It’s been our experience that guys don’t put much thought into how they decorate their apartments. And if they do, their choices tend to be predictable.
Think leather couches, black and white color schemes, and very little in the way of rugs and accessories. The result is a fairly generic, uninspired home.
Spruce up a basic bachelor pad with these these six simple living room decor tips for men:
Don’t forget your floors
Rugs can serve multiple purposes. Not only do they add visual interest, they can help define a space and reduce noise (especially on wood floors like the ones the first floor of The Reserve on West 31st in Lawrence, Kansas.)
Warm it up
If you’ve got a stark black and white color scheme and you want to stick with it, incorporate neutrals, like tan, beige and grey, to add warmth.
Improve lighting
Even if you’re place comes with overhead lighting, floor lamps, table lamps and desk lamps are always a good idea. They provide softer light than overhead and fluorescent lights, and can add personality to a room.
Make friends with frames
If you really can’t let of that sports poster, frame it. It will look more grown up and be preserved for years to come.
Beautify your bookshelf
We’re not talking about paint (although that’s one way to make your bookshelf stand out). Arrange your books according to color. It just looks good. And orderly. Trust us.
Add candles
If you live in a furnished apartment (like the ones at 100 Midtown in Atlanta), you might not be able to execute some of these decorating tips. But you can add a candle anywhere. (Just make sure not to leave it unattended.) And not to worry— plenty of companies make candles that don’t smell flowery. ManCans is just one example.
For even more ideas, check out our decorating tips for renters.