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Natalie Weinstein is President of Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, The Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club and Uniquely Natalie, a quality consignment boutique. Enjoy Natalie’s Long |
| Perhaps getting the dad of the family a tie is not cutting it this year – and he actually planted flowers for you on Mother’s Day. Perhaps this is the year you want to give him his own space – a space for which he’s secretly (or not so secretly) longed for as long as you have lived in your home. Perhaps it’s time for that “man cave” guys seem to want and need. So first, let’s identify a “man cave.” It’s that special place in your home, garage, or basement, that when developed, speaks to a man’s interests; time spent alone or with the people with whom he chooses to hang out – a sanctuary of sorts where he can relax or energize. Very few man caves, if any, are actual caves, and they shouldn’t become a space to hide from family responsibilities. Creating the man cave should be a collaborative effort, one that incorporates the tastes and interests of the male occupant but is also in keeping with the family dynamic. In other words, don’t surprise Dad. Dad gets to tell you what he wants – within reason, of course. He gets to pick comfy seating, the TV size, the art and artifacts that show his sports, music or other interests. Maybe he wants a bar, fridge, poker table, pool table, sound system, weights or Nautilus, workbench, arcade, indoor bowling, golf area or smoke machine; he surely knows he can’t have it all – unless he can afford to build it over the four-car garage which houses his antique car collection. In other words, Dad is special – but how special is up to the space, budget and family. A room with posters, pictures, trophies, collections and memorabilia that have meaning to Dad is a great start. Posted by Peggy Wang are “32 things you need in your man cave,” (not all 32 are listed). Some of these consists of: • A sign – “You are Now Entering Man Cave” • A foosball coat hanger • A hammock • A kegerator (beer anyone?) • A hidden bookshelf door • A Nintendo controller coffee table • A pouf made from an old tire • Tennis ball candles • Wine barrel dog bed • Beer can light fixtures • Bean bag chairs • A wall of plaid shirts • A beer cave refrigerator wall • A throne toilet • Multiple computer screens • And last, because the rest were not too “out there” is a chess set with his own head on it! So dear readers, I know you know I couldn’t make these things up – but as a designer, I had to share them with you just for fun. I do believe, that Dads are very special people and they should have a place in their own home they can call their own (provided it’s cleanable). So, this Father’s Day, perhaps it’s time for your family to find out what Dad would really love and maybe he’ll surprise you with the answer. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 