Single and living on your own? That brings to mind a variety of stereotypical homes. For the bachelor, it’s usually a dark colour scheme, a large flat-screen, a leather couch and a swanky bar. For the bachelorette, there is more — vibrant colours, plush fabrics, and loads of accessories.
But no home needs to be the same. The look can be varied — hi-tech (large flat-screen TV, contemporary furniture, stainless steel accents, sophisticated colours and mood lighting), minimalist (streamlined furniture, modular kitchen, ample storage, luxurious linen, natural light and soft colours) or bohemian (mix-and-match furniture and furnishings, comfortable seating, artwork and accent walls).
Revamp any room with a sheet of wallpaper — plain, printed or embossed. The furniture needs to be multi-purpose. Use beds with drawers (they work better than box beds), coffee tables and ottomans with storage, entertainment units with drawers and enclosed cabinets (for CDs, DVDs), and built-ins to store books. Invest in a comfy chair such as the La-Z-boy, a perfect for late-night or Sunday TV viewing. An offbeat coffee table is ideal as it adds interest and makes a visual statement. Plonk a smart wooden tray on to put together loose items. Use throw pillows to add splashes of colour; have one with a pocket to tuck away remote controls. A day bed is a good investment for days when family or friends stay over. Show off your artistic side by displaying artwork of your choice — be it paintings, murals, photographs, or even your niece’s framed drawings. A full-length mirror in a gorgeous frame can double as a work of art and lets you take stock of your appearance at any time of the day. Install a trendy floor lamp as it provides ambient lighting and comes with a dimming option for mood lighting. Keep all rooms fresh and inviting by using essential oils, potpourri and fabric sprays.
A modern kitchen necessitates a variety of appliances and a lot of choices need to be made. The list is endless: microwaves, ovens, electric cookers, food processors, water purifiers, blenders, toasters, geysers and dishwashers. A lot many things are available, but buy only what you need. Open kitchens work well for singles as they provide a sense of openness and ease of entertaining. Consider options such a breakfast bar or island to help segregate the space, mid-height cabinetry to use as a room divider, or display a collection, be it coffee mugs, shot glasses or cook books or retro-style kitchen appliances! If you like your food and wine, invest in a coffee machine, a wine bar, a baking unit or a barbecue zone.
There’s much to be said for a bar in the living room or den, be it one chosen from a home store or a bespoke model; if you don’t have the space, a serving cart or trolley can work as one. Invest in a classy bar set, along with glasses and decanters. A coffee machine sets you up for the perfect way to end late nights.
