The Complex Guide to Hooking Up Your Crib

Upgrade your man-cave with these 10 easy tips.

Aug 02, 2011
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Let’s face it, if it were up to most of us, we’d live in man-caves that come pre-packaged with everything we need down to the cold beers in the fridge. But unless you’re God or maybe Kanye West, your crib's appearance is entirely up to you. No one’s trying to turn you into the bro-version of Martha Stewart, but there are some very simple and effective ways to make personal space into something you can bring your mother home to... or at least a really hot girl.

Who wants to hang out somewhere that looks like an outtake of hoarders or a montage scene from a breakup movie? Nobody. Click through to check out our top 10 tips to hook up your crib without spending a ton of money.

rugs

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The Problem: You Need Some Color and Texture

The solution: rugs and pillows. These can make a big difference when it comes adding to the feel of a room. A rug is a great investment piece because all you have to do is buy it, throw it down, and vacuum it every once in a while. Think of it as art for your floor. You can pick a dope pattern or texture to give the room some character, or go for neutrals and keep it slick and clean.

Likewise, pillows also add to the aesthetic of a room. All you have to do is scoop a few square pillows in the same color but different textures or in cool monochromatic hues and throw them on your couch or bed. They sit there and don’t ask for much but an occasional lint-rolling.

Need suggestions? Here are some of our favorite textiles: 

Dwell Studio Pillows - $70-$130
Polar Pedigree Pillows - $90-$199

image via freshome.com

art

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The Problem: Bare walls

A piece of artwork will not only make the room cooler, but a woman will always remember the what was on the walls. Feel free to go with anything from tasteful photos of naked women to abstract pieces you found online. But let the artwork speak for itself, and don’t crowd it with pictures from Spring Break 2007.

Also, if you can’t afford Warhols on your hall’s walls, nothing beats original work from an artist at one of your local galleries, or check out one of the many websites that offer low-cost, one-of-a-kind prints. 

posters

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The Problem: Lame Posters

You don’t have to get rid of all your band posters or car posters, but we strongly urge you to take down that scene from Scarface and the low-res one of that girl from the car show squatting by the chrome 24s. Don’t worry: you can keep them, but stash them under your bed for nostalgia’s sake.

Instead, go for classic movie posters. Do you have a favorite film? A favorite indie film by a cult producer? Even better. Whether it’s a vintage King Kong poster or a blown up still from Kanye’s short film, it will look good on your wall...framed. Thumb tacks are for your office space and duct tape is for packing.  

Our suggestion for vintage poster shopping:

Chisholm Gallery. 

image via designsponge.com

entertainment

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The Problem: Entertainment

An upside to the tech world’s lightning fast progress is that there’s always a model of whatever you’re looking for that will fit your personal price range. There are several iPod docks under $200 that will let you play DJ when it’s time to have your friends over, because there’s nothing more embarrassing than someone asking you to “turn that shit up!” when your laptop speakers are already on the verge of blowing out. If you already have a TV, sweet. Put it somewhere visible and if you can, mount it. If you don’t have a TV, there’s always your laptop. But we warn you: trying to make moves mid-movie with your girl might be difficult with your hot laptop sitting in your lap. Just sayin.’

the bar

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The Problem: The Bar

Check out these spots for cool glassware:

kitchen

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The Problem: Your Kitchen 

Check these sites for more unique ceramic options:

storage

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The Problem: Clutter

Clutter can be a problem for guys with a lot of hats, sneakers, and extra shit. Invest in a few cool storage containers that you can stack and toss anything in and, voila: all your keys, baseball cards, condoms, kicks, snapbacks etc. are hidden and organized. It’s easier on the eyes and helpful when you leave your room (phone, keys, wallet, remember?) But  here’s a tip: skip the wicker and woven baskets; it’s not Easter and you’re not a suburban soccer mom and try wooden suitcases or vintage crates. 

Our favorite storage options: 

Handmade Birch Wood Storage Boxes - $269
Hudson Walnut Storage Boxes - $20-$50 each
Way Basics Black Storage Cubes - $22 each
West Elm Gray Felt Storage Bins - $4 each


manny

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The Problem: Sports Gear

You might want to do away with all the Little League trophies and 4th place ribbons from your junior high track meets. However, if you played a sport in high school or college, or you have some sort of award recognizing your immeasurable talent in any specific area, don’t be afraid to display it... just keep it classy. You shouldn't treat your trophy or jersey like a Grammy or turn a photo of your moment into wallpaper (shouts to Lebron), but you can put your game-winning homerun baseball on a stand or immortalize a flick of your game or moment in a classic black frame. 

If you really must display a jersey, consult these experts for proper framing: 

image of Manny Pacquiao via alivenotdead.com

toys

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The Problem: Toys

As far as toys go, get rid anything that came with instructions. Instead, consider investing in a collector’s item, and we're not talking stamps. You don’t have to obsessively collect anything, but if you want to keep toys around and also want to be a well-respected adult, there’s no better way than to invest in a piece of sports history, get your dream car in a vintage, model-sized version or scoop a limited edition comic-book favorite.

There are also always plenty of Be@rbricks or KAWS toys to choose from, too. It just depends on what aesthetic you’re going for and how much you're willing to drop on a toy. (The ones shown in this picture were collected over a 17-year period of time.)

Other great toy resources: 

laundry

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The Problem: Laundry and Trash

Guys, this is simple: get a laundry basket. Put your dirty laundry in it. A used Best Buy bag does not count as a laundry basket, nor does the floor of your closet. Spend a few dollars and get one. You’ll be surprised at how much floor space with you have without last week’s wardrobe gathering dust in the corner.

There are plenty that not only do the job of containing your sweaty gym clothes clothes, but look cool enough to sit on the floor of your room. Likewise, get a trash can. This is pretty much self-explanatory, but we wouldn’t put it past anyone to let the takeout boxes sit on the coffee table until they start sprouting creatures. 

Some slick ways to conceal your soiled garments: 

Old Faithful steel and canvas laundry basket (shown) - $180 
Gray folding hamper - $40
Household Essentials linen hamper with handles - $27


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