Christmas is coming. Family is coming, friends are coming, and loud children are coming. Maybe some of you need a hideout – and treehouses are so passé. But how do you create that escape? Just as importantly, how are you going to maximize the envy of that nosey Bill from four doors down? Worry not, I’ve got you covered.
Shiny, Swanky Floors: Let’s assume you’re using your garage. We’re not designing a medieval palace ballroom here, but you can do better than those dusty, stained garage floors. So look to flooring epoxies. Choose any color and texture you like, even including metallic flecks or aggregate rock. Whatever you choose it will make cleaning a breeze and resist those nast oil stains, plus it will give a bit more insulation for those chilly Sunday game days.
Power Aplenty: To create a legendary space, you’re going to want power – and lots of it. You don’t want to be tripping over extension cords andpower bars, so make sure you incorporate lots of wall outlets. Most everything you want to make it into a home away from home require Edison’s Kool-Aid.
Top Tip: install a 220V outlet to charge your future electric vehicles? Think big!
Lofty Lift: It’s a dream for many of us gear heads, and it is more affordable than you think. If you’ve got the height and the space, finally add that car lift to you garage/man cave. There’s no better way to showcase, repair, or modify your chrome baby than with a modern lift. You’ll be the envy of the block, and best of all they’re not as expensive as you might think (for example: https://rem.ax/2P5dY5o)
Slammin’ Stools and Chairs with Flair: You’re going to want to be spending a lot of down in here. Bar stools are a given, and can be found with your favourite branding, from NFL teams to transmission manufacturers. Get yourself at least a couple of cool lounge chairs for the low-key days.
Top Tip: Try to track down a company that repurposes old materials into modern designs – old wood, scrap metal, etc. Or, for the gearheads in the audience, a couch crafted from a ’57 Bel-Air!
Cavernous Cabinetry: Storage is going to be imperitave. Tools, ski gear, motorcycle helmets. So many options, the best advice is just going with what works for your space. Hang them on the wall, hang them from the ceiling. Going hi tech and stainless? Simple inexpensive built-ins from the hardware store will suffice. Make sure to include lots of useable work space. For the more discerning outdoorsman, consider again repurposed materials.
Top Tip: A quick search online will find some awesome ideas with old shipping pallets!
A Bustling Bar: The best part about designing your own man cave is that it can be genuinely multi-purpose. A place to work on the car? Yes! A place to tinker on your grandfather’s black power musket? Yes! But that’s all thirsty work, so you’ll also be needing a place to serve refreshments. Themed fridges, custom lighting, unique glassware, and a nice big TV are the absolute musts – get creative! Extra credit for adding a sink and a dishwasher. Many garages are located conveniently close to the main plumbing lines in your home; it’s a breeze to add the required plumbing from there. If you can work in a small keg fridge… well welcome to your own sports bar.
