Have you been dreaming of a place to escape at the end of a long day at work? A haven of peace and quiet that allows you to reclaim a bit of your individuality and sanity before transitioning from your role as an employee to that of father or husband. Work-related stress is a real concern for men and is cited by recent research as being a significant reason why working days are lost each year. One way to combat excessive stress is to create an oasis that allows you to decompress and enjoy your specific hobbies while at home.
Many men want to escape into the world of entertainment when they are ready to unwind. This could take the form of watching your favorite action films with surround sound, a giant screen, and an overstuffed recliner. It could also mean installing the latest gaming system and having the room set up to accommodate other players for extended gaming sessions.
Some man caves are designed specifically to facilitate more opportunities to build social connections. This is an important consideration as medical professionals for example site lack of social connections as one of the contributing factors to the shorter life expectancy in men.
Gaming tables that encourage groups to gather and play poker or other card games can be a great way to establish a tight knit group that gathers together regularly. If space if sufficient, pool tables and arcade games are great additions for this type of theme.
Spending time in nature has numerous health benefits. Unfortunately, many people are unable to escape to the great outdoors on a regular basis. If this applies to you, it may be time to consider bringing the outdoors to you. You can use it as inspiration in the design of your man cave by letting a lot of light in or using artwork that showcases some of your favorite locations.
Create a color palette based on the type of outdoor environment you most enjoy. Use those colors to choose paint, fabric, and carpeting that will best mimic the places you escape to when time permits. Then bring tokens from those areas in to further personalize the space. Use woods and stone native to the area if possible to further capitalize on the theme.
Display the items that you use when outdoors:
Whatever makes you eager to go back outside should be incorporated into the design. There is no reason to hide these items away until they can next be used.
Perhaps you are more of a hands on person and the way you like to relax is by building or tinkering. There is nothing that says your cave must be within your home. A portion of a garage or a utility shed can be converted into a space that allows you to pursue those interests in a space that is fully equipped to make the process more enjoyable.
In addition to proper storage for tools and accessories you will also need a place to sit and relax. While you could opt for outdoor furniture there are more luxurious options that can truly turn your space into one that is both relaxing and functional. Well-designed wood pieces are far more comfortable and attractive than the plastic pieces designed to be used on patios. Leather chairs are another good option because of their durability. Even if your man cave is less traditional than some of the other design options, it doesn't mean you have to give up quality or comfort. Galvanized steel is another great option. It provides a classic garage or workshop vibe combined with clean modern lines and comfort.
Just because it will be a functional space doesn't mean it can't also be fun. Consider adding a big screen television or stereo system to help you relax when you aren't actively working on new project.
Creating the perfect man cave is a truly unique experience. These are just a few ideas to help you get started. The most important takeaway is, take the time to truly discover what makes you feel most relaxed and base your entire design around that theme. Embrace your inner Trekky, passion for football, or obsession with a historical period and let your imagination lead the way.
