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the cave vol 1 mar 2015 $6.99

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Kitchens and furniture as a passion Scavolini always offers you something more!

Discover our new Italian style furnishing ideas for kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms.

Via Risara, 60/70 - 74/78 61025 Montelabbate (PU) / ITALIA Telefono +39 0721 4431 Fax +39 0721 443402 e-mail: contact@scavolini.com The cave 3 Phone 0039-0721-443.333

CONTENTS 6

How to upgrade your bedrom

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The bedroom is built for three things: rest, relaxation, and, well, recreation. So lose the TV and the laptop, and follow these instructions to make it the sanctuary it’s meant to be

10 The grown man’s guide to decorating So you’ve graduated college, got a sweet job, bought a nice tailored suit and moved into your own place. You may consider yourself a “grown man” now.

16 Basement ideas for men Best ideas to decorate, and improve the place you always dream to have

20 Transforming your loft Loft: A large, usually unpartitioned floor over a factory, warehouse, or other commercial or industrial space. Today, lofts are also defined as industrial spaces converted for residential use.

16 subscribe to The Cave call us to (305) 546-76464 o send us an e-mail to subscription@thecavemagazine.com Enjoy The Cave direct on your tablet

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THE CAVE Volume I, Number I Editor Diego Ciudad-Real Designer Diego Ciudad-Real Publications Manager Luciana Moreno Contributors Camila Schonenberg Nicolas Mayora Regina Serpas Photographers Camilo Anderson Manuel Avendaño Juan Pablo Membreño Alejandra Ciudad-Real Scott Jarvis Plymouth Magazine is published by the Plymouth State University Office of Public Relations. ©2011, Plymouth State University.

Comments Editor, Plymouth Magazine Office of Public Relations, Plymouth State University 17 High St., Plymouth, NH 03264-1595 or opr@plymouth.edu Please send address changes to: University Advancement, MSC 50 Plymouth State University 17 High St., Plymouth, NH 03264-1595 alumni@plymouth.edu (800) 772-2620

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR We especially welcome spring this year as the country has experienced bizarre weather patterns, even dipping into sweater weather in sunny South Florida. Fortunately, our beautiful tropical landscape escaped damage and, with the addition of outdoor heaters, we continued to dine al fresco, undaunted by the brief chill.

Spring is also the perfect time to refresh our outdoor living spaces.

While some may seek to update an outdoor dining area, others may choose to move the entire kitchen outdoors.

Local landscape architect David Font, winner of the “Brother Vs. Brother” challenge on HGTV, has provided great advice on hiring I think you will also enjoy the Ideas section containing great new products representing outnd outdoor lPalaces of the World by Perla Lichi, ck out Classic Florida Style: The Houses of Taylor & Taylor (The Monacelli Press, April 1, 2014).

I’ve no doubt this Outdoor Living issue will fill your imagination with exceptional suggestions and sources from which to make a splash in your own piece of paradise. We have a steamy summer ahead and there’s no doubt those towering heaters will soon be replaced by chic umbrellas.

www.thecave.com Diego Ciudad-Real

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how to

Upgrade Your Bedroom

THE BEDROOM IS BUILT FOR THREE THINGS: REST, RELAXATION, AND, WELL, RECREATION. SO LOSE THE TV AND THE LAPTOP, AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE IT THE SANCTUARY IT'S MEANT TO BE

BY MICHAEL HSU

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY THOMAS LOOF

The overall style and comfort of your bedroom has less to do with what you put in it than what you keep out. The easier it is to keep neat, the better it'll look over the long term, so do what you can to simplify. Your bed, for example, should take no more than thirty seconds to make. The trick: Ditch your flat sheet and sleep with only a soft duvet—which is how the Europeans do it. Come morning, just give your duvet a casual toss, leaving a generous drape at the foot of the bed (as we did here), and use your pillows to bridge any space at the headboard. No tucking involved. Likewise, buy an extra set of bedding so changing your sheets doesn't require washing and waiting—and avoid overstuffed mattress pads (they're a bitch to launder).

3. Upgrade your duvet.

The duvet is the bedroom's most prominent feature—even more prominent than the expensive bed underneath it—so invest in a good one, like Area's simple and chic Heather duvet. $250, www. areahome.com

upholstered with the same leather used in Ferrari interiors. $170, www.frauusa.com

4. Don’t work in bed.

A nightstand makes a poor desk, so restrict printed matter to the following: one or two books that you’re actively reading and a Moleskine notebook for recording flashes of inspiration. $15, www. moleskineus.com

5. Eliminate the tech.

Be vigilant about this. Leave your laptop and BlackBerry at the door and resist the temptation to turn your bedroom into a home theater. Good speakers are a must, but try giving your television the boot and see if it doesn’t change your life.

6. Box it up.

A partitioned box, like this one from Dunhill, is perfect for keeping random man things—cuff links, watches, condoms—in order. Just don’t let it turn into a junk heap; keep it less than half full. $440, www.dunhill.com

7. Get decent sound.

1. Keep your lights small.

Your nightstand has less surface area than you think, so it's best to use the smallest bedside table lamp you can find, like Flou's slender and elegant Gabbiano. $477, www.flou.it

2. Lose the alarm.

There are so many sounds that can stir you from your slumber; why settle for shrill beeping or the morning news? A more humane alternative: an old iPod loaded with a few of your favorite songs.

Instead of putting your speakers inches from your head, set up a Tivoli Model Two radio near the foot of your bed and hook it up to the iPod on your nightstand. It’ll fill the room better than even the most expensive all-in-one units. $200, www.tivoliaudio.com

8. Corral your crap.

All men have an inborn need to empty their pockets onto the nearest available surface when they enter a room. Don’t fight it; just make sure there’s a strategically placed tray to catch the mess.

Your most luxurious option: Poltrona Frau’s Type 1 Tray, which is The cave 7

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the grown man’s guide to decorating : un by . H t x tC e t ur K

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te

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SO

YOU’VE GRADUATED COLLEGE, GOT A SWEET JOB, BOUGHT A NICE TAILORED SUIT AND MOVED INTO YOUR OWN PLACE. YOU MAY CONSIDER YOURSELF A “GROWN MAN” NOW. CONGRATS. TOO BAD FOR YOU PLACE IS REMINISCENT OF A COLLEGE FRESHMAN’S DORM ROOM. YOU’RE ALL GROWN UP ANT IT’S TIME YOUR PAD REFLECTS THAT. WHETHER YOU’VE GOT A DECORATING BUDGET OF $100 OR $10,000, FOLLOW OUR TIPS AND YOU’LL BE GOLDEN.

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Design is not just what it looks like and fells like, design is howit works

�

john Dunhalig

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“

If you actually want a home that you can feel comfortable in, with and without others, leave the frat house back in college and make a space that’s truly your own.

”

T he average single guy spends so much time attempting to lure sexy, young vixens back to his place — the right style, the right

grooming, the right things to say — that he sometimes forgets what he’s going to do when they actually get there. Like, how is he going to explain the overflowing trash can, the tattered Napoleon Dynamite poster pretending to be wall art, the swarm of critters burrowing in and out of every crevice? Even the most DTF girl on Jersey Shore would do an indignant about-face if she walked into that.

If you actually want a home that you can feel comfortable in, with and without others, leave the frat house back in college and make a space that’s truly your own. Whether your little niche in this world is a studio apartment or a 10,000-square-foot home on the bluff, a little thought and love will make everyone eager to be there.

KEEP IT COZY It’s easy to scan through old James Bond movies and MTV Cribs reruns to get inspiration for your pad. While there’s nothing wrong with getting a few ideas from the great minds that came before you, a true man of style works from within. It’s a bachelor pad, and you’re that bachelor. Make sure to stay true to your own tastes and preferences and build a stylish pad that reflects who you are — even if that means decking it out in Napoleon Dynamite memorabilia.

Many a married man leaves furniture and home décor selection to his wife. As a bachelor, you don’t have that luxury, and while it’s easy to overlook loveseats and coffee tables in favor of fun stuff like home theater equipment and game tables, you don’t want to end up watching football from your hardwood floor. A set of stylish, comfortable furniture is the first priority for a place you call home.

The key here is to blend fashion and function. As much as the furniture concepts of Milan Design Week look great in photos and show that you’re up on the latest installments of Dezeen, not all of them are really suitable to cradle your achy muscles day in and day out. That red fiberglass armchair that mimics the curves of a supercar may look great with the interior architecture of your home, but are you really going to want to sit on it for hours on end?

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1. RECLINING COMFORT The recliner may still bring about images of surly, old curmudgeons à la Archie Bunker, but this body-wrapping chair is among the most timelessly comfortable pieces of furniture you’ll ever invest in. And like a good T-shirt, it only gets more comfortable with age. Today’s recliner market has styles and materials for every taste and budget, so there’s no reason your recliner can’t be both cozy and fresh. For small living rooms, opt for a svelte-bodied recliner like those from Mac Motion.

If filling space is more your problem, get a big and brazen chair like the New Creations 2100 Hyde Park hand-rubbed leather recliner. Its big body will take up ample physical space, and its vintage nail head trimmed look gives it a visual that’s even bigger than its dimensions.

Don’t think you need to spend half a paycheck on your chair, either. The simple, fabric Vail Reclina-Rocker from market staple La-Z-Boy comes in well under $500. You can also search thrift shops and secondhand furniture stores for better prices and an older, more diverse selection of looks.

2. SOFA You’re not going through all the trouble of designing the ultimate bachelor suite to sit alone watching TV. You’ll need somewhere for your guests to sit while staring in awe and envy at your stylish digs.

If large gatherings are in your plans, a sectional sofa like the CB2 Lotus Antrazit will give you plenty of ass space and built-in versatility for changing setups for different occasions. If you’re looking for smaller “beer and football after work” seating, look at a sofa with recliner function, such as the Franco Leather Reclining Sofa.

3. COFFE TABLE A glass coffee table will look great in many spaces, but the coffee table is one place where we prefer a sturdier, more utilitarian look. This is a table designed to hold the biggest books you’ll ever own, along with heavy, froth-spewing mugs of beer — why should it look fra-gee-lay?

The Hastings Reclaimed Wood table from Pottery Barn will look great in a rustic space, while something simpler and more classic like Crate & Barrel’s Frame coffee table will blend well with other looks. To create a centerpiece that’s bolder than a bunch of books and magazines that you’ve half-read, consider something like an aquarium or computer coffee table.

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ENTERTAINMENT VIEWING PLEASURE Not long ago, the biggest buzzword in the television industry was “high definition.” Times change, and now all the talk is about 4K or “ultra high definition.”

Just hitting the market now, the new standard packs four times as many pixels as 1080p between those bezel edges. To put yourself at the front of the home theater curve, become an early adopter of 4K with a model like Sony’s XBR 4K. If 4K is too rich for your blood, there’s no shame in sticking with an HD set. Take a look at our home theater guide for a breakdown of LCD vs. plasma HDTVs.

SURROUND SOUND As great of a picture and overall aesthetic as the flat-panel high-definition television has given us, it’s left something to be desired in the way of sound. Thin speaker strips just won’t do a big (or any) soundtrack justice. A proper home theater system is a must in today’s bachelor pad.

The best sound for music and movies can be ensured

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by putting your home theater together component by component. Start by auditioning speakers and finding a pair of primaries that you like — the Paradigm Reference Monitor 7s get rave reviews from various audio sites and publications — then build the rest of the system with matching center channel, rear speakers, amplification and subwoofer.

If you want to save time and money, the market is overflowing with simpler pre-built home theater and sound bar solutions. The Boston Acoustics Tvee Model 26 replicates 5.1-channel surround sound with an included wireless subwoofer and connects directly to your TV. “Home theater in a box” systems, like the Denon DHT1513BA 5.1 set-up, pack everything you need to start playing music and movie audio and typically cost less than buying separate components.

ACCENTS AND ACCESSORIES

CONTENT You can stick to an old-fashioned cable subscription or Blu-ray player, but adding a web-streaming settop box will ensure you never run out of things to watch. Many TVs and Blu-ray players come with integrated streaming, and affordable standalone boxes like Apple TV and Roku add them where other hardware lacks. If you went with a 4K TV, you’ll have to pony up a little more for a 4K media player like the Sony FMP-X1.

With furniture, electronics and entertaining out of the way, you’ll need to color in the spaces between with some hand-selected accent items. Function is timelessly fashionable, and some of the best home décor items serve a purpose besides looking pretty.

Clocks are a good example, simultaneously livening up the room and providing a function you’ll use every day. There’s nothing wrong with a classic wall or grandfather clock, but you can also get whimsical with the amp-aping McIntosh MCLK12 mantle clock or an artistic timepiece from Etsy. In the absence of a grand fireplace, a wall-mounted fireplace like the Southern Enterprises Loft tempered glass model will warm up the room, both literally and figuratively.

Artwork is largely a matter of personal taste and should blend in with your greater interior styling.

While centerfolds grasping coyly at their breasts won’t win you any points after you graduate puberty, there’s nothing wrong with highlighting your love for the feminine form. Everything vintage continues to be cool, so consider vintage pin-up girl artwork or photography, but try to stay away from the overplayed (e.g. Marilyn Monroe). In a world where it’s ever in vogue to go local when it comes to eating, drinking and buying, you’ll win points by filling your space with work from local artists and photographers. Browse local galleries and showings to find pieces that fit.

Want to really impress your guests with your home theater? The PRIMA Cinema, which costs as much as a nice sedan, beams still-in-theater Hollywood releases to your home. What yells classy bachelor pad louder than a legitimate movie theater in your living room?

Any good bachelor pad should have music for every mood. The Sonos PLAY:5 and PLAY:3 systems combine multi-driver speakers, multi-room capabilities and a vast wireless music library that includes music from your personal digital collection, thousands of internet radio stations, services like Last.fm, Sirius XM and Slacker, and even hard sources like CDs. With the free accompanying remote control app, you can control all your speakers from anywhere in your pad — couch, kitchen, bed, bathroom, deck, etc. Romantic backdrop music or blowout party tunes are truly a fingertip away.

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BASEMENT IDEAS FOR MEN

BY RANDOLPH DUKE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JACKSON

(1) & (2) How about turning that basement space into a home theater. Soundproof the walls, use a large flat screen TV or hook up a projector, and go a step further by getting a popcorn stand. There is the option to tailor this movie theater space into a sports theater – with multiple screens and sporting memorabilia decorating the walls.

(3) A basement bar would make for a great man cave idea.

Customize it to be a sports, Irish, or retro bar – and include a pool table, darts board or foosball table.

(4) A game room can be modern with a large screen TV, powerful sound system, sound proofed walls, recliner chairs and Playstations or Xboxes.

(5) Turn a basement space into a home golf simulator. Lay down some astro turf and shoot into a basic golf net, or go virtual by adding a projector and sensors to create your own golf course in your basement.

(6) A home gym is another basement idea for men.

(7) Create your own home music room – soundproof the basement, install a high end hi fi surround sound system, and decorate the walls with music memorabilia.

(8) Install some workbenches and tool cabinets and you can turn a basement into a workshop.

(9) A basemen t is a great space to have as your own home office.

For more DIY Tips visits THECAVE.COM/THEMILL

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Transforming Your Loft Loft: A large, usually unpartitioned floor over a factory, warehouse, or other commercial or industrial space. Today, lofts are also defined as industrial spaces converted for residential use.

Along with metrosexual, weapons of mass destruction, and "you're fired!", the term loft is one of the most overused words on the street. It seems that everyone has a loft, and it's often mistaken for any apartment or condo that has an "open" concept.

While lofts are widely known as open spaces, there is more to a loft than a lack of bedroom doors and a brick wall. Lofts are also associated with any of the following: an unfinished look, like a cement wall(s), cement column(s), or brick wall(s); an industrial look, such as steel beams running along the ceiling; and a separate room with an incomplete partition, which can also be situated on a second "level" or floor.

Lofts usually conjure up images of cosmopolitan living; lofters are considered hip and sophisticated.

So living in a loft is half the battle when it comes to your cool image, but decorating it is a whole other ballgame. Not to worry a loft's decor speaks for itself, and the right living space provides plenty of room to get creative and reflect your personality, style and lifestyle.

SOME LOFTY RULES The first thing to keep in mind when it comes to lofts is to throw all preconceived decorating notions out the window. Consider the loft your canvas, and every item you fill it with your art.

That said, don't hesitate to mix it up in terms of color, theme and overall concept. So although I'm a firm believer in "less is more" when it comes to your dressing style, this term has no bearing here. But —

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What concept do you want?

Contemporary: Everything that's "in" at the moment you're decorating You can find contemporary items at stores like Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Restoration Hardware, and Ikea.

Traditional: Consists of antiques, moldings, etc.

Industrial: A lot of unfinished materials, cement, stainless steel, glass, and exposed structural columns. This concept is mostly used in lofts.

Retro: Everything from the '60s and '70s.

Country, rustic: Wood, comfortable coach, carpet, warm colors, moldings, etc.

Shabby chic: Restored furniture and collectibles, retro accessories.

Minimalist: Connotes a pure "zen" look, and is characterized by spaced out furniture and a white room. Can consist of no more than one couch and one lamp.

and this is a big but — this doesn't mean that clutter is allowed by any means. More is more, but not when it comes to your mess.

The next thing to keep in mind is that a loft is usually one big room, so anything you have on display will likely be in full view.

Here are some suggestions for furniture, items, and gadgets to put in full view, with pride:

ON THE WALLS Vintage ads & posters Start a collection of retro ads and hang them up for all to see. You can find these at local antique shows or stores. Even if you get your hands on some authentic retro magazines, you can find the ads yourself and have them framed.

Whether it’s an old-school Ford or Lucky Strike print ad, it doesn’t take much of a creative eye to see how these can spice up your place.

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FURNITURE Since a loft is a more modern living concept, it's important to ensure that your furniture is a reflection of this same theme. This doesn't mean your couch and dining room table need to be ultra avant-garde, but it's a good idea to avoid traditional pieces.

I suggest sticking to neutrals, like shades of white, beige and tan, and even light gray for your couch, or going the opposite route with a bold leather couch. As for the dining room and coffee table, I recommend materials like wenge wood (pronounced wen-gee — the "g" is hard — and refers to a very dark brown stain), glass (frosted glass is a cool option) and stainless steel. Even marble coffee tables are popular in lofts today.

By the same token, an original or funky coffee table, end table or even barstool can serve as the conversation piece of your loft.

what's your passion?

You may feel like you're giving a large part of your personality away by showing who you are with your home, but you're the one who has to be most comfortable in your humble abode. Granted, if you enjoy sitting on the floor on cushions, you might want to keep guests in mind and make your place more inviting and comfortable.

The decorating style of your home depends on you: so if you're an avid reader, then you can have a large bookshelf displaying the books you've read.

Kurt Calogh

LIGHTING Often overshadowed by the furniture and accessories of a home, lighting is one of the most important aspects of any space. Since most lofts feature cement or unfinished ceilings, recessed lighting (a.k.a. pot lights) is impossible, but track lighting (with individual, adjustable lamps) or cable lighting can add to the industrial look of your loft.

Take the time to adjust each light in order to highlight specific parts of the loft, like a brick wall or art.

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MIRRORS If you want to make your space look larger, mirrors are the answer. Invest in one or two stylish, simple mirrors (depending on your wall space, of course), and strategically hang them to give the illusion of added square footage.

Note: if your loft lacks natural sunlight, place the mirrors so that whatever sunlight you do get is reflected, and instantly turn on the brightness.

Suspended picture frames and/or shelves If you have a brick or cement wall, then you likely don't want to cover it up. It's therefore a good idea to buy picture frames or shelves that hang from the ceiling, against the wall. This adds a decorative touch to the loft without covering one of its nicest features: a natural wall.

If you go with picture frames, then black and white photos add a sophisticated effect. If you go with shelves, you can place some CDs, well-kept magazines, or even a sleek clock on the shelves — just make sure not to overdo it.

Note: you can even get creative and line up some stylish Italian soda cans or mineral water bottles in a row.

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KITCHEN ITEMS Stainless steel appliances Since your kitchen (however small it is) is likely exposed and "one" with the dining room and living room, it's a good idea to opt for stainless steel appliances. I know this is the pricier option, but even if you hardly use them, your kitchen appliances are considered part of your furniture.

Kettle, blender, coffee machine, martini set Never underestimate the power of these items. Even if you're not one to enjoy a milkshake every now and then, a sleek, retro-looking or stainless steel blender serves as a great accessory. Display it on the kitchen counter and watch it blend in with the rest of your decor.

Spice and/or wine rack And of course, there are those things you can live without that simply add a whole new dimension to your kitchen or dining room. A stylish spice rack and elegant wine rack are kitchen items that are functional but also double up as accessories, so look around for those that would best suit your loft and needs.

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Live your kitchen”

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Extras but essentials ACCESSORIES Clear vases

Bright colored vases

Plants and/or "Zen" garden

In addition or as a replacement to the colored vases, one big, clear vase filled with fresh bamboo sticks, rocks, or even just grass, can add some life to your loft.

Place all the vases in a bunch next to each other, and if they’re big and bold enough, then you don’t even need to fill them with anything. Note: a platter with lemons and limes, or green apples, can serve as a minimalist way to decorate.

If you want to inject some color into your loft, then an assortment of different-sized vases in an array of colors is one way to achieve this goal. Place all the vases in a bunch next to each other, and if they’re big and bold enough, then you don’t even need to fill them with anything.

Note: a platter with lemons and limes, or green apples, can serve as a minimalist way to decorate.

A simple plant can also serve as a decorative item in you home, especially if it's placed in the right planter (I suggest plain white ceramic). If your track record with plants is pretty bleak and you'd rather not deal with maintenance, then you can build your own Zen garden.

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Get a glass or wood rectangular box, and fill it with sand or rocks.

For added effect, you can "plant"

some bamboo in the rocks or sand, and if the box is compartmentalized, then you can fill each section with different things, such as white sand or white rocks, black sand or black rocks, or even a mixture of different rocks. Keep the "garden" on anything from a desk or shelf to the windowsill (if you have one).

Magazine or CD rack Don't settle for a plain magazine or CD rack. You can find designer-looking ones at most department stores today — even renowned interior designer Philippe Starck has a collection of homeware at Target.

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ELECTRONICS Flat-screen computer If you have a computer or a "home office," invest in a flatscreen monitor, as it adds to the sleekness of your loft.

Bonus: choose a wireless keyboard and mouse. Do I even have to explain the benefit of this one?

Home theater If you're purchasing a TV, DVD, VCR, and stereo (rather than moving them with you from your previous home), nothing beats 30 The cave

the uniformity of one look when it comes to your electronics. And stainless steel is the way to go. n addition or as a replacement to the colored vases, one big, clear vase filled with fresh bamboo sticks, rocks, or even just grass, can add some life to your loft.

Place all the vases in a bunch next to each other, and if they’re big and bold enough, then you don’t even need to fill them with anything. Note: a platter with lemons and limes, or green

apples, can serve as a minimalist way to decorate. n addition or as a replacement to the colored vases, one big, clear vase filled with fresh bamboo sticks, rocks, or even just grass, can add some life to your loft.

Place all the vases in a bunch next to each other, and if they’re big and bold egreen apples, can serve as a minimalist way to decorate.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

One of the best things about lofts is the decorating and furnishing possibilities they offer. Thanks to their "unfinished" and almost raw nature, there are really no rules when it comes to lofts. So even though one section of the loft features more traditional pieces like antique art or a wood cabinet, the other section can feature modern items like stainless steel

appliances and a bold leather sofa — and the combination works. You can even find another use for something completely unrelated, such as an ottoman as a coffee table, or a stepladder as a shelf — and get away with it.

room can have the presence of a four-story house.

Diego Ciudad-Real

So don't be afraid to try anything while making your loft your own, and soon enough, that one

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