Inside the ‘By Apartment’ Trend: Sophisticated New Decor for Man Caves

The concept of a “man cave” has long been associated with dim and dark spaces; ultra-masculine decor; large television screens; and maybe some empty beer cans.

But now, a much more sophisticated decor trend is taking over the oft-maligned “bachelor suites” and “man caves” of yesteryear, replacing them with sleek, stylish spaces that have been dubbed “boy apartments.”

Forget pizza boxes and a PlayStation 5. Instead, expect The Ordinary skincare products and edgy wall art.

A quick timeline: back then, many men were more than content to hang out in their garages, rolling around a workbench.

Go ahead and create special “man caves” where guys can retreat to watch some hockey or play a game of soccer or poker.

Today, those masculine trends have been taken to a whole new level.

Meet the “boy apartment”, a carefully designed custom home that exudes style and quiet luxury.

The era of the lonely couch and the big TV, sitting in a room with little around it, is over. Instead, curating an organized and attractive living space is on the minds of a number of men right now.

Social media, of course, is at the root of this trend, says Ariel Barrionuevo, designer and manager at La Coralina Island House.

“Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have democratized access to design inspiration,” he explains.

Stephanie Carls, shopping professional at RetailMeNot, agrees: “You’re no longer browsing a catalog or watching a makeover show,” she adds.

A quick search on TikTok turns up more than 1,000 videos boasting the hashtag “boy apartment,” most of which feature incredibly stylish homes, with their residents proudly showing off how they’ve added a sense of sophistication to their space. .

One user, Garrett Cottle, discovered a space filled with crisp white paint, mid-century modern furniture, and eye-catching light fixtures.

Another, called Ben Taylor, won raves from viewers after revealing a look inside his home, which boasts an enviable (and perfectly organized) closet, impeccable curation and plenty of tones nude.

Then there’s Michael He, who decided to inject more color into his space by creating an incredible gallery wall, which is accented with trendy lamps.

“Gone are the days of stained futons, random posters on the walls, or that infamous pile of takeout containers in the corner,” he says.

Clutter is definitely a thing of the past in a guy’s apartment.

How did “Boy’s Apartment” start?

The shift from cluttered spaces to more purposefully designed rooms with panache is a shift that’s been brewing for a while, says Barrionuevo.

“Men are realizing that they don’t have to settle for spaces that scream ‘temporary’ or ‘thoughtless,'” she explains. “It’s less about money and more about understanding that great design isn’t reserved for them with massive budgets”.

In fact, some of the pieces featured in the guy’s apartment reels, from the shelves to the furniture, are actually from IKEA and other big box stores.

And it’s important to note that men aren’t just here for the gram.

“A well-designed space is about quality of life and having a sanctuary that makes you happy, a place that helps you relax, recharge and safely invite people in,” Barrionuevo continues.

“Having a home that looks and feels good isn’t just practical; it’s about pride and self-care,” says Carls.

What does it look like?

You’ll recognize this trend immediately, says Barrionuevo, as “a modern boys’ apartment eschews clichés in favor of a refined yet approachable style that’s a mix of effortlessness and purpose.”

Color palettes are calm – think “navy, forest green and charcoal, along with soft neutrals like oatmeal or teal”. Clean lines, a well-made bed and thoughtful artwork (prints, photographs) are also essential.

Attractive bathroom products and neatly folded clothes on shelves and in the closet are other important details.

But above all, cool tech products are front and center, such as a luxury espresso machine, a stylish home office and a high-end sound system, Carls offers.

John Starck, a designer with showroom kitchens, recently installed a fancy apartment-style kitchen for boys on Long Island in New York.

“It has a double-sided fireplace, an efficient L-shaped island, high-performance Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, a Wolf steam oven and coffee maker, and a built-in wine cooler,” he shares.

No more college half fridges and microwaves here!

Creating a son’s dwelling

Barrionuevo suggests starting with a “solid base, which means neutral tones for furniture made from light woods like ash and oak that can bring warmth without overwhelming the space.”

Investing in a large piece is next, he adds: “An outstanding sofa is worth the splurge, so look for something comfortable but structured and think of it as the centerpiece of the room.”

And now is the time to improve your look, notes Carls.

“January is a perfect time to score deals during the clearance sales and post-holiday sales,” she shares.

Styling is critical

So many boys’ apartment videos show neatly lined books, desk accessories, and mementos on shelves, which means this is your cue to declutter and create a look that’s purposeful and refined.

“Coffee tables should hold more than your keys,” advises Barrionuevo. “A small stack of books, a candle or a tray adds intentionality.”

Lighting and textures

You have seen the clip – No. From above. The lights. EVER

“They just kill the atmosphere in a room, so choose floor or table lamps to layer the light and make the room feel cozy,” and don’t forget to install lamps with warm tones, says Barrionuevo.

Finally, think about textures in space. The leather chair, above, is an ideal contrast to the puffy cushion on the opposite chair and the rough stack of firewood nearby.

“Mix hard and soft elements to create depth, perhaps with a woven rug with velvet cushions or an armchair with a chunky throw,” adds Barrionuevo.