After months of dedicated planning, creative DIYs, and thoughtful curation, we can finally declare our industrial military office complete! This wasn’t just a simple refresh; it was a deeply personal mission to transform a neglected space into a powerful testament to service, hard work, and cherished memories. What started as an ordinary room has now blossomed into Robert’s dream masculine retreat, a true “man cave” designed specifically for him. Just three short months ago, this room looked starkly different, presenting a blank canvas yearning for character and purpose.
For quite some time, Robert has expressed a strong desire for a dedicated space—a man cave where he could proudly display the mementos accumulated during his distinguished military career. This vision sparked our ambitious plan to craft a masculine office that would serve as his personal sanctuary. It’s a place where he can reflect on his experiences, diligently work, and spend quiet moments in devotion each day. Witnessing his dedication and everything he does for our family, I’ve always wanted to create something truly special for my best friend, a space that truly resonates with his identity and achievements.
Despite the significant progress we made over the past weeks, there was one persistent element that continued to detract from the otherwise perfect transformation: an outdated light fixture. It was the final, glaring piece that needed an urgent fix to complete the ambiance of this carefully designed room. This fixture, often humorously referred to as the “boob light” by friends, had become an unwelcome staple in our home. Once you notice its rather unfortunate resemblance, it’s impossible to unsee, making it a source of mild design annoyance. And guess what? This was the absolute last one remaining in our house! We bid farewell to those ubiquitous ceiling fixtures with a resounding cheer, knowing our space was finally free of them.
The opportunity to finally replace this eyesore came from a wonderful collaboration. Del Mar Fans and Lighting generously offered to provide a light fixture for this crucial space, an offer we simply couldn’t refuse. After careful consideration, we selected the Quoizel Wilder Drum Pendant, and we couldn’t be more delighted with the choice. While it turned out to be larger than I had initially envisioned, its commanding presence makes an incredible statement, perfectly anchoring the room with its industrial charm and sophisticated design. It truly elevates the entire aesthetic, moving beyond mere illumination to become a central decorative element.
Robert genuinely took the reins in this room’s transformation, guiding most of the design decisions, especially concerning the layout, since this space was meticulously crafted for him. It brings me immense joy to see his military mementos finally unearthed from storage and proudly displayed, allowing him to appreciate and be proud of his journey every single day. The transformation has been profound; he positively beams with pride every time he steps into his newly renovated office. That unadulterated happiness is truly the greatest reward for all our efforts, making every moment of this project worthwhile.
Now, are you ready for the full grand tour? We’ve poured so much heart and soul into every detail, and we’re excited to share it all. For those keen on the specifics, all the sources for the items in this room and a detailed budget breakdown are conveniently listed at the very bottom of this post.
One of the standout DIY projects in this space is the ginormous “vintage” map. I crafted this impressive piece from a poster that I found for a fraction of the cost of an authentic vintage map, proving that high style doesn’t always require a hefty price tag. It adds a wonderful sense of exploration and history, perfectly complementing the room’s theme.
Adjacent to the map, we installed these sturdy industrial shelves, which I then had the pleasure of decorating. The beauty of these shelves lies in their content: a carefully curated collection of items that Robert already owned, treasured family heirlooms passed down through generations, or unique finds discovered at local thrift stores. This approach allowed us to create a deeply personal and meaningful display without incurring significant costs for new decor, showcasing how sentimentality and smart shopping can beautifully intertwine.
Among the most poignant displays on these shelves are Robert’s military boots, which once bore witness to the harsh terrains of the desert, now standing as a silent testament to his service. Beside them rests a small Bible, the very one he carried in his pocket overseas, offering him solace and guidance as he read its scriptures in his bunk on countless nights. These aren’t just objects; they are tangible pieces of his history, infused with profound personal significance and stories that resonate deeply within this space. They serve as constant reminders of his journey, sacrifice, and faith, turning mere decoration into a rich narrative.
To achieve a cohesive and polished look, I ended up painting or recovering most of our books. While some might consider it a touch of neat-freak tendency, I genuinely appreciate how this simple DIY unified their appearance, transforming a disparate collection into a clean, aesthetically pleasing element. Adding to the vintage charm, I found this classic typewriter at a thrift store for a mere $9 a couple of years ago, always knowing it would find its perfect home in a military-inspired office setting. Its antique appeal adds character and a sense of timelessness to the decor.
Nestled among these treasured items is my grandmother’s old suitcase, which now serves as a beautiful and practical repository for all our cherished old photographs. It’s a wonderful way to keep family memories close at hand, allowing us to simply lift the lid whenever we’re in the mood for a nostalgic journey through our past. These elegant horse-head bookends hold a special place, having once belonged to my grandfather, who bravely served in the Army during both World War II and the Korean War. They are among the few precious keepsakes I have left of him, and I believe he would have deeply appreciated their presence in an office of this style, connecting generations of service within one meaningful space.
With every corner now thoughtfully filled, this room truly feels complete. While I typically lean towards a more minimalist aesthetic in our home, this particular room stands as a delightful exception, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s not just decorated; it’s imbued with a rich tapestry of personal history, each item telling a story and contributing to the profound narrative of this unique space. It’s a vibrant, living archive of memories, achievements, and family heritage, meticulously arranged to inspire and comfort. This is more than an office; it’s a sanctuary of storied pasts.
For Robert’s desk area, I carefully selected pieces that are both functional and aligned with the room’s industrial military aesthetic. I picked up this fun desk calendar and a sturdy metal letter tray, hoping these additions would contribute significantly to keeping his workspace more organized and efficient. The desk itself, a fantastic Craigslist find that was originally from Pottery Barn, anchors the room beautifully, providing a robust and stylish foundation for his daily tasks. It’s a perfect blend of form and function, encouraging productivity while maintaining the desired aesthetic.
Transitioning to the other side of the room, the transformation is equally striking. This area once presented a chaotic scene, as you can see:
However, I infused our closet door with a touch of vintage charm, creating a welcoming focal point with a handcrafted DIY office sign. This simple yet impactful addition instantly elevated the space, giving it character and a sense of history. Robert originally had a rather plain, all-black safe in this room. To better integrate it into the industrial theme, I undertook a creative project to paint it with a sophisticated faux zinc finish. This DIY makeover completely transformed the safe from a mundane storage unit into a distinctive decorative piece, topped with carefully selected thrift store finds that further enhance its vintage appeal.
The wall adjacent to the safe once suffered from a cluttered appearance, as evidenced here:
To remedy this, we decluttered significantly by selling the old bookcases and donating items that were simply taking up unnecessary space. In their place, we created a powerful and personalized gallery wall, proudly displaying some of Robert’s military accolades. This serves not only as a visual tribute to his service but also as a focal point for the room’s narrative. Complementing these achievements, we incorporated our unique DIY yardstick flag art, a handcrafted piece that adds a patriotic and rustic touch, tying together the themes of history and personal pride. A vintage WWII relic was carefully placed on top, further enriching the historical context, while his military pack and field books were thoughtfully hung, turning functional items into meaningful decor.
The window, too, underwent a remarkable transformation. It originally appeared quite plain and uninspired, as shown here:
To give it a significant upgrade, we ingeniously recycled our existing blinds by transforming them into elegant Roman shades using olive drab burlap fabric. This DIY project not only saved money but also introduced a rich texture and military-inspired color to the window. To further enhance its presence, we framed the window using our tried-and-true Craftsman-style method, a technique we’ve successfully employed on nearly all the windows throughout our home, ensuring a cohesive and classic aesthetic. To complete the look and add warmth and texture underfoot, I introduced this beautiful olive and jute herringbone rug, which perfectly complements the industrial and military elements of the room, creating a grounded and inviting feel.
If you’re inspired to tackle your own “ceiling boob” light fixture, keep an eye out! Starting tomorrow, May 20th, Del Mar Fans and Lighting will be hosting an exciting giveaway on their Facebook page, offering free lighting fixtures. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring a touch of renewed brilliance to your own home and banish those outdated lights for good.
Here’s a detailed look at the budget and sources for everything that brought this industrial military office to life:
- Wall Color | Sherwin Williams Pediment – $0 (utilized leftover paint, a great cost-saving measure)
- Desk | Craigslist find – $180 (Originally a high-quality piece from Pottery Barn, demonstrating smart thrifting)
- Chair | Craigslist find – $65 (Another excellent second-hand score)
- Light Fixture | Del Mar Fans and Lighting | $389 (The striking Quoizel Wilder Drum Pendant)
- Shelving | Home Depot – $210 for all 3 industrial shelves (A durable and stylish base for decor)
- Herringbone Rug | World Market | $80 (A fantastic deal on sale and with a coupon, adding texture and warmth)
- Craftsman Window Trim | DIY – $60 (A classic, sturdy upgrade we completed ourselves)
- Burlap Roman Shades | DIY – $50 for both (Resourceful repurposing of old blinds with new fabric)
- Zinc Safe | DIY – $50 (Our painted safe, now a feature piece)
- Office Sign | DIY – $18 (A custom touch adding vintage appeal)
- “Pull Down” Map | DIY – $48 (A large-scale, custom vintage-inspired map)
- Wall Frames | Michaels – $40 for all 4 (Purchased during a sale and with a coupon for the gallery wall)
- Yardstick Flag Art | DIY – $50 (Our unique, handmade patriotic wall art)
- Clipboard Frame | Michaels – $10 (Another sale and coupon find for displaying military accolades)
- Vintage Tin War Loan Sign | Local Antique Shop – $12 (An authentic historical accent)
- Vintage Military Trunk | Thrift Store – $5 (A budget-friendly piece with character)
- Office Supply Organizer | DIY – Free (Created from existing materials, showcasing ingenuity)
- Artificial Plants | IKEA – $6 each (Bringing a touch of greenery without the maintenance)
- Wooden Desk Calendar | World Market – $21 (A stylish and functional desk accessory, with a coupon)
- Pencil Cup | World Market – $7 (A simple item for organization, with a coupon)
- Paper Tier Tray | World Market – $25 (For desk organization, with a coupon)
- Desk Globe | World Market – $20 (A classic touch for a worldly traveler, with a coupon)
- Typewriter | Thrift Store – $9 (A charming vintage piece for decorative appeal)
- All the rest of the decor was free since they were items we already had, truly embodying the spirit of resourceful decorating.
Grand Total: $1379. While this isn’t the cheapest room transformation we’ve ever undertaken, by a long shot, it’s remarkably reasonable considering we had to furnish and decorate this entire room from a completely empty and uninspired space. When we account for the $100 we recouped by selling the old bookcases, the net total effectively drops to a more palatable $1279, which feels like an incredible value for such a personalized and meaningful space.
So, what do you think? Does it live up to the coveted title of “man cave”? This space is, without a doubt, the most definitively masculine room in our entire house. Robert dedicates countless hours working tirelessly behind the scenes of this blog and does an immeasurable amount for our little family. I can honestly think of no better way to express my profound appreciation for him than by creating a dedicated space that is entirely his own—a sanctuary reflecting his passions, achievements, and unique style. It’s more than just an office; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the man who means so much to us.
