Bachelor Pad Ideas on a Budget

For that high-end touch, it's important that window treatments are also lined. Lining helps the drapery panels hang properly and ensures clean, tailored folds from top to bottom. In spaces that receive an abundance of sunlight but are meant for rest and relaxation, blackout liner is an excellent choice. Nearly 100% of the light can be blocked out when draperies are drawn closed. To budget for window treatments appropriately, keep in mind that an average 8-foot tall by 4- foot wide window requires seven yards of fabric to create two single drapery panels. When budgets are tight, designers often choose basic, cost-saving fabrics such as cotton duck — which averages between $8 and $12 per yard — and invest in professional fabrication. Expert tailoring instantly gives it the window treatments a more polished, custom-made look.

Tailored upholstery details are excellent ways to bring high-end touches of sophistication and elegance to a man's space. Sofas with simple button tufts, commonly referred to in pop culture as "Mad Men Style," have been en vogue since the 1960s and continue to keep from going out of style. Streamlined upholstery on chairs with sleek lines can take on new appearances depending on how they're accessorized. Should a lady friend enter the picture, these types of pieces can become more female-friendly with the introduction of botanical prints on throw pillows or blankets. 

Sticking with solids on staple furniture pieces is also economical, since the pieces can instantly take on new looks with patterned throws and blankets. Nail head detail can be used to dress up an otherwise subtle, solid piece or bring a rock-and-roll edge to more traditional-style furniture. An excellent way to give basic, budget-friendly chairs or barstools a high-end update is to attach nail head details along the edges with a mallet, or drop them off at a local upholstery shop and have it done professionally. 

For bachelors unsure of their particular design style, transitional interiors are often great middle ground between traditional and modern. If the look and feel of modern comes across as too cold or sparse, and all things traditional seem too stuffy or expected, transitional style is ideal. By marrying the best of both styles, transitional design creates something classic, clean and updated. To successfully pull off transitional decor, it all comes down to mixing. If a living room sofa is sleek and modern, consider pairing it with a classic, traditional-style coffee table. Throw in rustic accents with end tables and modern art and suddenly the entire space will come together as timeless, but with a streamlined, warm and personal edge.

A fantastic example of a high-end bachelor pad done on a tight budget is the Midtown Atlanta home of sales executive Chris Staub. The 1500-square-foot 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo sits on the 17th floor of a modern high-rise. It sports a balance of high and low price points in every room and was completed in five weeks. As Chris' place goes to show, when done right, a bachelor pad can be a marvelous thing.