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A Los Angeles Basement Becomes a Cozy Man Cave
Raw storage space in a Hollywood writer's home is transformed into a masculine home office hybrid
Family Guy writer and producer Kirker Butler wanted a space in his Los Angeles home where he could write scripts, chill and feel inspired — a hybrid space that's part man cave, part home office. Butler sought the expertise of interior designer Kyle Schuneman, who took on converting a dungeon-like storage area used to house decorations, leftover paint cans and other unused items into an efficient, warm and fun space.
"We're talking about a completely raw space here. We had to bring plumbing and electrical wiring into the place," says Schuneman. In the end, his client got exactly what he wanted: a comfy cave and functional office blessed with light, personality and warmth.
Space at a Glance
Who works here: Kirker Butler
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 224 square feet including half bath
That's interesting: In addition to writing and producing episodes of Family Guy, Butler is also the coexecutive producer of The Cleveland Show.
"We're talking about a completely raw space here. We had to bring plumbing and electrical wiring into the place," says Schuneman. In the end, his client got exactly what he wanted: a comfy cave and functional office blessed with light, personality and warmth.
Space at a Glance
Who works here: Kirker Butler
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 224 square feet including half bath
That's interesting: In addition to writing and producing episodes of Family Guy, Butler is also the coexecutive producer of The Cleveland Show.
Schuneman designed built-in mahogany bookcases with sconces to wrap two sides of the room. They house Butler's book collection, comic books and movie and sports memorabilia.
He also bought an old metal train step to lead to the reading nook (in the background) on eBay; it's a homage to Butler's grandfather, who worked on railroads.
He also bought an old metal train step to lead to the reading nook (in the background) on eBay; it's a homage to Butler's grandfather, who worked on railroads.
The Crate & Barrel desk comes with a built-in cubby to house curios.
"Kirker gave me clear guidelines for the space. He has taken ownership of the room, and you can really see his individuality come out," says Schuneman.
"Kirker gave me clear guidelines for the space. He has taken ownership of the room, and you can really see his individuality come out," says Schuneman.
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by Malkoe Design
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| BEFORE: Here's what the storage area looked like before Schuneman and contractor Mark Aller got to work. "It had exposed ductwork and these large cement foundation blocks that couldn't be moved because they anchor the house. The blocks determined much of the design of the space," says Schuneman. |
AFTER: The designer and the contractor wrapped the cement blocks with drywall and built seating and bookcases above them. The ductwork is now housed in a storage area behind the bookcase.
The marlin painting is by Butler's sister-in-law.
The marlin painting is by Butler's sister-in-law.
"This space is as much a man cave as it is a home office. The desk at the center anchors the space, but the different collections — the pipes and small bar — they drive home the point that this is a place that every guy would want and could see himself in," says Schuneman.
Schuneman layered the cozy space with rich woods and vintage furnishings. Retro throw pillows in solid and geometric prints add color and pattern to the mortise and tenon armchair.
Wall paint: Bryant Gold, Benjamin Moore (top half), Huntington Beige, Benjamin Moore (bottom half)
Wall paint: Bryant Gold, Benjamin Moore (top half), Huntington Beige, Benjamin Moore (bottom half)
There's a boy's club vibe in the half bath, which has a sink and a urinal. Four hand mirrors commonly found in barber shops are stand-ins for a traditional above-sink mirror.
Wall paint: Bryant Gold, Benjamin Moore
Wall paint: Bryant Gold, Benjamin Moore
"It's a man cave, but we don't actually want to simulate a dark, cavelike experience. We placed a small window in there that let enough light in but also wouldn't be intrusive," says Schuneman.
Sconces from Restoration Hardware cast a warm glow and give the space an old-library feel.
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by Malkoe Design
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| This 3-D rendering shows how the designer and the builder maximized every inch of the former basement storage space. "The project was a bit like putting together pieces in a puzzle. Kirker wanted a bathroom, desk area, TV, reading nook and loads of storage," says Schuneman. "We had to resolve lots of spatial and foundational issues before any of the pretty stuff could happen." More: 8 Ways to Style a Man Cave Co-Ed Cave: A Man Cave for the Masses More basement conversions |
Ideabook updated on July 26, 2012.
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I may have some artwork for it.
http://pixelspainting.com/
I find it totally in sync with the whole man-cave idea, resale be damned! Heck, maybe it would HELP resale, since most guys I know would love that sort of space, urinal et al!
And correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a urinal easier (and cheaper) to plumb in terms of drains?
I love this space, it is awesome.