The greatest fashion blunder a she-devil ever pulled was not admitting her desire for an equally bewitching ‘man cave,’ a feminine’s answer to the male’s need to feel at home and at peace, to do as one wants when alone (or in company).
We’ve known girls ‘just wanna have fun’ for years, but the sentiment of the ‘man cave’ is something new to girls in their twenties and beyond, those independent and willing to transform a dark space into something sparkling.
Beau-tique
Girls like looking their best and few try to hide it. Whether celebrated through the newest fashions or bottles of nail polish dispersed throughout the room, girls are dedicated to beauty and looking good. Dedicate a corner of the room, serving as your very own beauty shop/makeup boutique with magnifying mirror, ‘changing room,’ and hair and lash accessory pieces.
Beyond Space
Is there such a thing as “enough” closet space or place for one’s books, shoes, and handbags? There’s no way to measure an infinite space, but one could reserve a few feet or more for storage. Depending on how much cave you’re willing to sacrifice, call upon a male counterpart or exact handy-woman skills to build your own walk-in closet.
Leave the Lights Off
Due to name, it’s assumed the ‘cave’ is not a gracious host to natural sunlight. Therefore, a number of lighting alternatives are needed. While mainstream home décor providers and certified interior specialists can suggest specific lighting fixtures, any layperson can head to the mall to find a number of scented candles.
Alternatively, consider using a number of glow-in-the-dark implements, leaving the lights off while enjoying the interior glow of orchestrated creativity and design.
Pillow Party
Pillows are like cotton balls: soft, fluffy, and a girl can never have enough of them. Depending on budget and desired design, invest hundreds or as little as a few dollars on pillows for comfort and show.
Check online or local listings for sales on throw pillows and other home implements. Alternatively, purchase cloth and pillow filling at the craft store; ask workers for suggestions and guidance. Use a number of textures, designs, and colors to make an ordinary corner or sofa into something lively and unique (not to mention comfy!)
Working Girl
To counter the title-generated assumption, girls like to work hard and earn a living too. Whether at-home on a hobby or generating an income as a freelance writer, graphic design specialist, or investor, dress a corner of the room in ‘business casual’ with a desk and chair combo, essentials for any working girl. Find a number of online deals on hardwood desks and get trendy chair suggestions at www.swiveluk.com.
Bedtime Storage
If you’re working with a small space and need to accompany sentiments of both sleeper and host, consider purchasing a futon. That way, you’ll be able to play host as well as get some needed winks after nightfall.
Otherwise, you’ll have to accommodate the various moods of the space that has to play both bedroom and entertainment area all at once. It can be achieved as easily as a scarf can worn for casual and formal occasions; yet, it demands strategy.
Girls just wanna have fun in their own gal caves. Dress yours in style and function.
GUEST BLOGGER: Leah Francis is a passionate interior designer with a penchant for unusual spaces. She loves function, fun, and beautiful design as she works with clients and finds inspiration in everyday life.