The ‘Boy Apartment’ Trend: TikTok Is Making The Bachelor Pad Cool

In the age of the internet, even the most questionable trends have the potential to reach a dizzying level of virality (just think back to the brief popularity of fridgescaping). Equally, however, things once forgotten or overlooked can suddenly, somehow, become cool – and when it comes to interior design, it seems the rather bleak idea of the bachelor pad is being redefined. Introducing TikTok’s latest obsession: the boy apartment.

What Is The ‘Boy Apartment’ Trend?

Picture a bachelor pad and you just might start to shudder. Envisioning empty beer bottles, stained sofas and a mattress on the floor? It can’t be helped; it seems we’ve all decided that a single man’s home is destined to look like it’s inhabited by a teenage boy with a penchant for takeaways and evenings spent glued to a PlayStation.

Upon reflection, though, isn’t it all a little harsh? Who says a bachelor pad can’t be (somewhat) refined? Chic, even? TikTok agrees. TikTok has faith. TikTok has decreed that a bachelor pad isn’t a bachelor pad; it’s a cool, curated ‘boy apartment’.

@mxchaelhe My windows face north so i dont get that nice evening golden hour. But i think the lamps do a pretty good job too. #apartmentdecor #lamps #antibiglight #softlighting #apartmentinspo #interiordesign #apartmenttherapy #interiordecor ♬ Garden Kisses – Giveon

While it might sound rather condescending, the concept of the boy apartment is not, in fact, negative. Where a bachelor pad is bleak, a boy apartment is full of character; the bachelor pad is messy, but the boy apartment is meticulously designed. The bachelor pad might contain only an enormous TV and an armchair found on the side of the road. The boy apartment, however, is furnished with neutral-toned sofas, houseplants, and even bookshelves (featuring actual books!).

@jerbearhome Boy apartment, when all the lamps are on even when there is still light out 🙃. #goldenhour #apartmentdecor #homedecor #ambientlighting #interiordesign #cozyvibes #homelighting #apartmenttour ♬ Garden Kisses – Giveon

Over the past few months, content creators have reached thousands of new followers by sharing apartment tours showcasing elegant decor, enviable tech and perfectly-styled coffee tables. While the ‘girl apartment’ trend has been around for a while, boy apartments are still the subject of much fascination, shedding light on the idea that men are, in fact, interested in interior design. It seems the dark days of the man cave are over and a new era is dawning…

Featured image courtesy of Neatsmith