The Real Test Of Manhood? Designing Your Own Space

There are many rites of passage one has to contend with before being crowned an adult worth their salt. For some, it’s entering holy matrimony, for others it’s building a home to call their own. To build is easy, to keep it going much harder, as any wise man would say. And keeping it going warrants more than most people would think. The real rite of passage for any and every man must always be doing up their home.

Before you embark on this journey, a few basics need to be covered. We caught up with interior designer Rohit Bhoite and Apurva Sharma, cofounder, Life N Colors, to get you everything you’ve ever wanted to know.

First things first, where do you start? Sharma suggests forgetting furniture for a moment. “Ask yourself: what story am I trying to tell? That story could be rooted in mood, memory or even a colour you keep gravitating towards,” she says. This story should also call for a bit of practicality. It’s going to be a space where people live—fact and fiction have got to find a rhythm. “Visualise the layout in terms of the space’s length and flow, and consider how it will be used in the future” advises Bhoite.

Sharma advises against delegating taste. “Develop it. Pay attention to what resonates with you—not just visually, but emotionally” she says. For Bhoite, it’s about being forward-thinking. “Think about how the space will evolve with you through different stages of life—whether you’re 30, 45 or beyond. A well-designed home should grow with you.”

Once you’ve created your vision board, next up is getting your basics sorted. Sharma makes a strong case for decluttering and not following pre-set notions of design. “Start by editing ruthlessly; clutter dilutes intention. Mix materials—contrast stone or metal with velvet, jute or wood—to create texture. Let your walls speak, whether through wallpapers, art or books. Most importantly, remember that a masculine space can be moody, soft, bold or expressive. The stark, industrial monochrome aesthetic that once defined masculine spaces is now beginning to feel cold and impersonal.”

For Bhoite, it’s important to not miss out on one key tenet—comfort. “Design isn’t just about practicality—it’s also about the intangible, sensory elements that make a place feel like home. Such as the textures you touch, the scents you experience, and the overall warmth that makes a space truly inviting” he suggests.

And should a bachelor pad be something you, too, covet, think beyond Playstations and bean bags (it’s 2025). “It’s all about versatility. It’s no longer just a party zone—modern bachelors are smarter and want spaces that serve multiple purposes,” says Bhoite.

Now, the bedroom. We aren’t sure if someone (apart from you) is entering that space but if you’re ever hoping they do, ensure you’re packing more than just what you’re, well, packing. “Most men have never really experimented with colours, prints or textures—they tend to stay tone-on-tone, like a white shirt with blue pants. Women, on the other hand, are more comfortable mixing styles and trying new things. They develop a sharper sense of what suits their taste. Men, when designing their homes, should also push themselves beyond their comfort zones and play with prints, colours and fabrics to create spaces that reflect their personality” he adds.

And while we’re on colours, don’t worry—we’ve got you the right help on that. “Shades like olive green, burnt sienna, terracotta, deep navy and charcoal grey convey calm and confidence, and they pair well with natural finishes like stone, wood and metal. Another underrated palette is warm neutrals—sand, clay, taupe—which create a serene base and allow you to introduce bolder accents without overwhelming the space. It’s less about adhering to gendered colours and more about building a palette that complements your lifestyle and light conditions,” says Sharma.

To read more stories from Esquire India's September 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.