It is not difficult to convert a bachelor pad to make room for that special someone but it does require some planning and modifications. Are you getting married and preparing to welcome new family members into your home? Getting married may mean you look at your home and its layout a little differently for life when “me” becomes “we.” If you suspect that your bachelor pad might need to be modified to accommodate your new life as a family, we can help. Evolving a great guy hangout into a space that a future spouse or family would easily function in is easier than you might think!

Creating Private Master Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Consider separating the master bedroom from the other bedrooms with a closet to add sound privacy between rooms. Or place the master bedroom at the other end of the home. Also, don’t forget the locks on the bedroom and bathroom doors. A private toilet (with a door that closes) in the master bathroom is nice for couples, as are double vanities.

Kitchens and Dining Rooms are Where Families Gather

When it comes to investing in your real estate, focus on bathrooms and kitchens. Financial recommendations aside, if you like to entertain, look into expanding the kitchen space to accommodate guests. Everyone loves to gather in the kitchen so making ample space will help spread out the crowd.

Separate Offices or Creative Spaces

If possible, have a dedicated office (or creative) space so you don’t have to work from a guest room or kitchen table. It will be less disruptive for everyone if you have space to leave your projects out until you are finished.

HPD Arch

Tone Down the Bachelor Décor

Don’t let the first impression of your home be one that screams party all night. Retire the shot glass and bottle collections into the liquor cabinet, or even exchange it for a trendy (and easily accessible) bar cart. Tuck away video gaming systems in a stylish media console. If you are a serious collector, level up your space and protect your valuable movie and TV collectibles like Star Wars, Star Trek, and The Walking Dead in lighted display cabinets. If you have LEGO® or other building sets on display, incorporate them into a game room in an intentional way. If you’re hanging onto them them for nostalgic reasons, we give you permission to close your ears to Marie Kondo and store them away for future children, nieces or nephews.

Neutralize Your Color Palette and Décor

While living solo is the perfect time to explore your personal style, your home should absolutely reflect your personality and interests. That being said, if your intent is to have a place more resembling a couple’s home, then the surroundings should be sensitive to the styles and personalities of the people who will also live there. While keeping with your general style, add back decorative but more gender-neutral colors and items.

Some popular neutral styles that appeal to all genders include:

Rustic

The rustic style is a celebration of the character of handmade items made of natural materials. Rough textured baskets or crates, wood or metal lamps, stained wood tables, metal, leather, western artwork, and thick hand-blown glass are all items that can feel handmade.

Contemporary

In contrast to the rustic style, contemporary interiors feature machine-made items with sleek finishes. A chrome and glass table, a cool rug with a neutral sofa in charcoal gray, large art on stretched canvas, sculptural lamps and accessories, and dishes of all one color.

Casual and Transitional

Take clues from your closet when you select materials for your redesigned casual home decor: denim, leather, stripes or plaid, cable knit chunky sweater throw blanket, and an old travel trunk could all suggest a relaxed style.

Make “Mature” Furniture and Bedding Selections

Out with convenience and inexpensive seating solutions like beanbags (we admit, they are fun), futons, Papasan chairs, and Barcaloungers and in with well-built furniture with durable fabric that will endure the rigors of a family room. A side table or coffee table is a nice touch for magazines and drinks.

Invest in a real bed for your bedroom, complete with a frame and headboard, side tables, and lamps. If your budget and space allow for it, also add a dresser or two for your clothes, as well as plenty of room for hers.

Choose quality bedding, coordinated light/neutral colored sheets, two (or four) sleeping pillows, and, if you want to splurge, two Euro pillows. Give yourself bonus points if you add a down comforter with a duvet cover and a throw pillow.

Converting a Bachelor Pad from Me to We

Changing your bachelor pad from a single-man oasis to a family home doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable or disheartening. Your focus is just shifting from “me” to “we” and towards the personal desires and tastes of both of you. 

Every remodel from single-person living to couples living is unique. We are happy to offer help and suggestions for converting your unique space into one that a future spouse would easily transition into. Reach out to us to book a virtual consult! 

Laura

VP, Architect, hpd architecture + interiors
Laura Davis is a Texas and Colorado registered architect and interior designer, and a co-founder of hpd architecture + interiors. With a diverse portfolio spanning residential, commercial, retail, and historical projects, Laura’s heart lies with her specialty in Historic Preservation. She loves to revitalize older properties, cherishing their character and the stories they hold. Her true passion lies in understanding her clients deeply, uncovering their desires and motivations, and crafting designs that turn houses into cherished homes.