The infamous bachelor pad has many design details that we as designers both admire and detest. Often times, no matter what the design concept is, the bedroom is left untouched. The idea that precedence should be given to the public areas of a home is a good budgetary tactic, but, when it comes down to getting the bachelor bedroom up to snuff, I find guys lose sight of the design goals.
Designing a bachelor pad bedroom like a pro can be accomplished by following these easy-to-follow design tips:
1. With spaces becoming smaller and smaller, taking an oversized hand-me-down bed frame and box spring is a design no-no. The bed is often the largest piece in a bedroom and therefore a focal point. Start with a knee-high platform frame, toss the box spring out and invest in a good mattress. Once you’ve brought it down a notch, the space will open up, seem a lot larger and more impressive. To continue the open concept feel, pair your new bed with low-profile dressers and/or night stands.
2. Good bye shaggy rugs. The practicality of an area rug in a bedroom is a no-brainer. Just ask your ice cold feet as they plant down on the hardwood on a cold Canadian morning, not to mention keeping the sheets clean from foot debris. My recommendation is to look for a light, low pile rug, with a geometric pattern. Geometric patterns tend to have a masculine feel, but there’s no concern about there being “too much detail” as most of the rug will be under the bed, leaving just the right amount of exposed pattern.
3. Nothing puts me in a worse mood than bad lighting. The mood in a bedroom should be somber, sexy, and peaceful. It’s time to invest in some good mood lighting, preferably that is moveable and able to change light positions so the perfect soft glow ambience can be created.
4. Look for a nightstand with storage. Though it’s popular now to see cantilever night stands on platform beds, every bachelor needs a stash spot. A little tip: the only things that should be displayed on a night stand should be a lamp, clock, book, and phone. Everything else is clutter.
5. Nothing says poorly designed bachelor pad like sports posters cladding the wall in lieu of art. Consider bold graphic prints. They are easy to work with, masculine and complement almost any décor.
6. The easiest way to refresh a space is a new coat of paint. Here’s an opportunity to add a little visual drama to your space. Say goodbye to the builder’s beige and hello to something a little sexy and a little sinister. In half a day, your bedroom will have a completely new look.
7. Finally, I’m all about a tidy space, but a bedroom should look lived in. The trick is to create carefully designed “mess”. I recommend a tray atop your dresser or a grouping of boxes. A suavely designed bowl to accommodate emptying your pocket at the end of the day is a great idea to keep the “mess” contained in a well-designed way.
Courtesy Shai DeLuca-Tamasi
www.shaideluca.com
@ShaiDeLuca