Hello Friends,

Goodness knows, we can’t follow every home decor trend when updating a space or we’d be like gerbils on a wheel —run, run, running on a path that never ends.

But I do believe that it’s important to create a design plan based on the likes of the occupants and how the space needs to function. Designers would laugh and say, “Well, duh. Of course this is what needs to be done.” But you’d be surprised at how many design plans end up with awkward spaces and uncomfortable seating. I can attest to this first hand.

When we started the man cave refresh, the guys really wanted the space to remain true to their wants and needs. So in order to identify what kind of accessories they would like, I started by creating a word cloud. Yes! A word cloud.

And here’s what floated.

How to Design a Man Cave You Both Will Love

This post is sponsored by Custom Cut Decor, but all projects and opinions are 100% my own.

Close Mouth, Open Ears

Over the course of the last six months, I’ve spent a lot of time listening.

My guys (the hubs and the son) are always yakking about something. And when I floated words from their conversations, the same words were always present.  Regardless of the subject, the word cloud always floated “more power.”

Tripping to the 1990s

If you’re like me and had an instant flashback to Tim Allen in the hit TV series Home Improvement, then you’re spot on with my guys. Anything and everything, from mountain bikes, tennis rackets, dishwashers,TVs, computers, or cars, must have….. “More Power….Arghhhhh.”

But you gotta hand it to them, day in and day out, they are totally breaming with life and energy. And because of this, I decided the man cave wouldn’t be true to them —truly their space —if it didn’t incorporate who they are.

So fasten your seatbelt Tool Man, it’s time for “more power.”

The Three Word Test

To get the “more power” design plan going, the primary accessories in the test  area were given the “life, energy, and power” test.

And in my mind, nothing says energy and power with more flair than half of a windmill. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s a super hot item being used in decor right now, but that’s just a little perk for me. **winkwink**

I totally fell in love with the rich patina and blade spread on this piece. And for a basement with a rather low ceiling, the open elements add so much movement and texture without the usual heaviness of a big piece.

Below the windmill is a hat tip to the guys and their love for cars —and, of course, horse power. I know, I know, it’s so cheesy, but seriously.  Just look at the movement and power in the painting.  And could these colors be any more perfect?

 Fill’er Up

The remaining bookcase was filled with very neutral elements that support the central artwork, but do not command the eye’s attention. From this space, which is the landing at the bottom of the basement stairs, the idea of a modern-rustic-industrial look with a focus on “more power” will extend into the rest of the finished areas.

Stay Focused

Once the design plan is identified, measure everything being considered against the plan. I say this because I was a little surprised when somebody said that, based on this description, the refresh is leaning more steam punk. Say whaaaat? 

Yea. Steam punk. How did I get there?

So I need to be careful and remain focused. This is why extending the ideas from the landing will come in handy. I basically have a living mood board in front of me.

What do you think?

I’d love it if you’d leave a thought in the comments at the bottom of the post.

Thank you for joining me for Part 2 of the Man Cave Makeover Series.

 Click here for Part 1

 Planking Made Easy with Stikwood Peel and Stick

Click here for Part 3 

How a 1980’s Golden Oak Bookcase Got a New Identity

 Click here for more information about the windmill and similar products such as rustic letters and wall art. The company, Custom Cut Decor, offers a variety of rustic design and decorating items.

Man Cave Makeover Series

Part 1: Planking Made Easy Please click here to visit this post.