Think of a boy’s apartment or a bachelor pad and it is synonymous with being slovenly. Think dirty laundry everywhere, an unkempt sofa, mattress on the floor and things in disarray and strewn all over. However, the “boy apartment” trend has been recently going viral and this latest trend is an antithesis to the traditionally thought-of bachelor pad. There is an increasing number of single men and bachelors taking great interest in designing their homes as thoughtful sanctuaries. This home decor trend views the bachelor pad in a fresh new light and showcases how apartments of young men are classy and chic. Think muted colours, house plants, aesthetic furniture and well curated bookshelves. These homes are created with intention and purpose. Here are some key trends taking centre stage in bachelor pad decor.
Functional yet Cozy Spaces
According to many architects, most single men prefer spaces that prioritize style, comfort, and practicality. They maybe minimalistic or have an industrial vibe but elements of warmth and subtle sophistication are added via textures like leather, velvet, suede, wooden accents and even elegant furnishings. Sleek multipurpose furniture is definitely in vogue. All these factors help balance form and function and makes the home practical yet visually appealing.
Neutral Colour Palette
The most preferred colours are often grey, black, white and cream with subtle hints of taupe, mustard or even magenta. Colour is often added via a accent wall, wall art, statement artefacts or even soft furnishings like a rugs, throws etc. Exposed steel columns, brick walls, brass accents serve to add tactile texture and breaks the monotony effectively.
Statement Lighting
Bachelor pad design place a great focus on lighting with a variety of ambient and task lighting fixtures. So, from chandeliers and floor lamps to scones and spot lighting, bold lighting fixtures add the right amout of drama to the space. Accent lighting to highlight artwork or in the foyer area is common and serves to balance functionality with aesthetics.
Technology Intergration
This is one of the key trends in bachelor pads and includes integration of security systems, smart lighting, home automation and the like. It is basically a system where everything can be controlled by the click of a button or switch. Tech forward entertainment zones are big as well in smart homes.
Unique and Individualistic Character
Last but not the least, there is a concerted effort for the design to reflect the personality of its owners. Whether it is the port windows, vintage industrial accessories or metal sculptures crafted from a ship wreck of a marine engineer’s house or a jewel box filled with art that perfectly reflects the life of an art collector, there is always emphasis on design that is intrinsic to the owner’s tastes and personality. Paying heritage to their roots, having accessories that reflect their hobbies or even a beautiful garden is what makes every bachelor pad totally distinctive.
For more details on this topic, read my article in The Hindu here.
