So I’ve had my mind on decor a lot more than normal lately, watching re-runs of Fixer Upper on HGTV, and I’m focusing on areas I never thought of before, like the Man Cave. As a female, I’m initially all about my woman space, and no I’m not just talking about the kitchen. In my world, my version of a Man Cave has large plush sofas like a comfortable light and bright chic movie theater with a lovely entertaining space. It got me thinking that female design style is not much different from a guy’s, at least when it comes down to design essentials. I asked my guy and did some research, and there are certain elements that we both need in “our own” spaces: comfortable seating, entertaining space with bar and area for food, and classic touches.
When Man Crates approached me about their “Man Cave Makeover” campaign, I decided to come up with an inspiration board of my make over-ed man cave. Man Crates is a one-stop shop for all the men in your life, the ones who I always seem to have a problem gifting. Man Crates ships curated boxes of goodies in actual wooden crates that the men have to pry open with a crowbar. There are awesome crates for the dad, brother, boyfriend, or the athlete, gamer, and beer nerd in your life. Although, I have a mostly rustic, vintage, classic style; I do still love industrial and minimalist touches, that roughen up the overall femininity. The inspiration for my room came from my guy, who is a scotch and beer connoisseur. I see my man cave resembling a brewery, and since I’ll be spending a lot of time in this man cave during football and hockey season, I wanted to evoke a light, comfy, rustic and cool place to hang out. I would get him the Whiskey Man Crate with the personalized flask and the Barware Man Crate, since throughout our entire friendship I’ve given him special beer glasses. As fitting as it is November, or as some men call it No-Shave November, it’s an important month to raise awareness on men’s health and it was just perfect I put together this post with Man Crates for the men in our life. Here is my vision for the Man Cave…
Although, it’s a bit darker than my normal taste, there is something about the aesthetic of this bar that inspired me to re-envision the idea of the typical man cave. I love the mix of rustic and dark industrial designs.
Create a focal point. The room’s centerpiece is a big, beautiful wooden bar with taps, personalized bar ware, a display of growlers and collection of glasses. With two styled stools, a tufted one for those like myself that need a comfortable back, and industrial vintage steel ones. {1.Industrial Stool|2.Brookline Tufted Bar Stool} Combine woodsy and industrial looks in one statement piece {4.Coffee Table} I don’t know why but man caves always make me think of plaid, use a throw to incorporate the print {6.Plaid Throw} Men care about large and comfortable seating. Where you’d expect a large leather sofa, I envision a light piece to lighten up the space in an easy fabric, that works well with in traditional and modern spaces {3.Abbyson Sectional} Accessorize. I’d continue the focal point of the room behind the bar with a single brick wall, and the others simply white. Which is a great way to open up a room that may not have windows. It’s the best back drop for vintage prints, beer posters, bar signs, game boards lit up by rustic bulbs. Etsy is always a great place for unique and fun finds, and they’ve got plenty of great art for all your sporting team preferences {5.Rope chandelier|8.Frank Sinatra Photograph|8.Dallas Cowboy Print} How fun and manly are these wrench hooks, and ode to having to open their Man Crate.Stay Classic. Guys like their classic pieces too, so incorporate old pieces that serve a purpose, like a multipurpose vintage beverage crate to store magazines, remotes and other electronic devices {7.Derby Club Beverage Crate}Entertain with Style. Your man is past the solo cup and plastic bar ware days, so use good quality pieces that showcase your style. This is the time to personalize with “Name’s Bar”, which most men in my family in Portugal seem to have on their bar ware. I’m such a sucker for copper, this set and copper mugs would be sure to please your guy too {10.Bar Ware|11.Copper Mugs} Don’t forget to make sure you have all these essentials and some special touches on hand too {12.Jack Pack}
