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"Man Space" is Making a Comeback
3/27/2008
Women are the major decision-makers in new-home purchases, according to a 2005 Smith-Dahmer Associates market study, but ‘Man Space’ is gaining relevance. “It's often the activity that defines the man space,” states Sam Martin, author of ManSpace: A Primal Guide to Marking Your Territory.
“Man Rooms,” spaces where guys can be guys, are making a major comeback. Think about the kitchen, historical ly mommy central, right? The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association reported $2.4 billion in grill sales during 2007, and the New York-based Easy Analytic Software, Inc. forecasts that grill sales over the next five years are expected to increase nationally by 15.6 percent to $3.7 billion in 2012. Talk about boys and their toys.
More often, guys want a space all their own. Remodeling is used to making space for the craft room, sewing room and bigger kitchens. The smart side of the industry is seeing an increase in garage space, home offices and game rooms, even smoking rooms tailored for the man of the house. From climate-controlled humidor rooms to macho tool parlors, guys just want to have fun.
Gaming and theater rooms bring big technology into the man’s mix. The average age of the male video/computer game player is 35 according to RL Siegel & Associates (12/07 newsletter). He wants it big-screen, comfortable and easy to keep up, or at least easy to close off for his own private retreat.
“Men have started to find freedom where they can. Backyards, spare bedrooms, unfinished attics, ... have all been taken over with a newfound sense of purpose,” writes Sam Martin, in “ManSpace.” GarageTek reported a 100 percent increase in their garage remodeling business in the past year. Having a garage that can multi-task and ease clean-up are high on the list of reasons to turn your garage into a masterpiece.
Looking for some man space of your own? Visit the Parade of?Homes Remodelers ShowcaseSM this spring to see how today’s remodelers can create a place for the man (or men) of the house to indulge.
Here are a few homes on the Spring 2008 Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase feature spaces that are man-friendly.
Home #01
Michael Lee, Inc.; 1246 Nursery Hill Lane, Arden Hills, Lower Level Finish
Be sure to come check out this feature-packed basement finish by Michael Lee, Inc. This one is sure to please everyone with amenities such as a large billiards/game room separated from the family room with graceful arches and detailed columns. The family room features a massive stone fireplace and a floor-to-ceiling entertainment cabinet with flat-panel TV. There’s also a wet bar with loads of cabinet space and a game table on the custom tiled floor. A guest sleeping room, exercise room and three-quarter bath complete this loaded basement!
Home #18
Custom One Homes, 10569 Glen Eagle Place, Woodbury, Lower Level Finish
We have enhanced this already appealing home on the 13th hole of Eagle Valley Golf Course by expanding the livable size by over 1,100 square feet. The lower-level walkout addition boasts a billiards area with lighted wet bar, a theater room for the family to enjoy, and a hidden office that can convert to a spare bedroom. You’ll have to visit this home to see the outstanding use of space.
Home #26
James Barton?Design Build, Inc., 13372 Danube Lane, Rosemount, Whole House Remodel
The entire floor plan of this classic two-story home was transformed and reconfigured to create additional living space to better meet the needs of this client. A third-stall garage, man-friendly media room with floor-to-ceiling cherry cabinetry, gourmet kitchen, second-floor laundry and additional bedroom for a new, spacious master suite were seamlessly added without compromising the original integrity of the home. Elegant, traditional materials, architectural details and quality craftsmanship were combined to create this exceptional new home.
Home #40
Heritage Builders, Inc.; 2900 Princeton Avenue?S., St. Louis Park, Addition, Kitchen and Lower Level Finish
Small and quaint, this home, situated on a corner lot in a very desirable neighborhood showed promise, but had challenges to fit the lifestyle needs of the homeowners. The award-winning Heritage design/build team, guided by the homeowner’s desires, saw the potential and created a design that maximized functionality while staying true to the original architecture of the home. A new kitchen and mud room addition connects to a spacious DR through arched openings. The basement was entirely remodeled to include an inviting family room, dad’s game room and wet bar, spa bath, laundry and bedroom.
Home #69
Homes by Design Images, Inc., 7259 W. Fish Lake Road, Maple Grove, Whole House Remodel
Nestled among a stand of trees, a standard 1990’s two-story was transformed into a home full of amenities, character and detail. The main floor was reconfigured to maximize space and was transformed with an abundance of rustic cherry cabinets, Brazilian cherry floors, granite countertops, and wood-burning stone fireplace. The upper level was completely updated and a 700 square-foot addition above the garage added a fifth bedroom and a computer/sitting area. A media room complete with cozy bar was added to the lower level.
And of course:
Home #25 Operation?Dream Makeover Home, $5.00 donation to benefit the Builders Outreach?Foundation
10377?Rich?Valley?Blvd., Inver Grove Heights, Whole House Remodel
This whole house remodel was designed for three men. One of them is Kyle Anderson, a Marine wounded in the Iraq War. The renovation focused upon providing more comfortable and functional living spaces for Kyle, who has balance, hearing and speech problems as well as very limited use of his right side. Because this is home to three men (Kyle and his dad Tim and brother Matt) you’ll find plenty of male-inspired choices, starting with a formal dining space turned into a game room.
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