Turning Your Bachelor Pad into a Family Home

There comes a time in every person’s life when they realize that it’s time to grow up — or at least, it’s time for their home décor to grow up.

Either you just have more discretionary income and are looking to show off the sophistication you’ve always known you had, you are clearing a path for a live-in partner, or you’re ready to start a family.

If you’re looking to put the futon and mica coffee table up on Marketplace and upgrade your living experience, you’ve come to the right place. Let the Baer’s Design Team guide you on your transformative journey.

Step 1: Triage Your Space

When evaluating your bachelor space, it’s important to purge the most bachelor-ish features first. For example, street signs, framed posters of your favorite Scorcese films, and neon beer signs should probably come down from the walls.

But it shouldn’t end there. You may have an “eclectic” decorative scheme in your home because your furniture is a combination of hand-me-downs and discounted pieces. We get it. Most of us have been there.

Honestly evaluate your space. If you have Adirondack chairs in your living room because they gave you a lot of bang for your buck, think how much more you and your family will enjoy reclining in this gorgeous Natuzzi Editions Astuzia Power Sectional in white.

Pros: It’s made from high-quality leather and has cupholders, hidden storage, and USB ports. It also reclines.

Cons: You won’t want to get out of it.

Step 2: Choose Your Style

In interior design, there are eclectic styles, but there is no Eclectic style. Do a bit of homework and determine a style that fits you and your family’s personality.

Here are a few choices, but there are many décor options to choose from:

• Coastal — Light tones and pastels, exposed or white-washed wood. Think of a beach house.
• Tropical — Lush green colors, darker woods, splashes of bright colors. Your space should have the feel of a colonial home in a tropical climate.
• Traditional — Classic furniture pieces with some curved lines and rich, polished wood. This style changes very little, so it’s a good option if you want to build slowly.
• Mid-century Modern — Teak furniture with more or less straight lines (some curves) AND muted colors. Teak is the wood of choice. Watch a few episodes of “Mad Men” to get the vibe.
• Minimalist — Neutral colors that absorb light. Furniture has straight lines to the point of being modular. There is a distinct lack of clutter, and decorative items are kept to a minimum.
• Transitional — Combines elements of traditional and modern, so it’s a “best of both worlds” design. There are both curves and straight lines, shiny and textured surfaces, open and airy but also warm vibes. Important to have a unifying theme connecting the pieces.

These are just several of the endless possibilities for your space.

Step 3: Tailor Your Space to the Needs of Your Family

Your living space has to accommodate all parties who reside there. This includes you. While you may have to box your beer can collection, it should still reflect you and your lifestyle. Getting input from your housemates can help ensure that you come up with a cohesive decorative style that works for everyone.

With that said, certain pieces are essential, and you will only need to agree on style. For example, your bed. There are so many options when it comes to style that it’s best to narrow your search before setting out.

For example, you might start your search with a neutral-colored frame with an upholstered headboard, and you would probably end it with the Axiom Contemporary Upholstered Panel Bed by Bernhardt because it is perfect for those parameters.

Step 4: Keep it Organized

You don’t live alone anymore. Even if it used to be your place, it now belongs to all of you. Respect your family by keeping your place neat and orderly. One of the most invaluable furniture pieces you can own is a cabinet or storage console.

A piece like the Big Bang Entertainment Console by Hooker Furniture had adjustable/removable storage shelves, ports for cables, and is wide enough to support an enormous television. It is as useful as it is tasteful. Hide away your VR system when not in use. Dress it up by shopping together for a few objets d’art. It will make a nice afternoon, and it will help you develop the look of your shared space.

For high-quality, post-bachelor furniture in Florida, shop at Baer’s Furniture. Our knowledgeable sales staff can help you find your new décor style.