Move over, messy dorms, undecorated spaces and trash-strewn living rooms. The stereotypical idea of a men’s living space has finally been updated. And once again, we have TikTok to thank. The social media platform is ditching frat-boy living for the more modern ‘boy apartment’ trend, and it’s translating into big decor ideas — no matter your gender.
What is the Boy Apartment Trend?
The boy apartment trend is all about embracing clean living, neutral colours, classy style elements like coffee table books and records, and even well-tended greenery. It’s full of personality but without the messy elements and gaudy posters of man caves in the past.
Interestingly, this trend seems to have stemmed from the ‘boy room’ phase on TikTok, when users shared the worst stereotypes of male living. However, the new trend is here to show us that male-inspired spaces can be classy and cool, too.
How Can I Implement Boy Apartment Themes Into My Space?
The trend is easy enough to recreate, no matter what kind of home or apartment you’re working with. Instead of decorating a room with a giant TV and a ragged sofa, start with neutral furniture and clean lines. Hide the PlayStations in favour of a record player or framed photos, and opt for personality-filled decor like thoughtful art and thriving plants.
What Are Some Specific Décor Elements I Should Look For?
Here are six tips to curate the style if you want to up your Boy Apartment game or incorporate the look into your home.
Embrace Neutral Colours and Nature
White walls, cream furniture and natural wood elements are the base of the boy apartment look. If you’re transforming your living room, opt for a cream or brown sofa, a glass coffee table and a wood or wood-coloured medial console or side tables. In a bedroom, use cream-coloured sheets and a comforter with pops of earthy hues through throw pillows, blankets or curtains.
You Don’t Need Expensive Furniture
The point of this look isn’t to be luxe but to be put together. Therefore, you don’t have to break the bank on furniture. There are plenty of affordable pieces, from shops such as Wayfair and IKEA, that incorporate clean lines and refined finishes to enhance your space. If you’re able to invest more in one item, put your money into a really nice sofa, or a bed that will last for years. Then, round out the rest of the space on a budget.
Tech Items
Just because you’re embracing a more grown-up “boy” space doesn’t mean you need to forgo the tech. In fact, part of this trend is embracing tech items that will add ease and enjoyment to your life. Think espresso makers, a tasteful flat screen that doesn’t take up the entire wall, or a sound system that brings in good tunes or enhances your next movie night.
Thoughtful Art and Accents
Elevated boy apartments are all about incorporating thoughtful design elements, like framed poster prints, interesting sculptures, coffee table books and plants that ground the space. A small potted tree or ficus plant in the corner can add a ton of personality while making the area feel cozy. Or, incorporate earthy or light grey throw rugs to add more texture to the space.
Layer With Light
One key element of the boy apartment is the absence of harsh overhead lighting. Instead, light the space with textured lighting through lamps. Side lamps, standing lamps or even hanging pendants over a kitchen island can add ambiance and soft light, giving your space a glow-up.
Declutter, Declutter, Declutter
The biggest appeal of the boy apartment trend is the clean lines and decluttered look. So, don’t overfill the space with knickknacks and accessories. Use shelves and furniture with storage to display art or hide items you don’t use often, and minimize what you do put on display. After all, these spaces are the epitome of zen, and no one likes to zen out in a cluttered space.
