Over the past decade or so, the idea of the man cave has pervaded popular culture and interior design. More homes than ever before have one of these spaces. Man caves not only give guys a space to relax and hang out without worrying about maintaining a perfectly put together space, but they allow wives to stash away collections, sports equipment, and other masculine belongings they would rather not have on display in their carefully decorated homes. If you have a man cave, but it could use some sprucing up, this guide will help you take your man cave to the next level without spending a fortune.
Decide what aesthetic you’re going for
One of the problems with many man caves is that they don’t have any sort of cohesive decorating scheme or overarching aesthetic. Instead, they are more like glorified basements; they become the spaces where everything that doesn’t have a “home” elsewhere in the house gets tossed. The first step to creating a man cave you really love is to decide on an aesthetic. The best way to figure this out is to consider what you are most passionate about.
If, for instance, you’re a sports fanatic, you might want to decorate your space with team memorabilia, jerseys, and furnishings reminiscent of a classic sports bar. If, on the other hand, music is your primary hobby, invest in furnishings that would look at home in a recording studio and hang vinyl records, guitars, and other music-related items on the walls.
Put together a refreshment area
One of the hallmarks of any reasonable man cave is easy to access to snacks and beverages. If you don’t currently have an area to store food and drinks, you should quickly remedy that issue when you start remodeling your space. Some man caves are too small for full kitchens but don’t fret. There are plenty of other options. Many guys, for instance, install mini-fridges and curate bar carts in lieu of purchasing full-sized appliances.
The TV is key
Although it is somewhat stereotypical, having a great TV is key to putting together a man cave you can be proud of. If you don’t have the budget to buy a new television, there are things you can do to enhance the set you already own. You might, for example, want to purchase a surround sound system that will make ball games, movies, and anything else you want to watch sound like you are really there. Another option is to mount your TV on the wall if it isn’t already. Wall-mounted flat panel screens have a sleek look that televisions on entertainment centers tend to lack.
These tips are just meant to get you started on your man cave remodel. Remember, you are limited only by your own ideas. If you need inspiration for your space, don’t hesitate to search for pictures online or ask your wife for assistance! Turning a man cave renovation into a couples’ project is a good way to bond and learn more about each other’s decorating styles.