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There hasn’t been much focus for designing masculine spaces on the site thus far. So I thought I would do a continuation of the last Bachelor Talk since the feedback was very appreciative. With less talk and more show, here are some inspirational spaces with masculine design appeal.
A friend of mine has just purchased his very first place and has asked for some assistance in the design department. I am thrilled to help out, so for the following few weeks I will feature some posts of inspiration for his new home makeover.
Simply for order purposes lets start with the entrance. In his case the entrance is a small vestibule preceding to a short stair case which is open to the adjacent living room. I have been infatuated with sisal, grass and jute runners down entrance stairs for a while and have yet to feature them. Fortunately I think this look would fit very well in this particular case. It is important to have anti slip finish on stairs and this type of runner would serve that function.
Since my friend has already said he will change the banister I suggest a more Eco friendly method as an alternative to chucking the old one. In a previous post I featured Rust Oleum ( 4 Step Cabinet Makeover) which could be used to stain this banister a beautiful black finish. He also said that he will be removing the carpet so I recommend finishing the new stair treads in the same black finish. This look would provide a clean and styled contrast to white stair risers as well as walls. With the stair treads and banister now finished in black and remaining area in white this would work as the perfect canvas for a beige sisal, grass or jute runner. You can see the step by step to ripping off carpet and creating a new stair case by clicking on the following link Southern Hospitality. Also you can view my friends before entrance photo as well as some examples of this style below.
Above: The Before Entrance Way
Above via Decorpad
Above via Posners
You can see the step by step to ripping off carpet and creating a new stair case by clicking on the following link Southern Hospitality
The next step to creating a designed entranceway is revitalizing the window treatments. Since this is a starter home and he is a young bachelor I don’t want to empty his back pocket. Window treatments don’t have to cost you a fortune especially when the windows don’t require custom specifications. Luckily for him I have just the thing in mind. Since the space is small I want to tie in the pieces in a sophisticated minimalist fashion so not to make the area appear cluttered. I believe dark stained wood blinds will do the job. Below are two images with similar styles and you can find this type of product at such locations as BouClair.
via DesignWagen
And lastly to finish off the space it comes down to a personal choice. If you prefer reserving space in the closet for jackets then you can get rid of the coat rack. However I do understand the convenience of having a coat rack so in such a case I would simply install individual hooks like those shown below. A trick I often use is the “rule of odd numbers.” See odd numbers provide a center point which our eyes are attracted to and in turn makes a display look balanced. If he is open to the first suggestion of reserving space in the closet I recommend using the open wall space for a small collage of black and white photographs.
Below the Vippa Hook from Ikea
Stay posted for more inspirational ideas!
I have been fortunate enough to visit the beautiful West Coast of Canada, home to the Rockie Mountains and cold Pacific ocean. While walking along the beach I found so many incredible pieces of drift wood that could be used in a variety of creative ways. Unfortunately it wouldn’t be very practical for me to ship them across the country but for any of you that are lucky enough to live near those sandy shores you should definitely take advantage. Below I have provided just a few examples of designs recycling drift wood.
This can also be crafted from recycled pallets. The writing in the mustard yellow accent colour adds that extra touch and ties the pieces together providing a relaxing rustic bedroom atmosphere. Above via Crafterholic
Drift wood with a light colour tone almost, bleached has a quality to it that looks great as sculptural pieces on their own and can be integrated with even the most minimalist of styles. Above via Elizabeth Stuart Design
If you are feeling extra creative and have found the right pieces of wood, you can make a custom mirror that could cost you hundreds. I especially love the green stained wood version shown Above Via The Girl is a Mess. The green adds the needed contrast against the neutral background
Using drift wood in unique ways can also work as a frame for stenciled or decal-ed words. I can imagine this in a dining room as an accent wall. Above via Event Decor Blog
Who says you need to pay a lot of money for art.. when you can be the artist and reap the beauty of your own work. The sculpture above can be a co-creation between you and mother earth . Above via This Next
Above is another great example of a DIY headboard created from a variety of different found Drift Wood. Via Pinterest
Last on our list may not be drift wood but I wanted to include it because it has that similar raw character and honestly I just really like it! This DIY kitchen island is made from a rough-hewn slab of cypress wood supported by Trojan sawhorses (known for being the sturdiest on the market).
Above: The steel Trojan TS-27 27-Inch Sawhorse Legs for one complete sawhorse are $45.63 at Amazon.
Via Remodelista
People tend to forget about the laundry/mud room when it comes to design but why neglect a space that you have to frequent so often. In addition you should feel very fortunate to have such a room because for some of us ex. Me that was not included in the apartment package. So in honour of having a laundry room, give it a little love. My best girl’s husband actually inspired this post, since he is the neat freak and organization fiend but I am positive she will be the one styling the space so I thought I would give her and all of you some inspiration.
Lets start with my favourite. The combination of wall paper, pendant lantern light, cross wire cabinet finish, antiques and glass jars give this space a whimsical elegance. After looking at many laundry room designs I have found a common feature to be light colours which provide that same feeling fresh laundry gives you and there’s nothing like fresh laundry smell! I can’t wait to have a laundry room because unfortunately for me that feeling happens once a month if I’m lucky… and yes I have a ton of underwear so you can get rid of that gross look!
The Glass Vases are a great way to store detergent for easy access and aesthetics. You can definitely find such vases at Pier 1 Imports or Homesense among many other places.
I know we may not all have the luxury of space but I adore this laundry room for its vast counter space which equals optimal folding results! So if you do have room for an island that would be a definite perk. On another note, wicker baskets are a stylish organizational element that look great on open concept shelving. You can also find inexpensive wicker baskets at HomeSense and Ikea would be a great place to find open concept shelving.
Above Via Corea Sotropa Interior Design
In this particular case an office space has been amalgamated into a laundry room. Although the space is simple stark white, the green grass carpet provides contrast and makes the room feel laundry fresh!
Above Via Home-Designing
The pastel Yellow and Industrial pendant lights give this laundry room the desired style. You can find these types of lights at pretty much any light store but check out the following links for some other industrial options
Above Via Best House Design
A Laundry room a le Francais.. tres cute! This space has all the necessities and has been executed with such grace. The pastel green works as a fresh canvas and compliments all the additional pieces. I especially love the look of the steel buckets, something you could find at a garage sale that adds that extra touch.
Above Via Material Girls french
Above Via Remodelaholic
I haven’t done too many posts geared towards the boys but when I across this lovely idea the male gender immediately sprung to mind. Not to say that it wouldn’t be a great idea for both men and women but it has been my experience to find many guys my age with mattresses on the floor. I don’t know if it’s pure laziness or just simply not a priority in the expenditure category.. k actually I do know.. it is precisely both of those reasons leaning towards the laziness factor! I understand the budget since I am also a poor student but I have always wanted to deck out a bachelor pad. Although the flavour of this idea is minimal cost, minimal effort it equals maximum style appeal, complimenting pretty much any design character. For example it has rustic industrial appeal with a touch of modern from the low rise bed but it can also compliment the very traditional aesthetics as well.
Rollers are a good addition for dual functionality spaces allowing you easily move the pieces.
The possibilities are limitless with these reused pallets, so don’t feel like you have to spend hundreds let alone thousands on outdoor furnishings. Make your own and spruce it up with some vibrant cushions and pillows
Via DesignSquish
Via Unconsumption
Via Renest
Via Pinterest
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