Men may not spend as much time in the bathroom as women, but they do enjoy having a place of their own to relax and get clean. So here are some tips to help you create your own bathroom cave. From vintage industrial light fixtures to dark and luxurious finishes, by incorporating dark hues, wood finishes, mixed metal accents, subway tiles, and vintage accessories, you can claim and conquer this space.

Bring it Back in Style!

The retro look is back and this means incorporating classic fixtures including clawfoot tubs, retro accents or antiques that add a sense of history to the room. Inject a rich and layered look to the room with vintage sconces, leather, and antique mirrors. Don’t skimp on the small details, like vanity hardware or vintage shaving accessories. If you do it properly, you should feel like you are walking into a different era when you walk into the room.

Timber!

There is something about the smell of real wood in the morning that makes a man come alive. We know that raw wood paneling and rustic, unpainted planks are not common finishes for a bath, but the unexpected dash of texture and roughness will make you feel like a real man. Wood adds a warmth and character to any room and will say things to the world that about who you are inside and out.

Take the A Train!

Every real man loves the subway and subway tiles. Traditional and classic subway tiles are perfect in masculine baths. These days they come in the traditional white and nearly every color in glossy or flat finish. Your choice of grout color can dramatically change the look too. Try a contrast of tile and grout colors or keep it simple with a coordinating colors to emphasize the variety of textures.

Color Your World!

There is no real substitute for the clean and sure feeling that comes with a bright white bathroom. But real men are drawn to color, character and rugged style. Colors create calm and help to reduce stress. So feel free to opt for dark, saturated hues that move your space from spa territory and into men’s-club-lounge land. Whether using dark marble on your counters or painting the walls a high-gloss rich green, use of moody, saturated colors sets the tone for the entire room.

Heavy Metal Anyone!

If you are a heavy metal lover, here is the chance to let your rocker side out. Incorporate elements of bronze, iron, and brass, and you will immediately infuse the space with a raw industrial quality that is 100% masculine. Aged steel vanities, iron lighting, and plain brass plumbing fixtures blend and create a tough rugged look. Be careful not to go overboard or you may feel like you are in a machine shop. Try and strike a balance between Pantera and The Rolling Stones.

These choices allow men to put their own touches on a part of the house that is too often thought of as the woman’s domain. Men, take the reins and prove that even in the bathroom, it’s a man’s world.