What does the term “bachelor pad” mean these days in terms of style? Is the look still stuck in the 1980s, all black leather and chrome? In reality, it's just a masculine style living room. And may we suggest some modern lighting to spice up the design...?!
According to interior designer Michael Ferzoco, owner of Boston-based Eleven Interiors, these days guys are looking for a tailored, classic sense of style with clean lines. Ferzoco says, “They’re looking to establish themselves in a new, serious, and powerful way.”
Ferzoco likes to steer them towards investment pieces, at least for a one or two things; perhaps a sofa or dining table, and artwork. He favors items that will last, rather than trend-driven pieces meant simply to impress.
Ferzoco designed this space above, a condo in Boston’s South End neighborhood, for a gentleman in finance who wanted to upgrade his level of design sophistication. He wanted a mix of styles, so Ferzoco mixed vintage finds, like the mi-century modern dining table and Art Deco side table, with sleek new pieces, like the Italian sofa upholstered in off-white leather and arc shaped floor lamp. The rug and throw pillows warm up the room, and add a dose of pattern, both geometric and organic.
This formula achieved the uncluttered and contemporary (but not funky!) feel that the client requested.
Below are some tips for getting Michael Ferzoco’s contemporary bachelor look:
Use furniture with strong, clean lines to anchor the space, like the Patron Grass Cloth Centennial Sofa (6) upholstered in natural hued grass cloth and Window Sage Bycast Leather Dining Chairs (7) with rectilinear peekaboo cutout.
Slip in a rug with warm earth tones and an organic design, such as Kaleen Astronomy Gamma Graphite Wool Area Rug (9).
Balance the strong swirls with the elegant arch of the Camber Black And Brushed Steel Arc Floor Lamp (2) and bold black and white photography like this Eiffel Tower canvas (3).
A simple (but shimmery) white pendant lamp above the dining table, like the Floris Collection White Glass Pendant Light (1) and wall sconce, such as the Possini Frosted High Art Glass Pocket Wall Sconce (4) round out the lighting scheme, offering light sources from multiple angles.
A coffee table with a curved base, such as the Saly Walnut Glass Top Coffee Table (8) is a nice contrast to the hard lines of the seating.
Add a few curvilinear accessories in a fun accent color, like a Dark Plum Bottle Vase (5) with a lacquer finish.
Finally, throw pillows add pops of color in contrasting geometric and naturalistic designs. I like the hand-screened Infinity Lemon Retro Tile Throw Pillow (10) and Coral Yellow Throw Pillow (11), which is made from a durable indoor/outdoor fabric.
Image credit: Michael J. Lee Photography