5 Man Caves Even She Can Love

The quick approach of Father's Day leaves many wondering whether Dad would prefer a blue or red tie this year. If the man in your life has enough ties, consider another gift: carving out a little space in your home that's all for him—a man cave! While the term man cave often conjures up thoughts of dark leather chairs, smoking jackets, and basements blanketed with sports and beer paraphernalia (nothin' wrong with that!), there is a whole world of man-friendly spaces that don't involve sports helmets of any kind.

Man caves needn't be a black hole of style and decor. With a little planning and style savvy, you can create a space that both you and the man in your life can enjoy. Below, we've rounded up our favourite atypical man caves for this Father's Day that can be recreated with only a few additions to your decor.

1. The Entertainment Lover

Design:Adam Gibson Design, LLC.

A man who loves his video games and movies probably has a lot of them. While his Xbox One or massive movie collection may—to him—be a beauty to behold, chances are it's not the kind of decorative addition that goes perfectly with your new kilim rug. 

Encourage his youthful spirit with an entertainment set-up that corrals everything into one place, and allows everyone's passions to live in harmony. Here, a floating entertainment centre offers both open and closed storage, ensuring only the show pieces are viewed, while everything else is tucked neatly away. 

Tip! Enlist the help of specialty drawer and cabinet storage to ensure items stay easily organized, and don't just end up atop the TV stand after use.

2. The Sommelier-in-the-Making

Design: Edgewater Development

Wine, liquor, or beer, nothing says glamour and elegance like a swank bar set up with everything he needs to unwind after a hard day. As bar carts are all the rage right now, it's increasingly easy to create a bar anywhere in your home. The best bar carts are ones stocked with favourites, so when crafting the space, consider his (and your) go-to drinks—and the tools needed to make each.

Is he a wine guy? Consider a temperature regulated ice bucket or an aerator to increase any wine's flavour. Tried and true liquor fan? Monogrammed glasses will class up any drink. All about hops? Even beer drinkers deserve a little corner. Set up a mini fridge with his favourite brews and matching snacks. 

Tip! Some guys are quick to shy away from anything floral or pink. If you think your man is one of those types, you can still make the space your own with copper or gold accessories for a timeless, yet feminine look.

3. The Pool or Card Shark

Design: ACM Design

These men like their entertainment old school. While billiard and card tables can be beautiful—think rich, polished wood and felt to match any decor—they can also be cumbersome. That said, outfitting your home with these tables doesn't mean you have to relinquish your decorative stamp on the space. Pool and card tables come in a variety of styles—some can even become a flat tabletop when not in use.

In this billiards room, sports are in full swing with a bronze polo statue in a place of prominence. The black iron-embellished sideboard mimics the metal statues, unifying the space. Patterned tan wallpaper and a recessed television set elevate the room. Brown lamps in the same hue as the wood of the pool table finish the look.

Tip!  Consider your current decor when choosing a gaming table. A tan or black felt will coordinate with most decors, but a red or green stands out as timeless.

4. The At-Home Chef

Design: Studio Frank

In the kitchen or in front of the grill, the at-home chef is most comfortable when cooking. Creating a place for him to test his culinary chops is a win-win for the whole family. Not only does he have a space all his own to push the gastronomic boundaries, but you get to feast in the spoils!

This kitchen features restaurant-quality stainless steel appliances, yet is able to maintain a warm, homey feel. The family-size wood island, rustic barstools, and gold accents balance the stark appliances, keeping the space from looking too cold or sterile. To get the look, incorporate woods into your kitchen decor, and opt for copper or gold fixtures rather than all stainless steel.

Tip! Sure, a professional kitchen is every cook's dream, but even small additions can make it feel more professional. Consider a specialty pan to display, or a beautiful cutting board he'll love for years to come. 

5. The Bibliophile

Design:Cory Connor Designs

Whether he loves the smell of an old book, a crisp newspaper, or just surfing the internet, creating a small space to relax and unwind is a gift everyone can appreciate. This gorgeous library shies away from traditional dark woods and leather, opting instead for vibrant blues and pops of orange to invigorate the space. Multiple seating options allow for more formal conversation, entertaining, or curling up with a good book.

For those in smaller spaces where a devoted library is a lofty wish, you can recreate it on a smaller scale! Find a corner for a chair, side table, lamp, mini bookshelf, and comfortable throw blanket or pillow for an at home mini-library.

Tip!  Consider setting up a multimedia corner with charging cables and holders near a comfortable chair for those constantly on their phone, iPad, or Kindle.