The Gentleman Cellar: Anti-Man Cave
Jonathan Baker
November 17, 2010
I'm the creator of a lifestyle website called Simple Classic Living. It's an observational guide to style and happiness. http://simpleclassicliving.wordpress.com/
I'm the creator of a lifestyle website called Simple Classic Living. It's an observational... More
I love sports, beer and sunken hideaways as much as the next guy, but I’m so over the idea of the stereotypical man cave. Even the name sounds barbaric. Just because men enjoy the concept of a cellar-dwelling retreat dedicated to their interests, it doesn’t mean it should be a place that decreases the value of your house. Neon beer signs and foosball tables might dominate the typical landscape, but placing more emphasis on traditional masculinity will create a space that’s equal parts manly and stylish. From flat screens to fireplaces, 10 inspiring examples of classic manly spaces:
Not all manly confines have to be dedicated to the basement. I love the use of contrast in this secondary barn space. The dark pool table not only stands out among traditional billiard setups, but really pops in the all-white room.
This has the obvious makings of a cozy den: taxidermy wall hooks, wood paneling and a 1950s era floor lamp. But what really struck me about this photo was how well the shag goes with the already existing carpet. Don’t be afraid to add a warm shag rug no matter the flooring.
If you live in a modern space, don’t mask its true colors with an overbearingly traditional den. The rugged tables and cinderblock backdrop have a bare-bones appeal that keeps the space manly without losing the overall super-clean aesthetic.
Instead of framed posters, event tickets and jerseys, consider displaying actual sports equipment. Vintage equipment such as golf clubs, tennis rackets or skis can add unexpected warmth to a room while displaying your passion (or history) in a certain sport.
Before television was invented, gentlemen found solidarity in their offices or libraries. The Old World accents (traditional desk, bear skin rug, framed maps, hardback books, vintage travel luggage) are what make this room truly seem like man's sanctuary.
This is another combination of warm and modern that totally works (but maybe not for the average man's shower room). Instead of focusing on multiple animal heads on a wall, put up just one and make it the only thing that catches your eye.
Not every manly space can have such an iconic fireplace, but a few subtleties that surround it are easily adaptable. The wood is not only stored on the hearth, it's also stored keenly underneath it. The folded blanket is left out for use, and the pillow—while bright—sticks with the theme.
No matter if your manly space is classic or new school, a television will likely be the focal point. Wall-mounting your flatscreen takes a little more time and money, but instantly opens up the room for a variety of design concepts.
Understated but pointed is key to a really tasteful space. Instead of having a full blown, over-the-top bar setup, I prefer to only display a few key elixirs. This butler tray works perfectly due to its small size and mobility.
One of my favorite design techniques is pairing bold modern style with warm accents. The sharp angles of the Wassily chairs and tiered orange side table work surprisingly well with the original brick walls and worn pine flooring. A gentleman cellar is the perfect space to experiment with this design philosophy.
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Well the ideas used to refurnish the house is simply superb. But I genuinely liked the idea of introducing a modern pool table into the garage section, which has worked well to take out the boring outdated look of that section.