Bachelor Pad Design: Ideas, Essentials and Tips

Environmental psychologists have linked materials, design, lighting and furniture arrangement to a feeling of happiness. If this is surprising to you, as a guy, it is no secret that visually appealing decor will boost most women's moods. Diving into interior design can seem like a daunting task - but creating an awesome bachelor pad inexpensively isn't as difficult as you might think. Read below for some bachelor pad design ideas, essentials and tips for how to form and outfit your apartment or house on a budget. Images courtesy homeadore.com, samyouki Images courtesy of Mesh NYC, homedit.com

Color Scheme

Choose three main colors for each room and try and stick to them for each room. You can use this tool from Sherwin-Williams to find the perfect manly combination. Images courtesy of Nicholas Moriarty

Get Personal

Don’t be afraid to let your personality show in the decoration. What are your hobbies or past experiences? If you have a cool souvenir from a worldly adventure then display it. These possessions can be a great conversation starter, as well as keep your bachelor pad from looking like a store showroom. Images courtesy of Pharrell Williams, Gonzalo Papantonakis

Lighting

Fluorescent overhead lighting isn’t a flattering look in a room. Upgrade the look of your bachelor pad with a with a floor or table lamp. A light with a dimmer can come in handy as well. Image courtesy of homedit.com, digsdigs.com, interiorsbystudiom.com

Mix it up (Furniture)

It is tempting to buy a matching set of furniture all from the same big box store. The problem is that it is pretty boring. By branching out and choosing furniture from a variety of companies you will give your bachelor pad a unique look. We source furniture from brands all over the globe, which is why we carry many different styles. Images courtesy of freshome.com, homedesignlover.com

Sound System

In a bachelor pad, speakers can be useful in almost every room. It’s a good idea that they are both iPhone/iPod compatible and have an auxiliary output to allow everyone to play their tunes. Whether you like it or not, your music may not get everyone in the mood. Images courtesy of Esquire.com, digsdigs.com

K.I.S.S.

Keep it simple stupid. When decorating your bachelor pad, there will be a lot of decisions to make. As a rule, you should stick to the basics when it comes to patterns, materials and other styling options. For example – instead of plaid or floral print bedding, choose a comforter with a solid bold color and maybe a few contrasting stripes. Images courtesy of architecturaldigest.com, apartmenttherapy.com

A Few Bold Pieces

Stop playing it safe. Select a unique item or two for each room which will stand out. This can include interesting artwork, bold lighting or a different color of paint for the walls. Women will respect a man that can take risks. Images courtesy of refinery29.com, homedit.com Images courtesy of randwlindfield.com, VRBO.com

Allocating your Resources

So you have a budget, but you aren’t sure where to spend it. It’s important to expend somewhat evenly in each room. Consider where you spend most of your time and which items you care the most about. Put a priority on finding items for this room and go from there. Images courtesy of decosit.com, design trolls

Work with a view

Most of us now spend a lot of our time at home on our computers – whether it be for work or play. Consider placing your desk underneath the largest window in your bachelor pad. Chances are you will look more forward to working - and be more productive. Check out these stylish compact desks that should fit in most rooms in your apartment or house. Images courtesy of digsdigs.com

Books

If you have the space, a shelf stocked with books is a smart idea. It looks awesome and is a great way to show off your knowledge and interests. Consider organizing your books by color or material for an interesting look. Check out our selection of books for gentlemen if you have some extra room on your shelves. Image courtesy of ApartmentTherapy, homedsgn.com

Games Room

It is important to be able to entertain yourself and others in your bachelor pad. Most classic games remain the best such as pool and darts. There's a reason why bars and pubs around the world still count on them to bring in customers. Check out our selection of games for your bachelor pad here. Images courtesy of decoist.com, Studio Guilherme Torres These bachelor pad design ideas and essentials will no doubt increase it's functionality and appearance. If you don't care about that stuff, there's a good chance that she will. So you've got nothing to lose and lots to gain.

Keep it Clean

You now have an awesome bachelor pad, don’t let smells and spills ruin it. Have the essential cleaning supplies handy, and use them. Put your shoes away (this will be visitors first impression). Make your bed. Deodorize if necessary – women have a better sense of smell than men. Images courtesy of rzlbd.com, Paul Bernier Looking for more bachelor pad design ideas? Read more about ideas and essentials for your kitchen, bedroom, living room and bathroom. Images courtesy of thetinylife.com