The concept of a “man cave” has long been associated with dim, dark spaces; ultramasculine decor; huge TV screens; and perhaps a few empty beer cans.
But now, a much more sophisticated decor trend is taking over the oft-maligned “bachelor pads” and “man caves” of old, replacing them with chic and elegant spaces that have been dubbed the “boy apartments.”
Forget pizza boxes and a PlayStation 5. Instead, expect The Ordinary skincare products and edgy wall art.
A fast timeline: back in the day, many men were more than satisfied to hang out in their garages, puttering around a work bench.
Skip ahead to the creation of special “man caves,” where guys could kick back to watch some hockey or play a game of foosball or poker.
Today, those masculine trends have risen to a whole new level.
Meet the “boy apartment,” a thoughtfully designed, personalized home that oozes style and quiet luxury.
The era of the lonely couch and enormous TV, sitting starkly in a room with little around it, is over. Instead, curating an organized, attractive living space is top of mind for a number of men right now.
Social media, of course, is at the root of this trend, says Ariel Barrionuevo, designer and manager at La Coralina Island House.
“Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have democratized access to design inspiration—they’re sharing so many achievable ideas and practical, stylish solutions for creating a home that feels curated rather than chaotic,” he explains.
Stephanie Carls, shopping pro at RetailMeNot, agrees: “You’re no longer flipping through a catalog or watching a makeover show,” she adds.
A quick search on TikTok results in more than 1,000 videos that boast the “boy apartment” hashtag, the majority of which showcase incredibly elegant homes, with their residents proudly showing off how they have added a sense of sophistication into their space.
One user, Garrett Cottle, revealed a space filled with crisp white paint, mid-century modern furniture, and eye-catching lighting fixtures.
Another, named Ben Taylor, earned wild praise from viewers after revealing a glimpse inside his home, which boasts an enviable (and perfectly-organized) walk-in closet, impeccable knickknack curation, and plenty of nude tones.
Then there’s Michael He, who opted to inject more color into his space by creating an incredible gallery wall, which is highlighted with trendy lamps.
“Gone are the days of stained futons, random posters tacked to walls, or that infamous pile of takeout containers in the corner,” he says.
Clutter is definitely a thing of the past in a boy apartment.
How did ‘boy apartment’ start?
The shift from sloppy spaces to more deliberately designed rooms with panache is a change that’s been brewing for a while, says Barrionuevo.
“Men are realizing they don’t have to settle for spaces that scream ‘temporary’ or ‘unconsidered,’” she explains. “It’s less about money and more about understanding that great design isn’t reserved for those with massive budgets.”
In fact, several of the pieces shown in the boy apartment reels, from shelving to furniture, are actually from IKEA and other big box outlets.
And it’s important to note that men aren’t just here for the ‘gram.
“A well-designed space is about quality of life and having a sanctuary that makes you happy, a place that helps you relax, recharge, and confidently invite people into,” Barrionuevo continues.
“Having a home that looks and feels good isn’t just practical; it’s about pride and self-care,” says Carls.
What does it look like?
You’ll instantly recognize this trend, says Barrionuevo, since “a modern boy apartment ditches the clichés in favor of a refined but approachable style that’s a mix of effortlessness and intention.”
Color palettes are serene—think “navy, forest green, and charcoal, along with soft neutrals like oatmeal or taupe,” he days. Clean lines, a well-made bed and thoughtful artwork (prints, photography) are also key.
Attractive bath products and carefully folded clothes on shelves and in the closet are other important details.
But most of all, cool tech products are front and center, such as a luxe espresso machine, a chic home office, and a high-end sound system, offers Carls.
John Starck, a designer with Showcase Kitchens, recently installed a fancy kitchen with boy apartment vibes on Long Island in New York.
“It has a two-sided fireplace, efficient L-shaped island, high-performance Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, a Wolf steam oven and coffee maker, and a built-in wine cooler,” he shares.
No more college half-fridge and microwave here!
Creating a boy apartment
Barrionuevo suggests starting with a “strong base, which means neutral tones for furniture made from light woods, such as ash and oak that can bring warmth without overwhelming the space.”
Investing in a big piece is next, he adds: “A standout sofa is worth the splurge, so look for something comfortable yet structured, and think of it as the centerpiece of the room.”
And now is the time to upgrade your look, notes Carls.
“January is a perfect time to snag deals during white sales and post-holiday markdowns,” she shares.
Styling is critical
So many boy apartment vids show carefully lined up books, desk accessories, and mementos on shelves, which means this is your cue to declutter and create a look that’s both purposeful and refined.
“Coffee tables should hold more than your keys,” advises Barrionuevo. “A small stack of books, a candle, or a tray adds intentionality.”
Lighting and texture
You’ve seen the clip—No. Overhead. Lights. Ever.
“They simply kill the vibe in a room, so opt for floor or table lamps to layer the light and make the room feel cozy—and don’t forget to install warm-toned bulbs,” says Barrionuevo.
Lastly, think about the textures in the space. The leather chair, above, is an ideal contrast to the puffy pillow on the opposite chair and the rough stack of firewood nearby.
“Mix hard and soft elements to create depth, maybe with a woven rug with velvet pillows or an armchair with a chunky knit throw,” Barrionuevo adds.
