not the impression one wants to make in their man space.
Mood Lighting
It’s all about the mood baby. Not every guy wants his space to say sexy and moody, but even if you like a space that’s filled with natural light, the right accent or mood lighting is essential. At the least, ensure you have two bedside lamps and one or two other light sources in the living space that aren’t just task lighting. These could be floor lamps, hanging pendants, cool deco-style wall sconces or table lamps or lights. Look at globe options too, sometimes these can change a space. Edison globes are clear and show the lines of the filament. Always choose warm lighting over cool (unless its task lighting in areas like kitchens).
Brass, Copper, Gold and Other Metallics
Metallic elements are a perfect gender-neutral element as they almost change based on their surroundings – depending on what they sit with, they can either look beautiful and feminine, or raw and masculine. Either way, metallics always bring a richness and sense of timeless luxury to a space, whether employed as an architectural element or a design accessory.
Strong Shapes and Forms
There’s nothing wrong with curves to balance a space filled with squares, but keep them to strong circular objects not swirls, spirals and twists to prevent the space feeling too feminine. Geometric and natural forms will always work. Ensure again you have different forms in the space, don’t keep every single thing to the same shape. You can bring form into a room via furniture, accessories, lighting, tiles, flooring and surface patterns.
Natural Materials
Consider different methods to bring your colour palette into the room. Its not all about coloured walls, floors and fabrics. Use natural materials, from metals to marbles, timber to stone in furniture, lighting, accessories and flooring. Linen bedsheets, natural, textured throws and suede or faux fur in natural tones can have a very masculine feel in the right setting. Steer clear of cheap polyesters, super shiny finishes in bedlinen and keep too much pattern at bay, unless it’s simple and geometric.
Concrete
No longer confined to architectural or structural use, designers have come up with ways to make concrete liveable and light enough to use in furniture, lighting and accessories for everyday use. Its got a cool, edgy feel and works back well with the colour palette discussed earlier.
Suppliers and Advice
If in doubt, try my list of cool man-style suppliers below. Alternatively, speak to a designer who specialises in spaces for men such as Kate Abdou from designermancave.com.
cultdesign.com
dedece.com.au
spacefurniture.com.au
spenceandlyda.com.au
marktuckey.com.au
inthesac.com.au
designtwins.com.au
