The speed of the leader is the speed of the pack. Surely, that thought points out the benefits of a great leader. Unfortunately, at a time when a more sinister variant of the virus is pounding America, being in a pack can be a dangerous thing. Being picky as a man is, therefore, wise.
A great example here is the recent Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota which attracted an estimated 525,000 people. You can imagine how much COVID-19 protocols could be thrown out the window when such a gathering of men happens. And true enough, weeks after the event, South Dakota is experiencing a 312% uptick in virus infections. That makes the Midwestern state the most infectious state in America.
All that should tell you focusing your attention on entertaining in-home is wise. With the delta variant grabbing the limelight putting tens of thousands in the hospital, having fun indoors can be the best decision you can make. And that’s exactly why a man cave is spot-on.
Well, the modern man cave is a far cry from the man caves of old — 800,000 years ago. Coming to the scene in the 1990s, a man cave is a man’s ultimate room. You really can’t mistake the theme as it sets itself apart from just a mere entertainment room.
More often than not, basements became the go-to rooms to create a man cave. And for a reason. Fret not, if you’re wondering how to make it happen. Here’s a guide to lead you there.
Step One: Vision
A man cave is your heart’s desire. So right from the get-go, it should reflect the things that you are passionate about. What are the things that when you do them it gets your unwarranted attention? Is it your PlayStation games or certain hobbies (e.g., painting, playing music)?
There really is no limit as to what you can put in your man cave. As this is the room is the expression of you, it’s only limited by the things you’d want to put in there. Some hats you may want to wear in your man cave:
- Sports fan
- Multimedia king
- Wine expert
- Player’s den
Step 2: Make It Livable
More often than not, your basement is not exactly a place of comfort. It may have been treated as an afterthought with all sorts of junk and unwanted items placed there.
So, you need to give it a timely makeover. For starters, check the insulation. As a subterranean place, it’s highly likely cold and damp. To remedy that, install top-notch insulation to ensure the place stays comfortable for anyone who stays there. An effective yet quick method to get this done is to use foam insulation. That should take care of air leaks due to cracks and openings in the walls.
Also, you may have to factor in a dehumidifier to handle the excess humidity. With some ductwork, you can introduce your central HVAC to the place. If you plan to install a bar, bathroom, or sink, tap into the plumbing lines above. Position things so pipes won’t have to run across the room.
Step 3: Modify Lighting
Don’t underestimate lighting. It can be instrumental in reflecting the kind of ambiance you want for your man cave. So choose the appropriate light fixtures to create a certain look for your room.
If you’re putting up a poker table or a pool table, spot lighting or track lighting should do. You can use dimmer switches to control the lights. Or you can go techie and have Alexa or Google control your man cave lights and sounds. A voice-activated man cave should make your visitor drool in envy.
Step 4: Mind the Layout
Here’s where the fun begins. Depending on your theme, choose what kind of furniture and set pieces you’d like to put in. It’s your call. The usual things people put in their man cave includes:
- Smart TV
- Surround sound audio
- Auto-reclining chairs
- Wet bar
- Pinball machines
- Pool table
- Poker table
But that’s just to give you an idea. If you want to put up a boxing ring down there, why not? It’s your man cave. You decide.
Step 5: Step It Up
Now, for the final touches. Make sure you make an impression. As this is your area, you need to ask yourself how you’d like things to go. What are the things that you hold dear that you want to be seen in your man cave? Is it your paintings? Or is it a boar’s skin reminiscent of the time you went out hunting with dad in the good old days?
It’s really up to you. There is no stereotype. After all, each man is unique. So feel free to express yourself without fear of being judged. That’s what man caves are for.
