From home theaters to gaming dens to golf simulators, Destiny Homes has seen it all when it comes to designing man caves. Be it a place to play poker, a shrine to his favorite football team, or simply a bar stocked with whiskey, “The first step is listening to the customer,” says Richard Harsdorf, president and owner of Destiny Homes.
Some aspects of man caves remain consistent: dark, moody color palettes set the stage for billiard or poker tables, and a bar or mini kitchen is almost always part of the plan. Richard often hears customers reference sleek, cinematic-style armories or display walls from the John Wick movies as inspiration.
“It’s all about how the customer is going to use the space,” Richard explains. From the start, Destiny’s designers collaborate closely with homeowners to explore possibilities and how each idea fits into the space.
Mood boards are a valuable tool in this stage of design. They help visualize the vibe early on, followed by concept drawings that show what the finished space could look like. Cabinetry and selections come next, all tailored to the intended use of the room.
Finalizing the design can take time, but the focus is always on moving “as fast as they want to,” whether or not that means taking time to review other options, adjusting the budget, or simply completing the project as quickly as possible.
“Budgeting is a major part of this,” says Richard. Destiny Homes works within the customer’s parameters to prioritize key features and ensure every dollar goes toward what matters most.
Keeping the design pointed toward the specifics of what the man cave will be used for is a guiding light for the design team. Finding the right comfortable couches to game on, the proper lighting and frames for hung jerseys or displayed helmets, or the right old-timey popcorn machine for the home theater is key to building a space. The details from heated floors to open cabinetry designed to better display bottles matter — “That tailoring is important,” says Richard.
While the most common type of man cave is a venue to watch sports, complete with team paraphernalia, a bar, and plenty of places to sit, spaces built specifically for gaming are quickly “catching up,” says Richard. While these types of man caves are both centered around a big TV, the details, from the type of speakers to the type of couches, can change a lot.
Other examples of man caves range from the classic, like poker and billiards tables, to home theaters, golf simulators, board game dens, and even private bowling alleys.
“Every customer is different,” says Richard. Especially when it comes to man caves. However, getting to the heart of the space usually isn’t an issue. “Guys are more than happy to talk about what they’re into.”
That “very, very customer-focused” approach can be seen in many of the final touches for projects. One example Richard shares is the technology rack for home theaters. While that rack can be hidden within cabinets or concealed in the room, some homeowners “want to display it. They’re proud of it,” says Richard. Ensuring that these types of details line up with customers’ wants is central to Destiny’s approach.
Destiny Homes’ previous experience building specific requests, like indoor golf simulators, can provide invaluable insight into the design. Specifically for those golfing simulators, a 10-foot ceiling is a must. Customers often ask Richard if they can get away with 8-foot ceilings, thinking those two extra feet don’t make a difference. They do.
“You’re gonna wack your ceiling,” is Richard’s usual response. Experience with these types of amenities can avoid a lot of issues down the line.
For Destiny Homes, building a man cave isn’t just about the walls and finishes. It’s about creating a personalized retreat — whether that means watching the game, playing retro video games, or sinking putts on a virtual green. The result is a space that reflects his passion and feels like home.
Ready to turn your man cave fantasy into real floor plans? Learn more at https://destiny-homes.com/