Living solo doesn’t mean living without style. Find contemporary and cool bachelor pad ideas and make the most of the single life

There’s a certain look that comes to mind when you hear the words bachelor pad. The phrase tends to evoke leather sofas, lounge chairs, giant entertainment centers, and a fully stocked bar. But more and more single men are proving that living solo doesn’t mean forsaking a stylish home. We’ve gathered bachelor pads from the AD archives that put a contemporary and cool twist on traditional masculine style. These modern spaces are full of chic decorating ideas to help you create the ultimate bachelor pad, whether you’re living the single life—or just want your home to look like you are.

Showcase an Art Collection

When a Manhattan bachelor purchased a piece of land on Martha’s Vineyard, he turned to architecture and design firm Ashe + Leandro to create the perfect getaway. The great room displays selections from his extensive art collection, including works by, from left, Howard Hodgkin, Sterling Ruby, Aaron Young, and Rashid Johnson; the bespoke ceiling lights were created in collaboration with the Urban Electric Co., the sofas and slipper chairs are by Christian Liaigre, and the striped pillows are by Ralph Lauren Home.

Keep the Palette Simple

No need to go too wild with pattern or color. Here, a punchy palette of red, white, and blue animates a guest room.

Add Leather Accents

There's a right way to do leather in a bachelor pad. Our recommendation? Stick to vintage pieces. Before settling down with model Behati Prinsloo, singer Adam Levine resided in a chic Hollywood Hills home decorated by Mark Haddawy and outfitted with classics by 20th-century-design icons. The living room is a well-edited haven of vintage pieces: a Dunbar sofa in Maharam mohair velvet, a Stilnovo floor lamp, a Jean Prouvé cocktail table, a Hans J. Wegner Ox chair, and a Ludwig Mies van der Rohe daybed. The pillows are covered in antique Caucasian textiles, and the carpet is 1920s Persian.

Opt for Sleek Surfaces

You can't go wrong with stone surfaces, particularly in the bath. The marble-clad master bath of Adam Levine's home features an antique claw-foot tub from Architectural Detail and a Paul McCobb table from JF Chen.

Create Space For Entertaining

Make sure you have room to have people over, whether it's to watch the game or crack open a bottle of whiskey. Designer Peter Dunham worked with film producer Steve Tisch on the redecoration of his 1932 Paul Williams house in Beverly Hills. Basquiat's Trumpet is displayed above a custom-made sofa in the living room; the cocktail tables are vintage French, and the 1940s floor lamps are by Jacques Adnet.

Dine in Style

No eating dinner over the sink or in front of the television. A well-designed dining space is a great spot to start and end the day. Armchairs by Dunham surround a trestle table from Lucca in Tisch's family room; the pendant lights were crafted by Reborn Antiques, and the striped kilim was custom made by Jamal's Rug Collection.

Add a Woodsy Air

If your dream home is a cabin in the woods, try incorporating rustic elements with a modern twist. Entrepreneur Derek Mattison called on design collective Commune to renovate his 1960s Los Angeles home. Reclaimed-oak paneling gives the double-height living room a rustic air; a dark custom-blended Benjamin Moore color on the beams and trim lends contrast. The floor lamp on the far left was custom made by Downtown, and the cocktail table is by Alma Allen for Commune. A Vladimir Kagan Contour chaise from Ralph Pucci International is upholstered in gray cashmere, and the overscale floor lamp is by Bottega Veneta; the cowhide rug is from Blackman Cruz.

Use Vintage Pieces

Midcentury pieces bring in a Mad Men vibe. Mattison's poolhouse is furnished with a vintage Arne Jacobsen Egg chair from Galerie Half and Piero Lissoni's Softwall sofa for Living Divani.

Don't Forget the Bar Cart

Always have cocktails at hand in the living room or office with a stylish bar cart. The vintage bar cart in Mattison's living room is from J.F. Chen.

Play with Geometry

Bold lines and geometric accents can energize a space. Designer Tino Zervudachi of Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi worked with local sources to restore and furnish Nat Rothschild’s bachelor pad in Rio de Janeiro. The glass-top table in the living room is from Firma Casa; the wood Whale lounge chairs are by Julia Krantz. On the wall is a piece by Brazilian artist Regina Silveira.