The Village asked interior designers to talk about how to organize the space in a single-man apartment, as well as what style and means to decorate it.
Anna Bryukhova
founder of the design studio Uniquely
Alexander Kolganov
studio architect model_bananova
Stepan Bugaev
art director of the architectural bureau "Victory of Design"
Natalia Demyanchenko
designer, marketing director and Riviera Maison
Layout
Natalya Demyanchenko: Bachelors most often choose the studio option. In such cases, the apartment is divided into a private area (bedroom, bathroom and dressing room) and a public area (combined hallway, kitchen, dining room and living room). In this case, it is better not to consider the option of separating the bedroom using curtains.
Alexander Kolganov: It is better to plan a small apartment as a studio. In the area of the combined kitchen and living room, it is recommended to install a powerful hood or provide additional outlets for ventilation. In an apartment designed for one, you can have a combined bathroom. The bath can be replaced with a shower: this will save space for the washing machine.
Stepan Bugaev: The area of the apartment should be large, and the space should be unified. Noisy parties with friends require this. If possible, be sure to organize a bar counter. Sofas should fold out quickly and easily so that if they get tired, your guests can stay overnight. Equip a balcony as an additional seating area.
Features of the layout of a bachelor apartment
A bachelor's apartment is a room where only one person permanently lives, but on weekends and holidays his friends sometimes “fit in” here. The last point may be missing if the owner is an introvert.
The most convenient option for a “convinced” bachelor is a studio apartment. All “extra” walls will be removed, and there will be only a bathroom in a separate room. The sleeping area is separated by a closet, the study by a screen. The kitchen space is separated from the dining area by a bar counter. If there is a loggia or an insulated balcony, these rooms are also combined with the rest, which is especially important for small apartments. If the idea of a studio is unacceptable, then they leave it as it is - perhaps a young unmarried man will change his mind in the near future and start a family.Finishing
Alexander Kolganov: To decorate the bathroom, choose rough (rough) materials: they are beautiful in their own way. For example, leveling walls with building mixtures and then impregnating them with varnish allows you to create a durable, moisture-resistant surface. The coating looks like polished concrete and allows you to save on finishing materials. This technique can be used throughout the apartment. To allow daylight into the bathroom, make a glass block wall.
Anna Bryukhova: it is better to use materials that do not require special care for finishing. For example, a solid board is a very capricious material. If you do not maintain the required humidity in the room, it will begin to deform. Porcelain stoneware, self-leveling floors, laminate can be used in floor finishing. These materials do not require special care. Decorative plaster of an interesting texture, painting or wallpaper of a simple design, various wall panels, and decorative bricks are suitable for wall decoration. Some of the walls can be sheathed, for example, with sheets of metal or some other non-trivial material. The main thing is that these coatings must be washable. Also, do not forget about good sound insulation.
Natalia Demyanchenko: No complex ceilings or curved walls.
We pay special attention to the quality of finishing materials and textures: high-quality wooden floors in natural colors, brick or concrete walls. Against this background, the most ordinary furniture looks very interesting. As an alternative, you can use painting in calm tones or black and white photo wallpaper.
Zoning
Alexander Kolganov: You can separate the sleeping area from the general space using a podium about a meter high (try making it yourself from plywood, wood or OSB boards). The result will be something like the second level. At the base of the podium there are shelves, drawers and storage spaces. You can put almost all your personal belongings there, leaving only a clothes rail and a bookcase in the room. Place a projector, bicycle or music equipment in the free space.
Replace the large dining table with a bar counter. It will not only separate the living area from the kitchen, but also diversify the interior. The stand can be made of brick, wood, metal beams and can be an object on the verge of art. At the same time, you should not place glass holders, shelves, etc. above it. A couple of good lamps are enough.
Anna Bryukhova: If the area of the apartment does not allow you to zone the space with furniture, use lighting. It is advisable to equip the overhead light with brightness controls. To create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, hang a sconce, install a floor lamp or arrange colored LED lighting.
Situation
Stepan Bugaev: A bachelor’s apartment is distinguished by things that reflect the personality of the owner. Everything that cannot be afforded in family life can be here. Arranging such an apartment is exactly the opportunity to realize all your fantasies and dreams. Maximum space and style are subject to the interests and hobbies of one person. Only here you can find a tennis table, a super-powerful audio system, a huge screen with a projector, or a half-disassembled motorcycle. You shouldn’t limit yourself in your wishes: even a pole, if you need it, won’t bother anyone. The design may be impractical and non-functional, because this is the only type of apartment where you can afford it.
A particularly interesting place is the kitchen - a kind of untouched virgin soil. There should be only what is needed to prepare a wonderful breakfast: a frying pan, a kettle, a coffee pot and a corkscrew in the evening.
Alexander Kolganov: If you have a balcony, place a hammock on it. This is not just a great place to relax, you can actually sleep in it during the warm season. For fastening, you should choose anchors with hooks; this will make it easy to remove the hammock for washing or cleaning in cold weather. It is best to attach with anchors to concrete structures.
Anna Bryukhova: The living room will most likely be one of the central places in the apartment. Place a modular sofa there, consisting of several mobile sections to transform the relaxation area. You can also add several different shaped armchairs, coffee tables and side tables. If you like to throw noisy parties, then soft areas and horizontal surfaces should be enough. For furniture, it is better to choose easy-to-clean fabrics and surfaces. High pile carpets are also undesirable as they are difficult to clean.
Natalya Demyanchenko: For parties in the living room, it is necessary to provide several groups with seating (a corner sofa with a coffee table, two sofas opposite each other and a coffee table, two armchairs and a geridon table between them) and a place for dancing. It is better to choose upholstered furniture in calm, monochromatic colors and enliven it with pillows. A bar counter would look appropriate in the public area of a bachelor's apartment. Built-in wardrobes are absolutely necessary, where you can quickly put away everything unnecessary when a guest unexpectedly appears. There is no place for a boring “bed and two bedside tables” set in the bedroom. A headboard made of brutal aged wood or soft capitonné will look much more impressive. Instead of bedside tables, use square chests or metal tables with a glass top.
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Has a young man invited you to his home? Turn into Sherlock Holmes for a while and carefully examine his nest... After all, by looking at the interior of the apartment, it’s easy to determine what type of personality your gentleman belongs to.
A single man is a treasure for an unmarried woman. However, upon closer inspection, the gold may turn out to be fake. To avoid getting into trouble, carefully examine his apartment. Which, as a rule, is a highly interesting spectacle: an abundance of quirks and tastes that are unusual for girls.
An ordinary bachelor
General impression.
And the den is even more convenient... Moderate repairs. The furniture is assembled chaotically, but the desire for comfort is visible. There are curtains and blinds on the windows. Near the computer is a Vasya cactus. A chair and TV are required. The iron is purchased from the same company as the mobile phone. Comfortable chair for the computer. Sometimes there is a good library. Cleaning in such a home is treated as an unpleasant but necessary process. The rule is strictly observed: out of sight and out of order. Scattered things are crumpled up in a closet, dirty socks are rolled up into a corner, the largest garbage is in a dustpan, the rest is under the carpet or under the bed. Kitchen. A coffee grinder, electric kettle, and microwave are required. Two or three cups. Take a closer look, one will definitely turn out to be cracked... Half a liter of vodka and a bottle of champagne are hidden in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf, just in case. A dirty plate hides bashfully on the table. Bathroom. Due to the frequent use of acid for bleaching, the surface of the bath resembles pumice. Present: shaving products, razor, soap, and sometimes shampoo. There is a soggy bag of washing powder on the floor. Socks are dried on the radiator.
Hallway. Several pairs of shoes are lying mixed up next to a half-empty shoe shoe. An umbrella is hidden in the corner, and in the nightstand you can find lipstick forgotten by your predecessor.
Bedroom. Instead of a bed there is a folding sofa. Not noisy, with good elastic-dynamic properties. The bed linen is clean, but clearly the owner has been using it for several years.
What to expect? The poor guy went completely wild without female care. Remove any leftover hair in the bathroom and eliminate any light bachelor mess. And forward, to storm the registry office. The candidate can easily be “used” for family life. A little feminine care and affection, and he will begin to purr under your side and answer all requests: “Yes, dear!”
Pedantic bore.
General impression.
Everything to solve everyday problems. If, upon entering a man’s apartment, you are blinded by the sterile cleanliness, do not rejoice ahead of time. Despite the fact that a real pedant has everything shiny at home: from glasses to door handles, everything in his head is not so “brilliant.” Each thing has its own rational purpose. Remember, as in the cartoon: “And this picture is of great benefit - it closes a hole in the wallpaper.” Minimum furniture, maximum space. The equipment was carefully selected - a non-burning iron with automatic shut-off, an automatic washing machine, a switch with a voltage regulator in the light bulb at a level of 63 centimeters from the floor, and so on. There is carpet on the floor - a vacuum cleaner is more practical. Things, even household ones, hang on hangers, and socks are on clothespins. The library is highly specialized. “The Adventures of the Good Soldier Schweik” is kept under the pillow. Cleaning takes place on a specific day of the week.
Kitchen. Close your eyes or you'll go blind! The tiles, sink and stove are sparkling clean, like something out of a detergent commercial. Washing machine, microwave, coffee maker, electric kettle, toaster, dishwasher. Refrigerator with large freezer and dryer. The refrigerator contains fresh cuts of meat and yoghurts. Minimum set of kitchen utensils. Eight towels: inner pan, outer pan, cup, spoon, etc. hang in a certain order on special hooks
Bathroom. Simple, but decent and convenient. Everything is on the shelves. Baby and laundry soap. The razor is Gillette's latest achievement. Before/for/after shaving products.
Hallway. You won’t find a single speck on the rug in front of the door; all the clothes you don’t need this season, packed in covers, are neatly hung in a convenient corner cabinet.
Bedroom. A comfortable, spacious bed with crisp, starched sheets shows that the owner likes to rest comfortably, and the perfectly laid bedspread is from the army. The pleasant smell of dried lavender emanates from the linen closet.
What to expect? Try taking something off the shelf and putting it in the wrong place. We guarantee that you will immediately see a dissatisfied grimace on your sweetheart’s face. And how could it be otherwise, because in the pedant’s apartment every little thing has a special place. T-shirts are on one shelf, panties are on the other. And God forbid you confuse anything. In the corridor, your friend will give you sterile slippers, and in the bathroom - a clean towel. And after you leave, he will hurry up to wash the floor and wash the bed linen on which you were fidgeting with your butt. Yes, yes... in an ideal world of clean clothes and a toilet polished to a mirror shine, there is no place for an “imperfect” girl with natural flaws.
One can only wonder how this man, working and obsessively keeping his home clean, found the time to get to know you? It will be difficult to persuade him to go to the registry office. Why does he need a wife? He already knows how to do everything around the house. But you can hope for a long-lasting love relationship. Casual relationships are not for him.
Dandy
General impression.
Wow! European-quality renovation, two-, three-level ceiling. The interior is distinctly masculine, hard, without “pink bows and cupids,” with a separate laundry room and plenty of storage space. Definitely a mirror in a frame with monograms. Stylish furniture, two or three books, modern authors. Home cinema and karaoke. Everything is designed in the same color scheme. The dandy doesn’t like to clean, that’s what the housekeeper is for. Kitchen. Electric kettle, coffee maker, microwave. There are practically no dishes. The kitchen is a kind of “mechanism” for preparing food. More precisely, for storing and heating it - the dandy rarely cooks and prefers to eat outside the home. In the refrigerator there is sausage for sandwiches and a couple of fruits for juice. The bar has a couple of bottles of excellent wine and cognac, whiskey and martinis.
Bathroom. In addition to the gentleman's shaving set, there is also a shower gel, face milk, body lotion, bubble bath, body oil, moisturizing gel, refreshing gel, toning gel, gel to suit your mood: yellow, red, green, speckled sulfur-raspberry. And no laundry soap.
Bedroom. Ideally, there is a huge bed, surrounded by gilded ornate pillars, and the sides are hung with light transparent fabric. And candles, candles, candles... It is possible to have mirrors on the entire wall and on the ceiling.
What to count on? The brilliance of the apartment is dazzling and mesmerizing. Try to take the initiative into your own hands, maybe you will wake up in the morning, and it’s already late - Mendelssohn has spoken out.
Lamer
General impression.
Devastation, you are devastation. There is something unnatural to the instincts of self-preservation here. It’s chilly, gloomy, the sun dimly breaks through the unwashed windows, illuminating the piles of things scattered around the house, and dust collects in balls in the corners. A musty smell, crunching underfoot, a lonely light bulb, a nail instead of a hanger. There is no cleaning at all. Kitchen. The left half of the kitchen is filled with full plastic bags with garbage, and the right half is filled with empty bottles of all kinds of alcoholic drinks. For the right to own all this right-bank treasure, many bottle collectors would agree to spend the first half of the day taking out the trash. The other half would be spent taking bottles away. There was vodka in the freezer, and on the shelves there were five potatoes and a dried crust of bread. Cups and plates are chipped with a yellow coating. Coffee maker. A mountain of dirty dishes in the sink. The remains of the week's menu are on the stove.
Bathroom. A piece of hairy soap lurked forlornly in the corner.
Bedroom. A very creaky sofa, inherited from my grandfather.
What to count on? Leave now! And don't forget to slam the door. Not a single woman, even with a pronounced maternal instinct, will stay in such bedlam for more than five minutes for hygienic reasons. And if he stays late, it’s only to do some general cleaning. Do you need it?
5. Metrosexual Hallway. No, no, calling a huge hall with ceiling lighting, parquet floors and huge mirrors the word “entrance hall” is simply too much for me to call it “entrance hall”.
Kitchen. This room is equipped with the latest technology. In the refrigerator there are pickles, obviously prepared by the housekeeper.
Bedroom. The central place in the room is occupied by a huge bed, on which many women slept after love pleasures. Instead of a closet, there is a whole dressing room, where you can find a box with things that were forgotten by numerous stray birds.
What to expect? Such men, of course, prefer not to burden themselves with family ties. And even long-term relationships are a burden for them. But miracles happen in the world, and even a narcissistic type can lose his head from passion. Well, if this does not happen, pleasant memories will remain from a wonderful time spent, not necessarily in a bachelor’s apartment.
Don Juan
Keep in mind that a skilled seducer and experienced seducer very skillfully pretends to be a romantic suitor.
Please note: the insidious Don Juan constantly brings women to him, and therefore the interior of his house was created for the sole purpose of seduction. The center of attraction in his apartment will certainly be a spacious bedroom, thought out to the smallest detail: with a king-size bed and a comfortable mattress. The playboy is not averse to diversifying sex with piquant details, so don’t be surprised if you find a huge mirror on the ceiling in the bedroom, backlighting and erotic posters on the walls.
In addition, you will find scented candles in his home to create an intimate atmosphere, and chilled wine and sweets in the kitchen. Don’t believe it if he says that he bought all this especially for your arrival. Most likely, the NC was stored in advance, just in case, so to speak.
What else should be in Don Juan's lair? Excellent bed linen, possibly silk and incredibly expensive. Quiet, slow music, sounding from nowhere. Heavy curtains to create an intimate atmosphere. And a very original bathroom (possibly done in black and white) with candles and aroma lamps. How else? After all, everything begins and ends with the bathroom. Therefore, this room, just like the bedroom, should make an impression.
But you won’t find traces of previous lovers in Don Juan’s nest, don’t try. After all, the task of an experienced seducer is to create a feeling of your exclusivity. And he is an unsurpassed master in this matter.
Narcissus
Does his apartment have more mirrors and cosmetics than yours?
This means only one thing - the owner is completely in love... with himself. Everything in his house is designed to remind him of his exclusivity and unearthly beauty, from childhood photographs to photographs of today. Here he sunbathes in the Maldives, here he skis in the Alps, here he tastes Bordeaux wines. In a word, you won’t see so many photographs even in the house of a top model or movie star. His wardrobe will tell you a lot. Twenty shirts, the same number of pairs of shoes, and all this is branded, in no way Chinese.
A distinctive feature of a narcissist’s home is originality. Therefore, you will most likely be surprised by the incredible layout, designer renovations and furniture that you have never seen in your life.
Party-goer
Those who spend their lives in clubs are practically never at home.
Therefore, if you look into the refrigerator of a partygoer, you will not find anything edible there. And the kitchen itself will be purely symbolic. A partygoer has no use for a stove or a dining table. But a bar with all kinds of drinks and a bar counter are simply necessary. In the minimalist high-tech living room with plastic chairs in neon colors, you will find a high-quality sound system and a collection of vinyl records, on the walls there are posters of famous DJs and photos from parties.
Snob
This male type, despite having a diploma of higher education and an intelligent appearance, is capable of infuriating any girl with his arrogance and tediousness.
Therefore, it is in your best interest to recognize it as soon as possible. In a snob's nest, you're bound to come across intricate little things whose names you don't know. It’s better not to ask, otherwise you’ll end up asking for an hour and a half lecture, and at the same time a moralizing conversation about how girls used to be much more educated.
On the walls of his living room you will certainly see reproductions of paintings by famous artists, and on the desk and shelves there are mountains of abstruse books. But you won’t see a snob’s TV, because he treats it with deep contempt and calls it nothing more than “zombie box.” In his film library you will only find films by Lars von Trier and the Coen brothers. After all, he is an intellectual to the core and does not watch films for the mass audience. His cinema is a cinema for the elite, for those who understand.
In general, everything that this type of man surrounds himself with (from clothes from the best designers to rare varieties of cheese and wine) serves as an indicator of his “refined taste” and “high intelligence.” So don’t be surprised if, during a date, a snob asks you to go not to the bedroom, but to the computer - to test your IQ.
Homebody
It doesn’t matter that his worn-out slippers are long overdue for replacement, and his sagging sofa with worn upholstery needs urgent replacement.
The main thing for a homebody is personal comfort, and he does not care about the presentability of the interior. The floor in his apartment may be dirty, the laundry has not been washed, the wallpaper on the walls has fallen off... Since a homebody usually works as a freelancer, his computer is always on, and his personal pages on Twitter, Facebook and other social networks, along with Skype and ICQ, are available 24/7. online status. The homebody spends all his free time in the virtual space. Moreover, his voluntary seclusion is not just a consequence of love for his native land, but a sign of social phobia - fear of people and public places.
Sissy
From the threshold, delicious aromas wafted into his house, the apartment shines and sparkles, and a meat pie is waiting for you on the table and a porcelain tea set is already placed?
Don’t rush to rejoice and first count how many cups are on the table. After all, if you find yourself in the house of a mama’s boy, there will be three cups: yours, the gentleman and his mother, who is eagerly awaiting you to evaluate her son’s choice, and at the same time test your economic abilities.
As soon as you get up from the table, your mother will give you a tour of the house mixed with an interrogation about your life and family. Immediately get ready to look through all twenty photo albums with images of your boyfriend riding a potty. And also try not to look surprised when you find a teddy bear in his bedroom - his mother gave this toy to him for his fifth birthday and lovingly saved it.
If there are only two cups on the table, rejoice. His mother turned out to be a wise woman and went to a neighbor’s house to watch TV. True, sooner or later she will return...
Night in a bachelor's apartment
Take a closer look at the interior of your chosen one’s bedroom.
What does your loved one prefer to sleep on? His innocent habit can tell a lot about his abilities on the “bed front”. Sofa. You shouldn’t expect heroic deeds from him, but he won’t let you get bored either. However, he himself is never bored - he is always ready to share his bachelor bed with a pleasant lady. So don't be surprised by the number of girlfriends who have stayed here.
Bed. He is diligent, but somewhat boring. Of course, he is capable of surprising, but he prefers to do it on major holidays.
Cot. The meager furnishings in a bachelor’s apartment does not indicate a lack of imagination. In the morning you can wake up on a Spartan bed, which will be covered with flowers in your honor.
Inflatable mattress. We still have to look for more of the original.
If you are not afraid of experiments, feel free to plunge into the abyss of passion. Just don’t be surprised later when you are asked to dress up as a ship’s cabin boy or pretend to be a fish. https://www.liveinternet.ru/community/3080659/profile/» method=»get»>
Decor
Anna Bryukhova: When creating interiors for a man, you should pay attention to clear lines and simplicity of shapes. In color design, you can play on a group of similar shades. Deep blue or gray colors, brown and sand shades will look interesting. For bright accents, you can add a little wine red, lemon yellow, or grass green. In the decor you can use abstract paintings and figurines, black and white photographs, musical instruments, metal dishes, metal letters, illuminated stars or arrows, art objects. The style is perfect for minimalism, industrialism, loft, and restrained Scandinavian style.
Stepan Bugaev: The decor in a bachelor’s apartment is not a set of meaningless figurines. Each thing should carry meaning and be useful. Let these be things that will provide additional entertainment at your parties - for example, a basketball or a guitar. But at the same time, there should be room for various gifts: paintings, watches, posters, musical instruments or gadgets. A wall with photographs can remind you of the brightest events in life. There is no need to worry about symmetry in its design; feel free to hang it as your heart desires.
Natalya Demyanchenko: Light and accents are important in a bachelor’s apartment. For evenings with different moods, you will need different lighting scenarios, so we provide ceiling, wall, table and floor lamps. It’s appropriate to go wild here: you can choose a floor lamp with bases in the shape of cricket sticks, table lamps with a tripod, or industrial-style pendant lamps for the bar counter. Accents should reflect the individuality of the apartment owner, demonstrate his tastes and hobbies. It could be an object of art, records with autographs of idols, or even a motorcycle that has served its purpose.
Photos: Cover - Kristofer Johnsson, 1 - www.ilighting.ru, 2 - www.tapja.com
Choosing furniture for a bachelor's apartment
A bachelor's apartment should have everything he needs. It doesn’t matter what style was used to decorate the home, some interior elements must be present:
- bed or sofa;
- closet;
- dining table and coffee table;
- chairs and armchairs, ottomans;
- plate;
- TV;
- fridge;
- cupboards for dishes.
Depending on the size of the apartment, some elements can be replaced with more compact analogues.
Sofa
The place where the main part of the holiday is spent. If the apartment has several rooms, then it is better to have your own bed.
The sofa should be simple and strict, but strong and of good quality, just like all the furniture in a bachelor’s apartment
Sofas are divided into different types depending on:
- transformation technologies;
- sizes;
- design features;
- number of seats.
Only the material should be selected based on fabric preferences, while the remaining characteristics should be related to the capabilities and size of the apartment. To save space, it is better to use folding sofas.
Desktop
It's not just a place to work. It is a pride that you can show off to your friends, a place where you can relax and drink, a place where you can spend your leisure time.
The most “masculine” furniture is made from solid oak, walnut or mahogany, decorated with iron fittings, and can be upholstered with metal
A bachelor's table should be comfortable, stylish, and massive. It must be expensive. Made from good solid wood with a beautiful masculine color. So that sometimes you want to use it for other purposes.
Bed
This is a secluded intimate corner of every person. The internal state of a man depends on which sleeping bed.
Comfortable double bed on a podium in the apartment of a single man
If space is limited, you can choose a built-in bed. In other cases, it is better to choose a stationary one. Beds are:
- hard;
- soft;
- wrapped.
It's definitely worth choosing a double room. After all, a bachelor does not always wake up alone.
The original design of the headboard will make the bed the focal point of the interior and add fluidity to the austere atmosphere of the bedroom.
Dinner table
Simplicity and convenience. It should fit perfectly in the kitchen so as not to interfere with movement. If the apartment is a studio, then the dining table can be perfectly replaced with a bar counter that can accommodate a sufficient number of people.
Sturdy dining table with wooden top and steel frame
