How to Decorate a Bachelor's Apartment

When one thinks of the phrase "bachelor pad," images often abound of small spaces with minimalist decor and dirty socks on the floor. Times have changed, and so have the rules of style for men. No longer do you have to decorate your bachelor apartment in bland colors or hide your love of fresh flowers in the dining room. Today, men can experiment with various styles, colors and furniture choices that match their own unique personalities. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1




Choose paint colors that open up the rooms in your apartment.

Paint in colors that give the rooms an open feel and match your decor. Bachelor apartments tend to be limited in size. Color can create the appearance of roomier spaces. You may even consider painting the ceiling in a color that is two shades lighter than the walls to add the illusion of greater ceiling height. Hang bold prints on walls that don't get a lot of natural light. Black and white prints and photos can be displayed on the lighter walls.

2

Choose furniture that serves dual purposes in small spaces. For instance, choose a coffee table that includes four stools underneath it. It can be an aesthetically pleasing piece with a glass top with metal frame and brown leather ottomans beneath it for contrast. These can be pulled out for extra guests when needed. If seating is not an issue, but your play time is, you can add a coffee table that doubles as a foosball table. These particular tables tend to be pricey, but the conversations they ignite are well worth the investment. Overnight guests may appreciate a comfortable daybed that is also used in every day seating.

Consider a drop-leaf table in your dining area that doubles as a computer station. It can be the perfect place to work on your laptop computer or share dinner with a few friends. Pick up simple cube end tables that can hold your favorite books or music collection while serving to anchor your lamps.

3




Hang a shelf on which to display your liquor collection.

Add a mini-bar. If your apartment isn't equipped with a built-in bar you can hang a simple shelf to display your liquor collection and bar accessories. You can install a simple stemware rack beneath the shelf for about $35. A framed mirror or old pub sign positioned above the shelf will complete your mini-bar look.

4




Set plants on window sills or shelves.

Accessorize with plants and flowers. Even in a bachelor pad, you can display a lovely bouquet of flowers for a splash of color and pleasing fragrance. Decorating with fresh flowers and plants is a great way to bring the outdoors inside, especially if you don't have a very large balcony or patio. You can pick up fresh flowers for less than $10 from your local grocery store. Place them in a vase of water and your job is done. A ficus tree or a citrus tree can add beauty to otherwise empty corners. African violets and cactus plants are relatively easy to maintain and can be set on window sills or shelves to add the finishing touches to your bachelor apartment.