L’OBJET Founder Elad Yifrach On How To Design A Better Man Cave

THE IDEA OF WHAT A MAN’S HOME can look and feel like is evolving—and Elad Yifrach has had a front-row seat to that shift. “From home fragrances to library objects, and even large vases, men are beginning to add these things to their spaces,” he notes.

“Finally, the definition of a clichéd bachelor pad is beginning to evolve.” The Lisbon-based entrepreneur, founder and creative director of luxury design and fragrance house L’Objet—which recently debuted its flagship boutique in New Delhi, in collaboration with Modi Enterprises— believes the modern man is embracing ‘soft elements’ once dismissed as ‘feminine,’ and doing so with confidence.

As for Yifrach himself, he’s always had an eye for beautiful objects, gravitating towards handcrafted pieces even as a young boy. “My mother owned multiple china sets, which would be brought out on holidays or special occasions. I would be so fascinated by the crockery… even setting the dinner table gave me so much joy,” he recalls. Unsurprisingly, dinnerware—both casual and formal—forms an integral part of L’Objet’s repertoire of handcrafted, artisanal products.

Like its boutiques in New York, Paris and London, L’Objet’s India outpost celebrates craftsmanship through curated décor and fragrances. At its core is Yifrach’s pursuit of the perfect balance between heritage and modernity—shaped by his deep love for travel and design.

“To be able to produce anything, there is a wealth of experience that craftspersons bring to the table. We consciously work with older artisans who’ve mastered different styles and can fluidly create something modern,” says the former interior designer-turned-entrepreneur.

Each creation is a reverent homage to culture and craft, elevated with a touch of innovation. This tradition-meets-modernity aesthetic also defined Yifrach’s own ‘bachelor pad’ in New York over a decade ago. Though the space leaned masculine, it was equally design attuned. “I always find a harmonious connection between the old and the new. Even if the contrast is stark visually, it just flows,” he adds.

Now, with more men paying attention to their homes, Yifrach believes it’s vital they focus on creating a warm and comforting atmosphere—for themselves and their guests—before stressing over the ‘right objects’. “Lighting is a detail that’s often neglected,” he notes. “But it can be so flattering for your home.”

Smell is another ‘element’ that can uplift any environment in an instant. It’s the way to a visitor’s heart—almost subliminal in many ways. To add warmth, a fragrance that oscillates between woody and leathery, blended with floral notes, is the best bet. Yifrach shares another tip based on acute observation. He urges men to view bathrooms beyond practical purposes and not relegate the space to the sidelines.

“Men think of it as a utilitarian space, so they don’t pay much attention to it. I like mine to be organised and smell good, with fresh towels in place,” he says. “Sometimes, the kitchen is also shabby and not in order, if a man doesn’t cook,” he highlights.

Having travelled the world and getting a peek into many homes, he believes Indian men are at par with their global counterparts on décor and design. The exposure to different cultures and sensibilities has been instrumental in evolving their aesthetic, making them more informed about style and quality.

“Besides, Indian men believe in spending on quality. The focus on craftsmanship is strong, which is a great investment for the luxury market,” notes Yifrach. “It’s one thing to be able to afford something but another to understand why you are spending the money on something.”

Before wrapping up our chat, Yifrach—a self-confessed lover of personal fragrances—points at the iconic Rose Noire by L’Objet, which has a velvety mix of exotic roses, delicately contrasted by Ceylon tea. “It’s a good choice for men to break the norm,” he concludes.

Also, 3 must-haves for the Esquire man:

CENOTE VAS

Described by Yifrach as “highly masculine,” the vase is inspired by the serene, reflective pools of light and colour found in Tulum’s famous cenotes. “Legend goes that meteors fell on earth and created these giant pools. All the walls are very much like curved waves… how you see it here,” he shares.

L'Objet

TIMNA VASE

The porcelain vessel, hand sculpted and glazed, whispers secrets of its antiquity. It’s inspired by the mineral tones of the earth around the biblical copper mines in Israel's Arava desert, also called King Solomon's Mines.

L'Objet

RIPPLE FRAME

A modernist nod to the 1970s, the platinum frame comes with L’Objet’s signature leather backing. “When you are framing a photo of people you love or even yourself, it makes the space personal,” he adds.

L'Objet

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