Sunday, June 17, 2018

The Man Cave

There, I said it...Man Cave.  When we were planning the house, remember I wanted to call it 'The Lodge,' J's Space, etc. etc.   Anything but CAVE, but there you have it.  Everyone else calls it that so...

I really have to admit that when everyone is there, watching television, it is pretty dark and cave-like and I think that's the way they like it!

I'm going to show you start to finish how we created this space for J and anyone and everyone who wants to watch Cardinal baseball or Blues hockey.

We framed out a portion of the basement in the new house, that opened from the stairs. 
There is an extended section for a bar area.
Chipboard (that's what we call it) plywood was added to the back wall studs so barn wood could be secured.  Before adding those planks, we stapled tar paper to keep any gaps that peeked through dark.
(This photo was taken just after J jumped off the front porch and sprained his ankle.  Very few things slow him down!)
Here is the (almost) finished product!  The barn wood on the back wall and bar area are actually from an old farrowing house J tore down on the farm.  His grandfather and uncle raised hogs and J remembers the old building well.  He had the wood for years and wanted to use it.  I kept telling him to wait for the new house and it makes a wonderful statement for his 'lodge' area, don't you think?
The color variation was natural and happened as the once-painted barn weathered.  
Our carpenter guys had fun creating the pattern!  It looks like it has movement to it.
The flooring is a luxury vinyl TruPlank from Mannington called Barnbrook Oak Timber.  The walls are Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray.
Here is how the room looked the first Christmas we moved in.  
We used our old furniture until we knew more what we wanted to do with the space.
This Christmas, the kids and I added a gallery wall for J including some of his golfing, hunting and fishing pictures.  He really like them!  
Over the year, J also refurbished the bar he and Favorite Son made several years ago.  He added more barn wood to the front but kept the cherry top.  Two European deer mounts flank the television and he's filled the display cubby he made for me years ago in the old house.  Click HERE to see how it was styled when it was mine.   
And we had to find a spot for J's foosball table.  This was a bit challenging but I think we finally did it!
The hooser cabinet was J's grandparents (who lived on this farm), as is the wooden storage box.  Grandpa made it and is a treasured heirloom.
J really likes how the deer mounts look on the barn wood.
After lots of shopping and measuring, we finally decided on a leather set.  The sofa is long enough for J (or anyone) to lay down on.  It also seats three comfortable.  The loveseat is roomy enough for two and both pieces recline.  The coffee table is re-purposed from our old home.  
The rug is from Target.
The furniture we had before was too crowded with the foosball table.  
The new choices work so much better!

You can get a peek in one of two bedrooms downstairs.  
I just realized the cords are sticking out in this picture!  We've now hidden them better.  We also moved the wooden box between the sofa and loveseat.

We are so happy how J's lodge/man cave has turned out!  We are really enjoying this space!!


Thanks for visiting.  Wishing all the Dads out there a very 
Happy Father's Day!


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10 comments:

Kim said...

Oh my goodness, Zenda, J's man cave/lodge is a fabulous room. I do believe it is bigger than my home!! The barn wood from J's grandparents' farm is truly beautiful. How fabulous it is now living in this beautiful room. The leather couches are gorgeous, as is they display shelves J built you. I still think your pretties looked lovely in it. =) But.....then you have your own beautiful shelves/units in which to display your amazing 'pretties' collection! You and your grand children did a most professional job in displaying and hanging the photos on the wall....a most eye-pleasing arrangement. This is such a great room for everybody to hang out in on the game days and family celebrations.....but then it seems to me your whole home is a fabulous place for hanging out and celebrating. You know, every time I visit your place I am amazed at the 'fabulousness' of your new home. You and your husband have truly designed and built a gorgeous home! Just a little aside.....I shall not show J's man cave to my husband as he would be insanely jealous!! =)

Rosie M. said...

Absolutely LOVE the space you have created! Those couches are certainly inviting......everything looks wonderful. The place won't stay empty for long: there's sure plenty of relaxation, movie viewing and fun times ahead!
Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

passion fruit, paws and peonies said...

What a great space - my husband would adore a room to himself (other than his study). It looks fab!! xx Maria

Creations By Cindy said...

WOW! I adore his man cave! Loving that wall! Oh what fun though you and family can enjoy together. And just think....If you need a little (ME) time....send him to the man cave! LOL! Seriously, that room looks huge. and I love it. I need me a SHE CAVE now! Ha! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors said...

Zenda, you have done a wonderful job creating the perfect man cave! My husband would be jealous! The repurposed barn wood looks beautiful on the wall, and makes such a wonderful focal point. I love the new leather furniture you chose. It is just perfect for the space. Enjoy your day!!!

Mary K. said...

THat beautiful planked wall took my breath away! It is subtle and yet so commanding at the same time. Love what you did with the whole lodge. I bet J must feel right at home there.

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

What a fantastic room! Man cave, family cave, memory cave! It must be everyone’s favorite place to hang out when you are gathered! That wall treatment is amazing- what a treasure. The leather sofa set is gorgeous- excellent choice!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh wow dear friend... this is an amazing room and you did a no less amazing job decorating it to look fun and comfy as well.
Congrats this is an incredible room for fun at every holiday celeb and watching TV.
The wall treatment is awesome. When we were young at our parent's house basement we had a wood paneling, very 60's, nothing like this modern beauty!
Fabby

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Zenda, it really is a great space. Nice and large and so many fun elements! Thanks for sharing it with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

FABBY'S LIVING said...


What an amazing and beautiful room dear Zenda ! For great family and friends get together.
Fabby