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A Handsome Aesthetic: Dens of Yesteryear
Draw inspiration from dens that tip their hat to days gone by
Father’s Day is just around the corner, so it’s time to dote on Dads and their havens at home. I love the old-school look of a traditional den, not just because it is hearty and handsome, but because it is welcoming, warm and intimate in nature. But what is a ‘den’ exactly? A den has many definitions ranging from a wild animal’s lair and an underground area with no windows, to a secluded space designed for enjoying a little bit of down time.
A den is realistically all of these things and more, however my mind immediately conjures up images of wood paneling, reading lamps, club chairs and full, richly coloured Chesterfield lounges. A destination where Dad or Grandpa might go for a bit of respite to read the paper or to listen to some vinyl while enjoying a Scotch and dry. I think the wise Ron Burgundy of the movie Anchorman encapsulates how I envision a den perfectly with the sentence: “I have many leatherbound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany.”
Take a journey down memory lane and step into some traditional den spaces that will no doubt leave you nostalgic for times gone by.
A den is realistically all of these things and more, however my mind immediately conjures up images of wood paneling, reading lamps, club chairs and full, richly coloured Chesterfield lounges. A destination where Dad or Grandpa might go for a bit of respite to read the paper or to listen to some vinyl while enjoying a Scotch and dry. I think the wise Ron Burgundy of the movie Anchorman encapsulates how I envision a den perfectly with the sentence: “I have many leatherbound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany.”
Take a journey down memory lane and step into some traditional den spaces that will no doubt leave you nostalgic for times gone by.
Eclectic. This space has a little bit of everything. From the intricately carved wooden panelling and the ornate stone fireplace, to the dimpled Chesterfield couch, Art Deco armchair, draped ceiling and chandelier.
Moody. The dark palette of this basement gives it a serious tone, but a few well-placed eclectic additions lighten things up a bit. I am loving the large steamer-inspired travelling trunk that has been turned into a coffee table, as well as the decorative candle holder affixed to the wall, and the silhouette artwork. A few well-placed lamps soften the space and provide warmth.
Old-school. The club chairs and textured walls make this contemporary space look like an old-school cigar lounge at a gentleman’s club. The lighting fixture and patterned cushions give the space just the right amount of pop.
Vintage. The wall stencil and 1970s red plaid vintage chairs pictured here are the standout features of this fun basement space. The retro touches combined with mixed patterns makes this space an absolute knock out!
5 reasons to scour the op shops
5 reasons to scour the op shops
Warm and inviting. The rich, warm tones of the cherry wood combine with the grass cloth wall to add texture and character to this den/media space. The couches facing the flat screen TV are the perfect place to watch the news or enjoy an old black-and-white movie or two.
Compact. How is this for a mini den/study space? A perfect space to catch up on your reading with a cup of coffee. The kitsch marlin wall feature on the wood panelling above and striped cushions add an ample dose of personality to this office/den space.
More novel reading nooks
More novel reading nooks
Intimate. This den space provides a fantastic mix of custom furnishings, vintage pieces and strong patterns and colour. The gun display case and bowling pins in the background are just some of the interesting touches in the room. The wall-to-wall timber bookshelves give the space a sense of enclosed intimacy and draw the eye up to the spectacular lighting feature overhead.
On display. Walls flanked with bookshelves and assorted finds such as the stag and bird figures pictured here are a match made in heaven with the stuffed Chesterfield couches and antique rugs. Adding collectables to your bookshelves breaks them up and creates visual interest as well. Plus, it is a great way to display your treasures.
The art of gathering
The art of gathering
Manly lavatory. Every gentleman-style den needs a bathroom facility nearby. How inventive is this idea of using old hand mirrors as a simple and effective wall embellishment? Perfect for checking your moustache is in order.
Fun and games. Now this is the type of room that makes going out on a Saturday night seem incredibly redundant. This den space has a game room that is equipped with a wine cellar, custom bar, billiard table and pub-style seating.
Elegant. Cut-glass tumblers, wood panelling and a selection of spirits makes for an elegant (and handy) feature to any den space. Simple features such as those pictured here can make all the difference when seeking to create a vintage-style den area for your home.
Relaxed. This traditional basement has the benefit of a comfy looking L-shaped couch and home bar. The curtain can be drawn to hide the bar for movie nights. Ten points for anyone who can name the movie on the screen! Hint it starts with ‘C’ and ends with ‘A’.
Handsome. The leather Chesterfield sofa, blue velvet club chair and upholstered ottoman provide ideal vantage points for enjoying the fire in this handsome den.
Classy. The devil is in the details, as they say. The detailed moulding above the walnut-coloured wall panelling and built-in bookshelf showcases some beautiful craftsmanship. The upholstered grey armchairs provide a point of difference and, along with the pictured artwork, lighten up the surrounds.
Wooden wonderland. This home office/den space boasts both wall and ceiling wood panelling. Adding pot plants can add life and texture into a den area.
Best indoor plants
Best indoor plants
Personal. Broken-in leather lounges and a poster of The Boss looking over you from the wall above – how could you go wrong? A place where a masculine aesthetic fuses with a sense of fun.
SHOW US
Do you have a den in your home? What are some of your favourite features? Tell us about it, and send us some high-resolution photos in the comments section below.
MORE IDEABOOKS
Perfect Match: What to Pair With Your Leather Furniture
Dream Spaces: Your Very Own Home Library
Why Man Caves Are a Must-Have
SHOW US
Do you have a den in your home? What are some of your favourite features? Tell us about it, and send us some high-resolution photos in the comments section below.
MORE IDEABOOKS
Perfect Match: What to Pair With Your Leather Furniture
Dream Spaces: Your Very Own Home Library
Why Man Caves Are a Must-Have