Designing a man cave made easy

Man caves have been around for a long time, but they have become increasingly popular in recent years. With an increasing need to retreat and create a sense of space for individuals living together, man caves are the answer to the modern man’s dilemma. It’s a den where the man of the house can explore his passion and rewind. Today’s man caves are sophisticated, well-furnished and tasteful.

Putting together a man cave is fun and easy and here are five tips for designing the perfect man cave:
1. Find the right space

Identifying a space in your house that can be converted into a man cave is the first challenge. The great thing about man caves is that they are not dictated by their size. Choose an empty bedroom, space in the basement, garage or attic or maybe even an outhouse that is currently not in use. The idea is to have a dedicated space where you are not disturbed by the activities going on in the rest of the house.
2. Start by making a plan

Before you start swiping your credit card and making big purchases for your man cave, make a clear plan. Decide on the purpose your man cave will serve. Will it be used to entertain friends or read books? How much time on an average will you be spending here? Do you need entertainment systems and a bar fitted out? Once you have chalked out the clear purpose, you will be able to evaluate your needs. Make a rough blue print of the floor space and plan your purchases.
3. Furnishing your man cave

Once you have identified the purpose of the man cave, your task is much simpler. Pick furniture and furnishings that are bold and rugged. These will reflect your personal sense of style which may not be the same as the rest of the house. Leather is a luxurious material to work with and will also add texture. Pick a sofa and ottoman with leather upholstery. To make a man cave feel like a retreat, choose a theme that feels like a getaway. Add a wooden table, faux fur and faux taxidermy for a cabin like feel. Create an accent wall covered with stone or reclaimed wood if you love spending time in the mountains. Remember to add texture to avoid a flat look.
4. Make it functional

Fit your man cave with gadgets, game tables, bar, book shelves etc. to make it functional. The purpose of your man cave is to entertain yourself rather than its aesthetic beauty. Create space for your gadget and games while keeping the floor plan as open as possible. If you have a large space, like the basement, you can also create separate areas for different activities.
5. Lighting and mood

Finally, setting the right mood for your man cave is essential for a relaxing time. Look into options like sound proofing the room. Use a variety of lighting options to reflect different moods. LED lighting is a popular option for man caves. Choose switches with dimmers so you can control the amount of light in the room. Spend time on fitting the acoustics in the room to create a theater like feel while watching movies or gaming.