While redoing my apartment recently, I enlisted the help of a dear friend, Karen, whose taste I utterly trust. At the end of a rather gruelling week of window-shopping and no furniture pieces to show for it, she exasperatedly commented how difficult it can be for a single man to set up home. Her logic was simple — every furniture piece exists in largely three versions: princess, family or bachelor pad. I wanted none. While I eventually got my perfect bed, this is how all the single men can create their personal space without falling prey to the sleazy bachelor pad image.
The living room
This is your space to entertain, impress others or just chill with the telly. A statement sofa is the safest bet. If you have a large, rectangular living-dining room, invest in a sectional L-Sofa — it will demarcate spaces, seat more people and prevent the space from looking bare. Leather looks sleek, but does not breathe easy, so keep it for a statement chair. A plush (read deep-seat), medium soft foamed cushion will wear well, look rich and be the perfect day-bed for an afternoon snooze. Ditch deep colours and invest in white cottons, beiges and dove greys. They may be high on maintenance but add a nice Hampton’s glow to any space.
The dining room
It’s very simple — avoid chintzy, ornate furniture. Show off your flair for design with a stylishly matched dining table set. When it comes to shopping for the dining room, there are three simple rules for the modern man. First decide the colour — monochrome works well with the year’s trends; keep things modern by investing in a hi-gloss, lacquered table with statement legs. Avoid wood. Then look for dining chairs that are high on design and comfort, sticking to the colour of chosen dining table. Finally, keep things simple and invest in a key light piece — either a funky floor lamp or a modern ceiling fixture. No crystals please!
The bedroom
Invest in a statement wall that will anchor your bed. From painting the wall in block colours to stark wallpaper or even a graffiti-style neon sign, there are enough options to suit your budget. Once you have your focal point, keep the rest simple. A hotel-style mattress bed is your best option — with an accent wall behind it, you will not even need a bed-head. Your bedroom should speak of you; inject personality with accent furniture pieces such as a lounger, family photographs, favourite books, etc. And, if you are into sports, music or any other hobby, don’t hesitate in creating space for your bike or guitar on the wall.
The kitchen
Thanks to food networks and their onslaught of handsome chefs, being good in the kitchen has suddenly upped the modern man’s desirability quotient. But don’t expect us to dish up gourmet food in a chintzy, hot pink kitchen. Instead, think sleek lines, recessed handles or push to open cabinets and drawers. Opt for rugged, concrete counter tops, cabinetry in metallic or hi-gloss neutral colours. Invest in the best cooking technology you can afford so you can still be all macho while baking your red velvet muffins.
The bathroom
Given the small, cookie-cutter homes we live in, keep light and air in the bathroom. Invest in a modern vanity counter — preferably a moulded Korean top one with a built in sink — and it does help. Both aesthetically and space-wise to have your vanity counter off the floor, anchored onto the wall. Look for a minimal, modern looking mirror panel and adequate storage — but invest in a finish closest matching your vanity counter. Try to limit tile work to the wet areas — bath and shower — while investing in wall paint and hardwood flooring in the dry areas for a chic look.
— Pratyush Sarup edits design blog designcarrot.co
