Exclusive! The Property Brothers Describe the Ultimate Man Cave

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Drew and Jonathan Scott, hosts of HGTV’s uber-popular Property Brothers and Brother vs. Brother, don’t have a lot of time to relax. In addition to being TV personalities, they’re co-founders of Scott Brothers Global, have written several best-selling books and are expanding their collection of home goods.

However, they took time out of their busy schedules to tell Freshome what they consider the ultimate man cave and offer tips on how to create it.

Do Your Own Thing

This Ashburn, VA man cave has a bar, pool table area, gas fireplace and theatre room: Image: Synergy Design and Construction

“I believe all men – and women – need a place to hang out,” Drew says.  He believes the perfect man cave has to be tailored to whatever you most enjoy. “If it’s sports, then you need the big screen TV, foosball, darts, pool table and game day food like nachos, hotdogs and beer.”  He also recommends the latest and greatest technology. “And don’t forget a full wet bar – make it a place you never want to leave,” Drew says.

Location, Location, Location

The man cave in this Raleigh home is a garage bar: Image: Kelly Gravitt Payne

Most people would put a man cave in the basement – although garages are also gaining popularity. “A man cave doesn’t always have to be in the basement or a garage, but it’s a good idea to put a little distance between your house filled with family and your space for fun and friends,” Jonathan explains.

The various greys and metals blend well in this New York man cave. Image: Judi Schwarz Interiors

But suppose you don’t even have a basement or garage. What if you live in an apartment? How can you still create the ultimate man cave?

“Take a spare room and make it yours – of course, getting permission from your better half first,” Jonathan recommends.  He says everyone needs a space to call their own. “Let your spouse have the whole apartment, but at least ask for that spare room to be yours,” Jonathan says. “If you include a pull-out sofa or Murphy bed, it can double as a guest room.”  Jonathan says the room could be considered flex space to meet the family’s needs, but also meet your man cave needs.

Built to Last

This San Francisco man cave uses durable, yet stylish, materials like snap-together floor tiles. Image: Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins

Jonathan recommends choosing a durable floor that is also easy to clean. “There will be lots of food and drink stains, guaranteed everyone wears their shoes, and the last thing you want is to have all of that trapped in the carpet,” he warns.

Light it Up

Everything is well-lit in this Melbourne, AU man cave. Image: Bagnato Architecture and Interiors

Drew explains that a good man cave has several zones, such as a bar, gaming area, possibly a pool table, etc.  “Make sure every defined space has its own feature light,” he says. “And to add a little extra even lighting throughout, you can look at recessed lights, too,” Drew advises. “Make sure everything is on a dimmer so you can set the right mood for game day or movie night.”

Can You Hear Me Now?

This man cave in Seattle is tastefully designed and decorated. Image: Canyon Creek Cabinet Company

“You can completely soundproof the room like a music studio if you want. However, I think that might be a little overboard,” Jonathan says. “Just upgrade your insulation and maybe add a couple of sound panels on the walls since man caves are known to get loud.”

The Ultimate Man Cave

Bowling lanes, miniature golf and a climbing tower are just some of the goodies in this Park City, UT man cave. Image: Sorento Design

As you can imagine, the brothers have completely different (and bigger-than-life) visions for the ultimate man cave. “I like everything to do with sports and board games,” Drew says. “So my man cave would have carnival midway-style activities, a great gaming table and an indoor putting green – game on!”

On the other hand, Jonathan takes a more subdued approach. “Being an illusionist, my man cave would be a mystery to everyone,” he says. “It would be like the Magic Castle in LA where only those I invite can come and see the secrets of Jonathan Silver!”

Want More of the Property Brothers?

“Builder Brothers: Big Plans” includes an original do-it-yourself project that parents and kids can tackle together. Image: Harper Collins

One thing the brothers agree on: it’s never too early to embrace your inner builder/designer. Drew and Jonathan recently wrote a picture book, Builder Brothers: Big Plans. The book follows the adventures of two young brothers who have plans for building something big. Sometimes, their plans go awry, but the youngsters learn the value of dreaming big and daring to try. The book will be available in the U.S. on October 2.

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