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A Space of His Own

by Amanda Bedgood

Louie Richard's version of the man cave is a modern take on a space for dad that's welcoming for the whole family Louie Richard's version of the man cave is a modern take on a space for dad that's welcoming for the whole family. By Amanda Bedgood Photo Robin May

Monday, June 3, 2013

The man cave is getting a makeover. The idea of omitting dad in every room but the one in which he could gorge on all that is masculine is being replaced by a space that's grounded by the masculine but with a more inclusive feel.

"We wanted an outdoor area that felt like we were on vacation. A place for the kids to come and bring their friends. A place we could still be here but feel like we are somewhere else," says Louie Richard.

The addition to the Vintage Park home of the Richards with their two children - 16 and 13 - is a pool house with masculine décor tempered with more neutral elements and an outdoor area perfect for dad's days at the grill.

"It's a warm and soothing, relaxing atmosphere," Louie says. "We spend the majority of the time out there. More than in the main house."

It's the place where he and his son can see their trophies on display - elk, deer, ducks.

"I'd never be allowed to put those in the main house," he says with a laugh.

And yet the space has balance. Crissy Greene was the woman tasked with making that balance happen by way of the interior's design.

"They wanted a lodgey feel but something that could blend with the existing house. Rustic but still have elegant features," Greene says.
She created the best of both worlds by tempering elk heads with fabrics and rugs that soften the feel of the space. In lieu of spaces that are super masculine or feminine, Greene says this new hybrid is the way of the now, the new man cave.

"I think it's more balanced. Instead of just one room it's balancing both the masculine and feminine for every space."

And it's just the way Richard says he wants it: "I want a place that's comfortable for our family and our friends."