Hand over the reins, ladies.
Interior design traditionally may be a woman’s domain, but these days men are boldly claiming parcels of domestic real estate to craft man-specific rooms — also known as mancaves — where they gather to watch their games but not their language.
“I see the mancave as something that is really vital to a guy,” said Ken Walter, owner of Chicago interior design company Gray & Walter Associates. “A lot of wives, they get so mad at their husbands for having that ugly chair, and all that stuff ends up going in the mancave.”
Walter, who has designed a handful of mancaves, said guy-specific spaces have always existed in one form or another, but now they are appearing as elaborate, themed rooms that require as much planning as a country club ballroom.
“It’s just become perhaps more accepted,” said Walter, who recently worked on a room with a Bulls theme.
To bring in a professional to create a mancave would make a major dent in the beer budget, however. Walter estimates a starting price of $50,000 — that includes design consultation, furnishings and electronics. For the DIY mancave designers, Walter offered these five tips.
Be fearless
If you are crazy for the Bulls, then the mancave should reflect your allegiance. Your buddies are more likely to fist-pound their approval at a one-of-a-kind room than roll their eyes.
Be outrageous
Let your imagination wander beyond the wet bar. If you’ve got some space to fill, why not be the first one on the block with a set of bleachers and a popcorn stand in the basement?
Be practical
If your mancave is of modest size, perhaps a pool table won’t work. And two bar stools and a ratty recliner won’t provide enough seating space for a decent Super Bowl party.
Be thoughtful
Sometimes less is more; sometimes more is more. You can turn an entire room into a mancave, or you can contain it to a corner.
Be honest
If you hire a professional designer, don’t shy away from requesting a theme to your mancave. But also explain your limits of self-expression. After all, you want to feel comfortable in your cave.
