Today's bachelor cares about how his home looks - and how well the items in it function in his daily routine. A space that facilitates a busy workload, socialization, and much-needed downtime is ideal. You don't need a lot of square footage to pull off a bachelor pad that makes all of this happen - and more.
Check out some of the must-have design elements and items for a comfortable and cool bachelor living space.
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1.Home Office
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than ever before, at least part of the time. Whether you work at home or are still completing your education, set yourself up for success with a simple, organized spot where you can work, pay bills, and answer emails - all while browsing through the latest trending memes. Keep it uncluttered by taking advantage of paperless billing and scanning apps, and stay comfortable with an ergonomic desk chair that helps you maintain good posture. Choosing
, as you likely spend a lot of time sitting there - especially if your work desk doubles as your gaming station.
2.Custom Bar
Impress your friends, and any dates you bring home, with a one-of-a-kind bar stocked with your favorite drinks and cocktail ingredients. For an extra wow factor, add LED lights underneath or metal posters to the front. Don't forget to include cool barstools in a style that matches your bar design. If your friends enjoy wine, add a wine lattice rack or personalized wine holder.
3.Large Sofas
The right bachelor sofa should effortlessly double as both a place to relax and a source of extra sleeping space. Make it easy for your friends to crash after a late night, and provide a comfortable spot to gather when the party happens at your place. Consider a leather sectional sofa or oversized recliners for extra seating. You don't necessarily need an option with a sofa bed as long as the sofa you choose is large and comfortable.
4.Smart Electronics
Run your home with smart technology that you can monitor from your phone or tablet when you are away. Look into security systems that tap smartphone tech, as well as heating and cooling options that work intuitively. Many entertainment systems now come equipped with smart technology options too, making it easy to plan and run any dates, parties, or social gatherings that happen at your pad.
5.Automated Floor Vacuum
While we're on the topic of technology making life easier, spring for an automated floor vacuum to keep your floors spotless. There are several affordable options on the market. Whether you work hard or play hard (or both), cleaning is likely at the bottom of your priority list, so outsource as much of it as you can with assistive technology.
6.A (Big) Television
A large-screen TV is a must, whether you stream Netflix or pay for hundreds of cable channels. The newest TVs are "smart" ones that allow you to access websites like YouTube or Amazon right from the screen in your living room. With so many options for gaming and consuming media, having the right size screen is necessary for a relaxing night in, or for hosting a social gathering.
7.Kitchen Counter Space
The stereotype of the bachelor who eats out all the time and doesn't know how to make a meal is fading. Today's unattached men are more health-conscious than their predecessors and know how to operate in their kitchens. Adequate counter space is the key to easy food prep. If your place doesn't come with much kitchen counter space, add a permanent or rolling island to make up for it.
8.Kitchenware, Dinnerware, Silverware, and Glasses
Your bachelor pad must-have list for meal preparation should include: A large stainless steel pot, a cast-iron skillet, a nonstick skillet, and rimmed baking sheets. These basics will make breakfast, lunch, dinner and the occasional at-home dinner date possible. You'll also need decent dishware, so you can serve your guests on glass instead of paper. A good rule of thumb is to have enough dishes, glasses, and silverware to last for two days-worth of your typical meals - times two. This means you're never short on dishes when visitors arrive and you only need to run your dishwasher every few days.
9.Closet Organizers
It may not be very sexy, but a well-organized closet will keep you productive and looking sharp. Even a small closet can give you more space if you add shelving, over-the-door hangers for shoes and ties, or a ledge above your hanging items.
10. Home Gym
Carve out a little space dedicated to staying healthy and active. Set down rubber flooring and buy a treadmill, stationary bike, free weights, or whatever equipment you need for a workout you can do anytime. If you like working out with a buddy (or date), set up your home gym to accommodate guests. Arrange it so you can see and hear your TV, or find a way to include your tablet or phone to keep you going during the workouts.
11. Chalkboard Wall
Keep track of your daily agenda, grocery list, and other notes with a wall fitted with chalkboard material. If you're artistic, add fun sketches with the chalk and change it up to keep your visitors entertained. Having a central spot for notes, and a visual representation of what you need to get done, will keep you mentally organized - plus chalkboard walls look really cool.
12. Old-School Gaming
Anyone can play a game on a smartphone, or using the latest console at home. Give gaming a twist with some old-school classics like a pool table, dartboard, or bean bag toss games. With the right setup, your friends won't need to go to a bar to play fun social games, and you can keep the party going at home.
The best part about your bachelor pad is that it's all yours - you get to make your home feel and look exactly the way you want. With these stylish and essential elements, your pad can be both a functional living space for you and a hot spot to entertain your friends (and romantic guests).
How have you designed a modern, functional bachelor pad?