The idea of carving out space in the home to make a solitary place your own is not new. Whether it’s a man cave, a lady loft, or a basement refuge, the fact is that humans naturally crave a space to retreat. For decades, these sorts of personal spaces were a luxury relegated mostly to the husband and kids. The men had garages or work sheds, and the kids had the rec room. Moms got the laundry room, or if they were fortunate, a small space for sewing, arts, and crafts. Things have changed. Modern homes showcase multiple spaces for each family member to make his or her own.
These might be attic lofts, nooks under eaves, spare bedrooms, basements or retrofitted outbuildings. The latest architectural and decor trends make these spaces more sophisticated, stylish, and convenient than ever before. In fact, contemporary decor and technology options may just make your personal space the most unique and popular room in the home. Importantly, updating your home to reflect these trends may contribute significantly to the value of your home.
Proprietary Decor
The man cave and the lady loft are defined and characterized by the individual who uses it most. Let your hobbies, interests, and passions determine not only how you use the space, but also how you decorate it. Start with a design theme. This could be a color or shape, a genre of music, a moment in time, an item you cherish, your favorite TV show, or even a geographical place you love.
Your design theme will set the mood for you and your guests, so consider it carefully. Think about how to incorporate that theme into your space in both practical and whimsical ways. If you have an idea for a theme but are at a loss as for how to shop or use particular elements, consider an interior decorator. Not only do they have access to items not available in stores, but they also have the expertise for custom builds, sizing, placement, and value.
Technology
There is the valid argument that technology is taking over our lives. But if ever there was a place for you to master the medium, it’s in the man cave or lady loft. If you can connect it to your electrical panel or manage it from your phone, just about any form of technology is available to make time in your oasis both relaxing and well spent. Apps are available to turn on lights, control the temperature, mechanize shades and curtains, and of course to order take out. Technology drives not only the look and feel of a room, but certainly the convenience.
Voice control systems, surround sound, media devices, gaming consoles, gaming sofas, and chairs, or safes and home security are all technology-driven trends in electronics and entertainment. For help with advanced technology, turn to a savvy builder, electrician, interior decorator or to services like the Geek Squad from Best Buy.
Soundproofing
If the idea of a retreat is to make it 100 percent your own, you might consider sound proofing. Doing the walls and ceilings can save the rest of your home from the roar of the TV, the yelling of avid sports fans, competitive ping pong players, and the clatter of video games. A good builder can help you choose the best soundproofing option for your needs. Many are not expensive nor complicated.
A Clean Look and Plenty of Storage
The modern cave, shed or loft offers plenty of light, lots of storage, and very little clutter. This is possible even in small spaces. Out goes wall-to-wall carpeting, plastic storage bins, and big chunky bookcases full of mismatched knick-knacks. In goes simple flooring like tiles or hardwoods, stylish shelving and hooks, rustic baskets or contemporary containers and a room free of disarray. Everything has a place, and every place looks well-organized, intentional and thoughtfully designed.
Full Kitchens
Drink coolers are a given in most retreats. Contemporary man caves and lady lofts go a step further with full kitchens and efficient--if not beautiful--bars. Refrigerators, dishwashers, sinks with garbage disposals, a range and all-in-one, under the counter washers and dryers are essential, even if they are apartment-sized. Plenty of cabinet and counter space for dishes and small appliances are imperative as well. If there’s outdoor access, a full grill, drink cooler, keg, and utensils that can be connected to wireless apps (such as thermometers and timers) add value to the experience and to your property.
Stylish Accessories
Who said man caves or lady lofts must be outfitted in stereotypical themes with cast-off decor? Today, these spaces tend to be sophisticated and even glamorous: fine art, luxurious window treatments, rich upholstery, and custom design elements all reflect the owner’s wish for more of a stylish oasis than merely a room to get away in. Even rooms that serve more than one purpose can be cleverly outfitted to hide workspaces and to pronounce design/build inspiration.
Closet Caves
If there’s not a shed, a garage or a basement handy, you might be able to transform a closet into a cave. Contemporary homes often feature dual oversized master suite closets, which could be retrofitted to accommodate writing and reading rooms, opulent dressing rooms and upgraded spaces to pursue passions like art or crafting. Companies like California Closets are experts at finding ways to utilize every inch of space. In fact, they can sometimes get down to measurements as small as ⅛ of an inch.
Final Thought
Today’s man caves and lady lofts are more than just randomly thrown together spaces. They are intentional, offer a plethora of technological conveniences and are design-focused. The ideal retreat should attempt to reflect the hobbies, interests, and passions of the person who will use it most. Contemporary design/build trends offer comfort and convenience, the opportunity to call a space truly your own, and added value.
