Living alone is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and it can lead to all kinds of benefits. Not only can it mean that you don’t need to be responsible to anyone else for where you are and what you’re doing, but it also means that you can decorate your pad exactly how you wish. The perception that you need to share your home with someone in order to have a relaxed and fulfilling home life, then, is certainly not true.
However, the question of decoration is often easier asked than answered. You’ll be responsible for choosing everything from the furniture to the paint for the walls, and then there’ll be a world of other choices to think about. As a bachelor with your very own pad, the decisions – and also the responsibilities – will be your own to make.
Painting the walls
The first thing to do when it comes to décor is to ensure that you paint the walls the right color. Generally, people tend to choose neutral wall paint colors – such as creams, whites and grays. That way, you won’t be restricted further down the line when you choose colored furniture and fittings. However, if you do want to add a splash of your own personality, then a feature wall is a good move. Bright pink may not be on the cards, but statement reds or mellow greens can often add a sense of ambience for whenever you have visitors over.
Choosing the furniture
Furniture is both functional and aesthetic in a bachelor pad. First off, you’ll need to make sure that you have the items you need for your chosen activities. If you plan to have your buddies round to play video games, for example, then it’s important to ensure that you’ve got plenty of comfortable armchairs and couches that face on to a TV stand. If you’re more of a reading guy, meanwhile, then investing in a good bookshelf (rather than a flatpack one that may fall apart within a year) is wise. Don’t forget to think about how they’ll look. Large, squashy white sofas may be appealing in the store, but they’re not so appealing if someone spills sauce or beer on them! Black leather is a popular choice for couches, while lightwood fixtures and fittings have stood the test of time.
Covering the windows
You’ll also need to make sure that you decorate the windows properly. The key here is to take stock of the surroundings of your house or apartment, and decide what is needed – and what isn’t. You may, for example, decide that your property already has a large amount of natural light, perhaps facing in a particular direction or as a result of large window spaces. In that case, the most important thing to do is to find controllable window coverings: shutters from California Shutters make a great choice, and are more practical and stylish than heavy curtains or drapes.
However, that’s not the only window-related question that you’ll need to ask. You’ll also be responsible for decorating your windows, and for creating an atmosphere in which passers-by find your home to be elegant and refined. You may wish to put some window boxes outside and grow your own herbs or plants – or if that seems too complicated, then a sports poster on the internal side can add your own personality to the space.
Light furnishings
In some ways, light furnishings are often perceived to be a stereotypically feminine pursuit. From cushions to rugs, it can often seem as though light furnishings are extra fripperies that aren’t strictly required. However, this doesn’t mean that they should be written off altogether – after all, guys still need to live in comfortable environments!
If you’re an artistic sort of a person, for example, then you may want to opt for a rug with bold colors and clean lines to demonstrate your commitment to good aesthetics. When it comes to cushions, there’s no need for frilly edges or pink hues. Choosing cushion covers that are neutral but add a splash of color, such as deep blues, are a good choice.
Setting up in a bachelor pad is a great way to enjoy some independence before the realities of family and life hit in. Why not treat yourself to a nice environment? From selecting cushion covers to ensuring that your personality shines through, the décor of your bachelor pad is super-important – so don’t take these decisions lightly.