the high functioning man cave
When Susan came to us with help for a special room in their home, we were more than happy to put our heads together for some solutions.
We decided to dub this one the high functioning man cave, because it came with a lot of needs that we were happy to figure out. She was looking for something for her husband that functioned as a home office/man cave with plenty of storage for books, work, and all things files. The space would need to come complete with a sleeping spot for guests, and even a laundry area that they use regularly. They also requested some flooring with a vintage feel. They mentioned that her husband enjoys planes and science amongst many other things, and we wanted to incorporate that into the design, as well. They also requested a dry bar, with a bit of a masculine flair.
Here’s a collection of the before shots:
We choose items that we know will work hard in the space, and bring in some visual charm, along with those that meet all of their requests. Since their house has mostly warm tones, but they wanted to lighten up a bit, we chose a color scheme that was mostly neutral warms mixed in with touches of cools to tie it all together and diversify their palette.
So we thought we’d start out with some inspiring photos for the “feel” of the space, an inspiration board chock full of sources, and a furniture plan.
And without further ado… the high functioning man cave! {I always go a little out of order from the numbers on the board so please bear with me}
1. + 2. Paint and Flooring
First things first, because it’s a bit of a bolder choice, and would bring a lot of character to their space. It would definitely anchor the room in a space where they can do something pretty fun. They mentioned retro style linoleum, so we decided to kick it up a notch in the tile department. Tile is much more sustainable and will bring in more character without looking dated. It also adds value to the home. This is a classic choice to tie in both warm and cool tones, with a bit of nod to that fun California vibe.
We hope they’ll consider it… we’ve been quite charmed by what our own current remodel is digging up with vintage linoleums, and we felt like this was a nice classic choice that reminded us of genuine vintage find in the pattern department.
As far as paint, we included the nice warm linen white they mentioned, which will do a lot to brighten up the space.
3. Laundry Area
We’d love to bring in a little charm to that laundry space. We included a few images for inspiration {see inspiration image no.4} on the inspirations attachment for the vibe we’re going for.
Some built ins around their laundry area as shown may give it a little more storage and workspace for both of them. It’s something to consider down the line. It looks so organized already, some visual charm would be great if it stays open a lot! I know giving a little extra attention to those smaller areas inspire me to keep it nice and almost make me want to do the laundry. Key word… almost. ;} But we also included a sweet little cart if the area stays open a lot, to bring in more of that charm, as an alternative for their storage needs. They could pair it with a basket on the bottom to help with storage.
We also chose this rich green for a bit of a bolder choice in their laundry closet area. We’d love to see that on the walls to punch it up a notch and bring in some character.
More inspiration for their laundry area storage, here.
Fabric
If they wanted to update those folding doors {that is, if sound is not an issue when their laundry is going} some great choices would be removing the doors,and framing them out in some linen panels. It has a nice, subtle masculine feel, and we would carry the same fabric to the windows in simple panels {long or short would work} to tie it all together.
5. Desk and Bookshelves
We’d love to see a desk in a handsome wood finish, flanked by two bookshelves for plenty of storage. We know that space is key in an area like this, so we wanted plenty of room for all the essentials, while also striving to keep it open and airy {as much as possible}. It’s easy for spaces like this to get cluttered fast, so we hope this helps in that arena. We feel like a brass pharmacy lamp is basically a masculine essential for any room to bring in a touch of history.
We know that people can be picky about their work spaces, and rightfully so. So, we also wanted to include a few more alternatives here depending on what they prefer.
We love this handsome take on the traditional office chair that looks super comfy, here.
4. Baskets for organization and to break up the endless books, as well.
6. Agate Bookends
They mentioned he loves science, and we love subtle nods to that in accessories like these bookends. It also brings in a bit of that brilliant nature to play nicely with all the wood finishes.
TV
They requested a TV over the computer area so he could watch as he worked. The bookshelf and desk combo allow for ample storage, and that TV mounted to the wall. We’d love to see it framed for an extra-polished finish.
7. Gallery Wall
He already has a lot of awesome looking pieces for his space, along with some sentimental photos that needed to be on display. A great way to bring interest to the room, would be a gallery wall in the entry near the stairs. A great, streamlined frame collection would be ideal. We’d also mix them with finds from local stores… these are the best places to find frames and revamp them to suit your needs.
8. Light
This vintage modern light in the center of the space, is a nice crowning touch to tie it all together.
11. Vintage Dry Bar
We can’t take any credit, because this image came from them. ;} It would definitely be worth their time to search the local craigslist and flea markets for the perfect, collected addition. It brings in a cool vibe that is definitely one of a kind. A cane finish like this is extra handsome. We love it. Placement included in the furniture plan – where current single bookcase stands now.
9 + 10 – Accessories
We couldn’t help but include this handsome water bottle {we own one and love it} + foot hammock {we can relate to long design days at the computer and think this would be awesome to help stretch out the legs and change positions} Because half the fun of having a home office is all the interesting accessories.
12. Storage Space / filing cabinets
We love this streamlined versatility for an additional storage and workspace. It’s simple and clean and brings in ample space for files, while also providing an additional work surface as needed.
It also moves easily, so that if he needs that table top, he can simply move it across the room. We would place that under the window, to remove a bit of a bulk from the existing desk, and lighten the feel of the entire space.
13 + 14 Bed, Shelves + Art
Since the bed is staying, we’d love to see it have a more intentional space on the wall and anchored with a nice, handsome headboard.
Paired with this duvet for clean lines, + a pair of euro shams, along with these pillows for a touch of color + texture {1, 2, 3} + every space needs a throw.
Alternative bookshelves for beside the bed here.
Our painting would be gorgeous in the space if we do say so ourselves. ;}
Three options for the bed and bookshelves combo, depending on what you want:
1. Layer them: Space looks tight in that area, so I would layer them slightly behind the new headboard, if they need the extra bookshelves. These are small and mount to the wall. I think a headboard is great to anchor the space and make it look more intentional. They can go symmetrical and double up on their book space. If they do this, you may not have much room for the art.
2. Go with one. On one side, as a nightstand. And still use the art.
3. Ditch the bookshelves on that wall, and simply anchor it with a headboard and art for a more open, simple view.
And another alternative, would be a murphy bed. It’s a possibility to have one built, as shown in inspiration photo no. 5. This is a great idea to consider, with full on built ins, as well as a way to keep that bed in tact and out of the way until they need it. More storage, and more bookshelves may be something great for them to look into with someone local who can build it. That way, it’s always up and out of the way until they need it, and they have a ton of floorspace.
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Thank you Susan… we truly hope Baron enjoys his new space + can’t wait to see what you do!
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Obligatory Dislaimer
Please note, out of respect for our paying clients we can no longer share all of our sources here, with the exception of an independent artist or small business {because we love supporting small businesses!} Or something from our own site. To share all the sources here, would be unfair to our clients who have paid for these services. We do share all of our own sources for our own home, along with any additional sources that we possibly can. That adds up to a lot of sources.
We share the boards here with the permission of the client, because we do hope this still inspires our readers to create from your own ideas, and to discuss the space along with our design services. So thank you in advance for your understanding.
If you’re interested in design solutions and sources for your very own space, we’re more than happy to help. Read more about our e-services here, or if you live locally in Nashville, our in-person services, here.
An affordable, great way to work with us. We’d love to hear from you!
Woo! Thank you Ashley and Jamin! We are thrilled to our toes with your design. The project is underway and we look forward to a beautifully refreshed man-cave. When you spend a lot of time in a room, you want it to feel good each and every time you’re there. This design does it! Thanks again!
Susan and Baron
Awe, so thrilled you’re happy with it, Sue! Thank you so much for using our design services. Can’t wait to see – please shoot me a pic when you’re finished if you think of it, and if you have any questions, I’m here!