The concept of a “man cave” has long been associated with gloomy, dark spaces; ultramasculine decor; huge television screens; and maybe a few empty beer cans.
But now a much more sophisticated interior design trend is taking over the oft-maligned “bachelor pads” and “man caves” of old and replacing them with chic and elegant spaces called “boy pads.”
Forget pizza boxes and a PlayStation 5. Expect skincare products from The Ordinary and quirky wall art instead.
A quick timeline: Back then, many men were more than content to hang out in their garage and tinker at a workbench.
Continue creating special “man caves” where men can sit back and watch hockey or play a game of foosball or poker.
Today, these masculine trends have reached a whole new level.
Meet The Boy Apartment, a thoughtfully designed, personalized home that exudes style and tranquil luxury.
The era of the lonely couch and the huge TV that simply stands in a room with little around it is over. Instead, creating an organized, attractive living space is currently the top priority for many men.
Social media is, of course, at the root of this trend, says Ariel Barrionuevo, designer and manager at La Coralina Island House.
“Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have democratized access to design inspiration – sharing so many achievable ideas and practical, stylish solutions for creating a home that feels curated rather than chaotic,” he explains.
Stephanie Carls, shopping pro at RetailMeNot, agrees: “You're no longer flipping through a catalog or watching a makeover show,” she adds.
A quick search on TikTok brings up more than 1,000 videos with the hashtag “Boy Apartment,” most of which feature incredibly elegant homes whose residents proudly show off how they've added a sense of sophistication to their spaces.
One user, Garrett Cottle, revealed a space filled with fresh white paint, mid-century modern furniture and statement lighting fixtures.
Another named Ben Taylor received high praise from viewers after sharing a glimpse of his home, which boasts an enviable (and perfectly organized) walk-in closet, impeccable knick-knacks and lots of nude tones.
Then there's Michael He, who decided to add more color to his space by creating an incredible gallery wall highlighted with trendy lamps.
“Gone are the days of stained futons, randomly pinned posters on the walls, or the infamous stack of food cans in the corner,” he says.
Clutter is definitely a thing of the past in a boy's apartment.
How did “Boy Apartment” come about?
The shift from sloppy spaces to more consciously designed spaces with panache is a shift that has been brewing for some time, says Barrionuevo.
“Men are realizing that they don't have to settle for spaces that scream 'temporary' or 'rash,'” she explains. “It’s less about money and more about understanding that great design isn’t reserved for those with huge budgets.”
In fact, some of the pieces featured in the Boy Apartment reels, from shelves to furniture, are actually from IKEA and other major retailers.
And it's important to note that men aren't just here for the 'gram.
“A well-designed space is about quality of life and having a sanctuary that makes you happy, a place that helps you relax, recharge and where you feel confident inviting people,” continues Barrionuevo.
“Having a home that looks and feels good is not just practical; It’s about pride and self-care,” says Carls.
How does it look?
You'll recognize this trend immediately, says Barrionuevo, because “a modern boy's apartment ditches clichés and embraces a sophisticated but approachable style that's a mix of ease and intention.”
The color palettes are calm—think “navy, forest green, and charcoal, as well as soft neutrals like oatmeal or taupe,” he says. Clean lines, a well-made bed, and thoughtful artwork (prints, photography) are also important.
Attractive bath products and carefully folded clothes on shelves and in the closet are other important details.
Above all, the focus is on cool technology products, such as a luxury espresso machine, a chic home office and a high-end sound system, Carls offers.
John Starck, a designer at Showcase Kitchens, recently installed a chic kitchen with a boy's apartment feel on New York's Long Island.
“It features a two-sided fireplace, an efficient L-shaped island, powerful Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, a Wolf steam oven and coffee maker, and a built-in wine cooler,” he shares.
There are no half-college refrigerators or microwaves here anymore!
Creating a boy's apartment
Barrionuevo suggests starting with a “strong base,” that is, neutral tones for furniture made from light woods like ash and oak, which can bring warmth without overwhelming the space.
Next up is investing in a big piece, he adds: “An outstanding sofa is worth the investment. So look for something that is comfortable yet structured and think of it as the centerpiece of the room.”
And now it's time to upgrade your look, notes Carls.
“January is the perfect time to grab bargains during the white sales and post-holiday discounts,” she shares.
Styling is crucial
So many boys' apartment videos show books, desk accessories, and memorabilia carefully lined up on shelves, meaning this is your impetus to declutter and create a look that's both purposeful and sophisticated.
“Coffee tables should have more space than your keys,” advises Barrionuevo. “A small stack of books, a candle, or a tray add additional intention.”
Lighting and texture
You saw the clip – no. overhead. lights. Always.
“They simply destroy the atmosphere in a room, so opt for floor or table lamps to layer the light and give the room a cozy atmosphere – and don't forget to install bulbs in warm tones,” says Barrionuevo.
Finally, think about the textures in the room. The leather armchair above forms an ideal contrast to the puffy cushion on the chair opposite and the rough stack of firewood next to it.
“Mix hard and soft elements to create depth, perhaps with a woven rug with velvet cushions or an armchair with a chunky knit throw,” adds Barrionuevo.