A Design Guide to the Modern-day Bachelor(ette) Pad

It's often said that men are from Mars, and women are from Venus, but when it comes to designing a home for one, they share a common need for style, comfort, and functionality.

Consider incorporating these 'his-and-her' room design tips for an all-round chic bacherlor(ette) pad that embodies the above qualities. And who knows, you may just end up impressing that special someone.

1. A Home Office That Works

Man-cave or woman-den, at-home job or corporate career, any independent working adult's dwelling needs a home office that is capable of supporting the demands of his/her role.

Here are just some of the things that you can consider including in your home office to make working (solo) more enjoyable.

For Him:

Interior Designer: Mr Shopper Studio

In colour psychology, blue is said to be a relaxing hue that promotes creativity, but more than that this cool colour offers a versatile way to switch up a room's atmosphere. Paint your study's walls in a bright shade of blue to imbue it with an energetic vibe, or go for a darker tone, like in this study, to convey bold masculinity.

Interior Designer: Free Space Intent

Home offices don't have to be all about work, these conducive spaces are also the best spots to enjoy a quiet afternoon of reading at home. For a study that isn't 'all work, and no play', inject some yesteryear charm with fun retro accessories as a contrast to masculine elements such as sturdy, dark wood furniture with strong lines.

For Her:

Interior Designer: Authors Interior and Styling

If complexity is the enemy of clarity, simplicity is the key to brilliance. You don't always need a fully-furnished study to get the job done, as seen by this cleverly-designed bedchamber work corner that comes with its own compact pullout table and cork pin board for cutesy convenience.

Interior Designer: The Design Abode

What's better than a walk-in wardrobe? The answer: one that comes with a study. A mirrored space like this one provides more than just a light-filled work environment, it also gives you plenty of reason to keep your personal effects tidy so that your work environment stays conducive.

2. An Eye-Catching, but Well-Composed Palette

Here's the thing about colours: they are important for making everyday spaces look good, but not every combination is a good one. And even if a particular pairing looks right, it doesn't mean that it's going to be the right one for you (much like a dating partner).

The key to picking the right palette? Start with these common combinations that are found in today's bachelor and bachelorette pads.

For Him:

Interior Designer: Fatema Design Studio

Bachelor pads have a reputation for being dark, brooding spaces that are filled with raw appeal. But what if you wish for a space that is less stark, yet not overwhelmingly vibrant? Bring in complementary accent colour – like a dark shade of teal or green – for an interesting contrast.

Interior Designer: MMJ Design Loft

Still, if you prefer the classic bachelor pad vibe of 'mysterious and brooding', be sure to include a mix of light neutrals to contrast dark tans, lest things become too one-dimensional.

Note how the whitewashed walls in this living room stand out against the greyish-brown, wood-clad floor for a look that is less heavy and more classy.

For Her:

Interior Designer: Bowerman

It's often surprising how a couple of indoor plants can enliven an otherwise bare space. A colour scheme that is centred on the quartet of white, wood, brights and greenery is perfect for ladies who want a minimalist home that is reminiscent of a sunlit garden, minus the creepy crawlies of course.

Interior Designer: Schemacraft

While cosy spaces may be synonymous with comfortable living for some, there are others who interpret it as owning a space that exudes quiet glamour.

If you are one of them, indoor additions like a classy marbled counter and powder pink furniture are just some of the feminine touches that you can include to take your home's decor to the next level.

3. An Efficient Kitchen That Also Looks Good

There's a reason why 'the kitchen is the heart of the home', and 'the fastest way to someone's heart is through their stomach'. Single or not, good food is one of the best ways to make a person feel at home – and a well-designed kitchen is where a great dinner begins.

For Him:

Interior Designer: Carpenters 匠

Rugged stone panels are the perfect wall coverings to include in a man-cave's kitchen (get it?) and that's because of their raw, weathered appeal and nature as hard-wearing surfaces: intrinsic qualities that make them the perfect material to convey of the strong vibe of the traditional male character.

Interior Designer: Icon Interior Design

In the same vein, loft-style elements like exposed brick and steel-framed floor-to-ceiling windows certainly won't look out of place in a bachelor pad. And that's because they too are commonly associated with what is interpreted as 'masculine' in interior design too.

For Her:

Interior Designer: Fatema Design Studio

If dark tans and cool neutrals are the colours to include for a masculine touch, soft pastels are the equivalent for spaces that are designed with a feminine touch in mind.

To illustrate, a combination of soft pink and delicate blue is great for creating a soothing ambience, even in a hardworking space like the kitchen.

Interior Designer: Fineline Design

Bright metals, like gold and brass, are another element to consider for a bachelorette pad as they pair well with marbled surfaces and all-white surroundings.

Include these materials if you are looking for a way to create a kitchen (or just about any room) that is equal-parts sophisticated and dazzling.

4. A Stylish, Tidy Bedroom

Single or happily attached, everyone likes ending the day on a good note. And when you are ready to hit the sack, the best thing to have is a comfortable and tidy bedroom.

Here's some inspiration on how to create an appealing bedchamber that will look and feel great (to you or perhaps, that lucky someone).

For Him:

Interior Designer: Honeywerkz Interior Design

The design of the masculine bedroom typically features an aesthetic that says 'stylish restraint', and achieving that often involves shedding the hallmarks of adolescent boyhood.

Instead of shelves brimming with pop culture figures and comic books, consider kitting out your personal chambers with strong design statements like stained natural furniture and mid-century vintage lamps.

Architect: Provolk Architects

Alternatively, 'bright-and-light' is the way to go, especially if you have a sunshine-filled boudoir and wish to take advantage of the natural illumination.

But keep in mind to steer clear of fancy accessories like silken throws, floral cushions or any manner of dainty decorations – these have no place in a masculine (-style) bedroom.

For Her:

Interior Designer: Mr Shopper Studio

Unlike their opposite number, the trick to creating the perfect feminine bedroom is to include plenty of soft furnishings.

Other than the usual bedroom essentials, it may also be helpful to include an area rug or two to soften a hardwood or tiled floor and to create a more inviting environment for rest.

Similarly, bringing in a mix of fabrics of varying textures and patterns helps with layering and enhancing the appeal of a feminine bedroom. Just be sure not to go overboard, or you'll end up having to deal with visual clutter.

Interior Designer: Fuse Concept

On the topic of clutter, physical messes are a problem that almost every bedroom owner (whether male and female) has to deal with. A litter of belongings will most certainly take away from the appeal of a well-designed room, so be sure include plans for storage for any interior makeover that you have in mind.

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