Using Wilt Chamberlain’s Bachelor Pad as Décor Inspiration
Posted by Bogdan on November 15, 2009 | No Comments
For a bachelor who famously notoriously claimed to have bedded 20,000 women, Wilt Chamberlain certainly didn’t hold back in extravagance when it came to building his infamous bachelor pad. Although most people could do without many of the out-of-the box features in his home, renters or homeowners can still use Chamberlain’s former home as inspiration for their own décor on a much smaller level.
Bringing the Outdoors In
Chamberlain’s former house featured floor to ceiling windows with both city and ocean views and a wrap-around, moat-style pool that was accessible from the living room floor. Because of the large windows, those lounging in the living room can still enjoy the outdoor beauty. You may not be lucky enough to have such fabulous views. For instance, the views may not be the best in your apartment, even if you are living in Mountain View apartments, but you can still enhance your space by finding ways to bring natural elements inside your home while still maintaining a modern décor. For instance, you can fill a tall cylinder glass vase with beautiful pebble rocks and place it on a countertop or floor in the living room. If you like the tranquility of flowing water, you may not be able to build a pool or fountain to wrap around your living room, but you can incorporate an ultra sleek wall fountain or even a tabletop fountain. A few plants inside stylish vases incorporated into the décor bring in a fresh feeling. And although Chamberlain installed a mirrored ceiling in the master bedroom that retracted to reveal the open sky, incorporating skylights in your home when possible brings in more natural light and a sense of nature coming in. The key is balancing out your contemporary electronics and furnishings with items made with natural touches and materials.
Enhance the Architectural Details
The distinctive triangular shape and architecture of the Chamberlain pad was a sight all in itself, and was definitely one of a kind. The home featured 200 tons of stonework and massive redwood beams throughout with 50 foot ceilings. You may not have a space that features a lot of stunning architecture; there are still little details you can incorporate into your space that can help it feel more personalized. For instance, crown molding can be an inexpensive option. There are even polyurethane crown moldings available that won’t mildew but look like plaster or wood. Different lighting options such as striking pendant lamps or floor lamps can elevate a space to a sophisticated level. Something as simple as changing the pulls and knobs on your kitchen cabinets and doors can change the entire style of a space to suit your liking. Add attractive shelves to a special area to highlight special keepsakes, photos or art.
Made for Entertaining
Chamberlain was famous for entertaining guests and holding parties in his 8000 square foot bachelor pad. With a Cleopatra-inspired bathtub at the end of his bed, it’s fair to say that all areas of his bachelor pad were meant for entertaining. Whether or not you plan on holding the types of parties and company that Chamberlain had, you can still enhance your space so that it is much more suitable for accompanying guests. Open floor layouts are best for entertaining. If you hold many dinner parties and do your own cooking, having a kitchen that opens out into the living rooms makes it easier to be with your guests while you put the finishing touches on the dishes. Keep furniture uncluttered and make sure there are enough pathways for your guests to navigate. Keep clutter and house or work related items organized and in their own compartments, away from view of your guests.
