A thoroughly modern man

Long gone are the days of velvet curtains, dark silk sheets and black leather sofas, writes ALANNA GALLAGHER– welcome to the new bachelor pad

FROM THE SEATTLE skyline that frames Frasier Crane’s urban abode to the retro décor of Don Draper’s office, the bachelor pad has been wowing men and seducing women for decades.

But there is a new aesthetic finding favour. At home, bachelors now display their plumage through well-considered choices in furniture, technology and art.

Modern men are saying goodbye to dark leather, Eames recliners and Eileen Gray side tables – the bachelor-pad cliches of yore. Instead of saying urban and hip, they highlight the fact that, in terms of style, you are a mere follower – a sheep, rather than a wolf.

Photographer Robert Granoff has snapped some of New York’s most inspiring homes. “Today’s bachelor pad is a perfect balance between high design and advanced technology,” he says. “Floating magnetic beds and hydraulic hide-away flat screens are softened with plush textures and accents of bold colors.”

A trend in Manhattan among the well-to-do male is the firehouse conversion, says Granoff. “Bachelors who can afford to buy and renovate them can truly have a private life. Most New Yorkers live in small boxes with doormen and curious neighbours.”

Privacy comes at a premium. One conversion he photographed still had its fireman’s pole in situ. “I’m not sure if it was used for sliding or dancing,” he says. “Maybe both.”

It may work in upscale New York, but does the idea translate across the pond? Simon O’Driscoll, one half of furniture-making firm O’Driscoll Design, believes so. “Modular furniture is still in vogue but it is now more colourful and luxurious. Scatter cushions, for example, now adorn the sofa.” Scatter cushions? Ian Fleming is surely turning in his grave.

What should replace the overused Eames recliner? Helen Kilmartin of Minima suggests the John John sofa by Poltrona Frau. It uses the same leather as featured in Ferrari cars – and costs about the same as a supermini.

So what else should your pad contain? The allure of the big-screen TV springs eternal, says Alan Cloney of Blackrock-based Cloney Audio. “No man will choose to watch movies on his laptop if he can hang a 40-inch, high definition TV as a status symbol.”

Your home also needs discreet surround sound. Cloney suggests Bowers and Wilkens, which offers a surround-sound package of five speakers and one subwoofer for about €2,000.

Unlike Manhattan’s wealthy bachelors – who can enjoy complete privacy in their firehouses – in real life, headphones such as those by Beats by Dr Dre or Monster are recommended if you want to stay on good terms with your neighbours, Cloney says.

Vinyl turntables have become a style statement of male singledom.“Vinyl is a better medium for audio playback. There is also the ritual of taking the record out and putting it on. It is more meaningful than pressing a button on your phone,” he says.

As well as home entertainment, a bar of some sort is a must, says Jonathan Legge, creative director of online interiors shop Makers Brothers ( makersandbrothers.com), who also works on a freelance basis for London-based Studio Ilse *( studioilse.com).

Roche Bobois’ Ublo Bar is one option. It’s chic and simple and costs €4,423. Matching stools are €1,197 each. Legge, however, prefers the idea of a tray or trolly. He has a bottle of Kilbeggan whiskey on his, which he serves in Jerpoint whiskey tumblers.

An automated system that controls light, heat, cctv, home cinema and music in every room is on bachelor and audiophile Micheal O’Neill’s Christmas list. It costs from €13,000 at Cloney Audio.

What should this modern man’s bedroom look like? A round bed with satin sheets and a mirrored ceiling is distinctly naff. Kilmartin recommends a grey Charles bed by BB Italia.

Mood lighting is also essential. Get it wrong and it’s an instant passion killer. Wink Lighting can create a bespoke system that will impress.

And what of the hackneyed bachelor pad kitchen that is never used? It doesn’t exist, says chef, Barry Stevens. The first thing he installed in his home was a Falcon range.

“It is the love of my life,” he says. “I use it all the time.” Is food the way to a woman’s heart? “It depends on the girl, but it’s definitely a bonus. There’s nothing nicer than cooking a nice meal and sitting down afterwards to a good movie.”

What does he suggest for a first-date dinner? “Something simple like potted shrimp followed by a good spaghetti Bolognese, a great bottle of wine and cheese to finish.” What movie does he recommend for afters? “Jaws. It offers lots of opportunities to get up close and personal.”

* This article was edited on Monday, August 27th, 2012 to correct an error.