Create the Coolest Man Cave

By Christine Cooney, The House Designers Staff Writer

Father's Day is the perfect time to create a special place in your home that's truly his own. A popular design trend is creating a 'man cave,' which might occupy a specific area in the home such as the basement, garage, workshop or bonus room where a man can go and enjoy some 'man time' with friends. Some guys like to décorate these spaces with sports memorabilia, hunting or fishing accents, automotive and motorcycle collectibles and other manly décor.

It’s also popular to accessorize these spaces with large televisions and sound systems (perfect for the man who loves watching sports), poker tables, pool tables, wet bars and comfortable seating like recliners.

Here are some great design ideas and products to build the ultimate man cave:

The basement level of the Traverse House Plan features the ultimate entertainment space for dad and his friends. The game room is the perfect size for a pool table and additional seating. It’s offset by a spacious recreation room and fabulous wet bar. To see the floor plan and additional photographs of this traditional two-story house plan, click here.

The Pottery Barn Pool Table by American Heritage Billiards is a ‘must have’ for any man cave or game room. It features all the essentials, including 4 cues, bridge stick, wall-mounted cue rack, set of billiard balls, triangle and diamond racks, box of cue tip chalk, table cover, repair kit and cleaning tools. It sells for $5,499.

This comfortable second story man cave of the Cariarti House Plan is perfect for those who like to play a good game of poker or just hang out. It has access to a private covered balcony that overlooks the pool area. The first floor features a sunken media room, which can easily be converted into a sports haven equipped with a big screen TV.

For some great ideas and how-to guides to create the ultimate guys hangout check out “Man Caves” on the DIY Network featuring hosts Jason Cameron and former NFL great Tony "The Goose" Siragusa. You’ll find everything from soundproofed basements used as a rock 'n' roll lounge to rooms designed like a ski lodge with blazing fireplace and alpine atmosphere. Shown is a garage that was converted into a high tech golf space and lounge area with a virtual-reality driving range with a curved wall, a high tech media center and custom storage area for all his golf clubs and gear.