Suppose you’ve flown your parents’ nest and you’re living on your own for the first time, or maybe you’ve been out of the house for years, and you’re looking to move beyond the two-chairs-and-a-TV situation. As you move through the different phases of your adulthood, your home should change to reflect your development. Bare minimum furniture and decor might be great at first, but as time passes, you’ll likely want something less Spartan.
Interior design can be a confusing mess of terms and rules. If your head is spinning with the Feng Shui of an east-facing desk, or you’re waffling over five different shades of blue paint, fear not. Here are seven new-age design tips that will help you break the bachelor stereotype and make your home more sophisticated.
Hang artwork
An appreciation for the arts is the mark of any well-developed young bachelor. If you’re not much of an art fan, there’s no need to worry. Browse a few local galleries or any local furniture stores if you’re working on a budget. Look for abstract works, splashes of color, and high contrast. If you want something more playful, opt for a pop-art style print and accentuate with quieter, simpler pieces.
Incorporate a dining area
The classic image of the bachelor pad is two chairs, a TV, and maybe a coffee table or TV dinner tray. A dining area is an absolute must for men looking to elevate their bachelor pad and project a more mature image. You’ll want to show off your made-over space to friends and family, and the best way to do that is by entertaining guests. Depending on your available area, you can incorporate a short or long dining table. Don’t forget to pick up some complimentary placemats as well.
Invest in kitchen tech
No more two-ingredient spaghetti or microwave lasagna meals. For your elevated pad, giving your kitchen a few upgrades is a must. Once you’re entertaining guests or even dates, you’ll be happy you sprung for a nicer coffee machine or better blender. Kitchen devices not only help you cook meals for yourself and your guests, but they’re also a valuable asset for elevating the experience of your space. For example, wireless kitchen gadgets eliminate the need for bulky power cords, and smart devices can automatically brew your morning coffee.
Cooking isn’t the only element of your kitchen that could use a boost, however. Part of building a sophisticated living space is finding the best solutions for keeping it clean. Rather than letting your garbage sit in the open and attract smells and flies, you can invest in a high-tech trash compactor. These compactors crush waste and keep it out of sight and out of mind. If you’re feeling extra James Bond, you can also incorporate a robotic vacuum to sweep and mop for you.
Incorporate leather accents and furniture
Your bachelor pad is looking more mature, but it’s still a bachelor pad at heart. To keep a younger, more masculine atmosphere in your everyday spaces, you can incorporate leather furniture such as couches, chairs, and ottomans. The icing on the cake is that leather furniture is straightforward to clean–just a light dusting and an occasional shining will do wonders.
Don’t shy away from personality
You’re building a space for yourself, not a showroom. Don’t be afraid to incorporate doses of your personality into your design plan. For example, if you’re a comic book fan, you can include pop art style artwork and bright vinyl bar stools. Just be mindful about how you place your colors and decorations, and your space is sure to show improvement.
Don’t skimp on sheets
If you’re still using the same jersey sheets from your college days, it’s safe to say you’re overdue for an upgrade. Invest in a few sets of high-quality linen or cotton sheets. These will make for a better night’s sleep, and they’re sure to be a hit with any company you bring home.
Make it smell good
You probably have no shortage of smell-good personal grooming products like aftershave, cologne, shampoo, and body wash. Your home should be a pleasant olfactory experience as well. Consider picking up a few candles or even a plug-in air freshener to keep your bachelor pad smelling fresh and clean.
Wrap up
Interior design can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With just a bit of research and thought, you can elevate your bachelor pad from boyish to manly.
