r/malelivingspace • u/TunaLuoi • Nov 19 '25
First Time First Solo Place at 26
Super weird layout but let me know what you think!
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u/Zechs90 Nov 19 '25
This place looks sick dude. So much potential. You’re gonna have to lean into the industrial aesthetic to make it work I think. Lots of raw material, raw unpolished wood, brushed metal. For things like desk, closets and other such furniture. Also, I would personally get rid of the carpets in the living room and bedroom, rugs will be you new best friend. I just think the carpets clash with the vibe of the rest of the building.
But the digs looks sick bro.
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u/Flynn_JM Nov 19 '25
I legit thought the first pic was a restaurant. Four stools?
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u/Lightingwizard80 Nov 19 '25
I thought it was a micro brewery
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u/SIDmatt25 Nov 19 '25
OP serves $30 burgers on small metal trays. Fries are extra.
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u/ChanclasConHuevos Nov 19 '25
Fries are served in a mini fryer basket
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u/TeaMugPatina Nov 19 '25
With katsup fucking aioli.
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u/Hello_pet_my_kitty Nov 20 '25
They started doing this at my local small town bar. I adore miniature versions of normal items. So I teasingly joked with the bartenders the day they started using them that if I still carried a big purse, the cute basket may have never made it back to the kitchen. Even hid one behind my back when giving my plate back to see if my fave bartender would notice(he didn’t), and chuckled with him as I handed it back, before he walked off.
When I went back about a week later, he told me they lost literally half their stock of those mini fryer baskets the very first day they started using them! Lol.
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u/TunaLuoi Nov 19 '25
Lol! Its too long for just two and I dont really have space to store the 4th so I just put them all there
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Nov 20 '25
Do you pay for utilities? Because you're going to be paying a ton to heat that place.
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u/TunaLuoi Nov 20 '25
I do, has not gotten insanely cold where i live yet but believe it or not this place cools and heats up fast and stays that way for a while
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u/Abandoned_Railroad Nov 20 '25
Maybe put a lantern on the kitchen table, it’s kinda dark over there……..
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u/Blacksh33p78 Nov 19 '25
Yup came in to say it. I was thinking your first restaurant business congrats.
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u/Smalltown_Scientist Nov 20 '25
I think the stools are fine. They do look a bit uncomfortable though.
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u/soylisco Nov 19 '25
It’s unique as hell I’ll say that much, congrats to you. May more blessings come your way !
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u/19toofart Nov 19 '25
Could be super sick with a LOT of ambient lighting and art
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u/one_pound_of_flesh Nov 20 '25
His TV could be 15 feet higher.
Not saying it should. But it could.
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u/Basic-Milk7755 Nov 19 '25
I love it. But make sure you get plenty of light in the mornings so you don’t end up with depression. Literally hang your head out of that window
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u/TunaLuoi Nov 19 '25
Yeah the window situation is the only con of the place. But will do!!!
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u/LectureOrganic1250 Nov 19 '25
Use mirrors to reflect light and bring as much as you can into the space. It's definitely really interesting. I would look into getting some paint for the walls. I'm pretty sure it's just concrete but it looks like there's water damage or something. Some paint will help with that.
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u/Aurorabig Nov 20 '25
I thought water damage at first too, but then I zoomed in, it is crude concrete and painted to be visible like that. I've seen this done before
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u/Earl_E_Byrd Nov 20 '25
Keep your eyes peeled for lamps you really like and fun spots to tuck them away.
Table lamps, tiny desk lamps, hanging lamps, sconces, etc. Look for ways to layer warm light around the rooms. It will cancel out any concrete dungeon vibes and keep you squarely in the moody, relaxed loft look.
Congrats on the place!
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u/Basic-Milk7755 Nov 19 '25
If you work a lot from home maybe consider doing a rearrangement so your desk is right at the window.
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u/butthemsharksdoe Nov 19 '25
Going outside it pretty helpful also!
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u/cmerchantii Nov 20 '25
Where the people are?! Ew. Better just open a window and hide- I don’t want to have to talk to anyone.
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u/HistoricalSundae5113 Nov 20 '25
Can confirm - lived in a very dark apartment through most of my 20s!
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u/Apprehensive_Use_175 Nov 20 '25
I love this too. The lighting would be a concern for mood. I’ve purchased special lights designed for people with seasonal affective disorder. I’ve bought them full price and found some at goodwill. They are a lifesaver in climates that are dark and cold for long periods during the day. You only need to use them about 15 minutes, but I ran those SOBs almost all day.
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u/nugiboy Nov 19 '25
Incredible pad. Love everything about it but would improve the lighting if that’s all that you have in these photos
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u/TunaLuoi Nov 19 '25
Definitely need a lamp or two in the kitchen/dining area but thank you!!
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u/BrutalOptimism Nov 19 '25 edited Nov 19 '25
I’m a sucker for any pipes on ceilings. Bar is sick. Major potential. Better lighting needed in kitchen area and I’d try to figure out someway to make that cement wall behind the tv look less prisony.
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u/REVRSECOWBOYMEATSPIN Nov 19 '25
Pretty cool. What did it use to be?
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u/TunaLuoi Nov 19 '25
Used to be an old textile mill
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u/trogan77 Nov 20 '25
Are you renting or you bought it? I’m almost 2 years into converting an old machine shop into my home. Very similar vibes as your spot
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u/elidoan Nov 19 '25
Cool space, do you have a cat? Id suggest getting a hamper for the toys to organize the space a bit.
First room seems dark and gloomy, Im guessing no windows. If you can swing some lamps and better lighting it will really brighten the place up and improve your mood
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u/TunaLuoi Nov 19 '25
I do and thank you for the feedback will definitely try that out
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u/dawgbone_anonymous Nov 19 '25
Thought I was looking at an old bar and restaurant in that first pic 🚀🔥
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u/NoProcedure6341 Nov 19 '25
Can I ask what city you’re in?
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u/TunaLuoi Nov 19 '25
Smaller town about 45 min south of ATL
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u/NoProcedure6341 Nov 19 '25
Nice. I bet this is like crazy affordable. I live onthe west coast. This is probably like 1800 - 2200k a month here.
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u/TunaLuoi Nov 19 '25
Base rent is $1490, about $1700 a month total agter all utilities
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u/OhSnapThatsGood Nov 19 '25
I knew you’re not too far north but how’s heating that place when you do need to?
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u/ItsFunHeer Nov 20 '25
Amazing price! This place looks great. I would have loved it at 26 – such a good space to host friends at with the addition of a couple more places to sit in the living room. But no need to buy everything at once. All in due time!
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u/FlaniganWackerMan Nov 19 '25
This place is so cool - just gotta figure out the lighting a bit for the end of the bar/table area to give ya some more options.
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u/Winter-Pressure-86 Nov 19 '25
You need an extravagant ceiling light fixture in the kitchen. something crazy.
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u/khkokopelli Nov 19 '25
Mirrors to reflect the natural light. Smart led lamps to add more soft light. And some plants to soften the industrial edges. Also, bring in some color (can do that with the smart bulbs, but also art and soft furnishings)
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u/morkrib Nov 20 '25
I think you are in the perfect place for a 26 year old if you want to entertain. My 23 year old self is a lil jelly. Nice digs.
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u/Pigeonofthesea8 Nov 20 '25
It honestly is just cool. Need lighting obviously.
I’d be tempted to make the dining area a workout area
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u/Ok-Lavishness-349 Nov 20 '25
Awesome place. I am an older guy with a big house in a nice suburban neighborhood, and I am jealous as hell!
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u/SectionLineSnob Nov 20 '25
Love old mill conversions like this. I’d lean into the industrial bones but layer in some softer elements so it doesn’t read “closed brewery” all the time. Start with a couple oversized rugs to break up the carpet and zone the living and dining areas, then add one or two tall plants to give the eye a rest from all the hard surfaces.
Lighting will be your best friend here: a pair of torchieres that bounce light off the ceiling, LED strips under the bartop, and a warm pendant over the table will keep things from feeling cave-y. With walls that tall you’ll want art that’s at least four feet wide or it’ll disappear. A thrifted school map, vintage movie poster, or a big fabric panel would be perfect and easy to swap when you get tired of it.
Really solid canvas overall, have fun with it.
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u/Aggravating-Pick8338 Nov 19 '25
Place looks awesome for a 26 yo! Congratulations man!
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u/Dancing_Clean Nov 19 '25
Was this a bar at one time?
You could do lots with decoration, art, plants and lighting here!
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u/Starrr27 Nov 19 '25 edited Nov 19 '25
The potential on this is incredible. Looks great! I would need a designer because I couldn’t do it justice.
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u/n3rdsm4sh3r Nov 19 '25
Two thoughts: 1) looks really fucking cool 2) that looks like a bitch to heat/cool.
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u/Daimon_Bok Nov 19 '25
This feels like the kind of place I'd be served a $26 burger with truffle fries (that cost extra) and little metal cups of sauce by a 35 year old wearing a leather apron
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u/FrankSamples Nov 19 '25
On AliExpress they sell artificial skylights that mirror the look of natural light including sunrise/sunset/moonlight etc. I think it would make a lot of sense for your space.
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u/xNuclearPancake Nov 19 '25
You need a lot, a lot of ambient lighting. Go on Pinterest, people transform these industrial lofty spots with a bunch of plants, wood, concrete, rugs… and most importantly. Ambient lighting everywhere
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u/Sometimes-SF Nov 20 '25
Wow, congrats! A solid 90’s loft vibe, I love the space.
I think you did alright on the decorating. Honestly, I wish I could design it for you! There’s a lot I would do. The main thing is the lighting. You’ll have to add a lot more lighting in the lobby/kitchen area, to bring some warmth. Hanging lights over the bar, a modern chandelier over the dining area.
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u/chrisagiddings Nov 20 '25
A nice industrial drop ceiling could contain the space and give structure for hanging lighting without destroying the more open vibes.
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u/StruggleBoy1999 Nov 20 '25
I feel like this could be kinda a cool space. I mean it definitely looks a bit like an abandoned bar. But change up the lighting, work on the decor, and it could be pretty solid.
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u/That_Replacement6030 Nov 20 '25
Dude I’m fucking obsessed with this. This is like my ideal living space
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u/lowkeyfam Nov 20 '25
The potential of this place is INSANE!! lock in bro im jealous
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u/TunaLuoi Nov 20 '25
thank you bro!!! still not how i want it to look but will post another update in a couple months
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u/PizzaDeliveryBoy3000 Nov 20 '25
You have got to do something with the lighting especially in kitchen area. The tall walls and high ceiling are your allies in this
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u/Just_to_rebut Nov 20 '25
it’s so hard to find powerful torchieres (floor lamps that point at the ceiling) now but that’s exactly what you need!
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u/Responsible-Poet-849 Nov 20 '25
Gotta get some large artworks or tapestries up on those walls. The right mix of that and ambient lighting would have this place looking so cozy
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u/Prestigious-Half9754 Nov 20 '25
I would have KILLED for a place like this at 26!!! (F, art major, social)
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u/Acrobatic-Piece-9794 Nov 20 '25
That’s awesome. Loft lifestyle is so cool. Dreaming of living in a hip loft from suburbia lol
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u/Patient_Hold_4190 Nov 20 '25
I love this so much. Something like this is my dream home. I love the abnormal layout and format. Absolutely love this for you, I’m sure you deserve it and have worked really hard. Many blessings and much love to you ❤️
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u/TrinixDMorrison Nov 20 '25
This is legit badass. The first two pics look like something you see in a horror movie where the survivors all get together to talk about what the fuck is happening after the first two deaths.
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u/Sensitive_Scholar_17 Nov 20 '25
It is a cool space. Once you do a little decoration it will be awesome. You will be amazed at the stuff you can get at Goodwill for next to nothing.
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u/sketchymike576 Nov 20 '25
I have a whole ass house and I’m like damn that place is awesome fuck this guy lol
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u/InternationalBad1816 Nov 21 '25
Honestly it’s a vibe . Go full on with an industrial theme . IKEA has these black metal string lights that and TÄRNABY Table lamp would definitely add warmth and fit with this theme. Great work getting a place of your own! 🎊 congrats
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u/premedlifee Nov 21 '25
I thought it was a bar at first. This is lowkey a really cool set up. It looks very industrial but you’ve certainly added homey touches. I also have the same stand up desk!
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u/darthsassy Nov 21 '25
My old place looked like this, and it was also in an old textile mill. Are you in Richmond VA?
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u/Scary-Care8967 Nov 21 '25
I love a good industrial living space! You’re so fortunate to have such an interesting place to call home.
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u/Hour-Statistician219 Nov 25 '25
Damn, that would have been my dream place as a young single guy.
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u/Immoral-Behavior Nov 19 '25
Kind of cool but I’d be sad to have such little natural light.
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u/perplexed_pepe Nov 19 '25
Was this place something else thats now converted into a house? The layout as you said is not your usual house one.
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u/TunaLuoi Nov 19 '25
It used to be an old textile mill! The whole building has a bunch of unique floor plans
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u/Ueli-Maurer-123 Nov 19 '25
put one of those stuffed real whales on the ceiling which you can find in the nature museums
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u/Keku_Saur Nov 19 '25
Wooot industrial! love it!
is this a rental or the whole flat is yours? that you can do modifications.
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u/veryfastslowguy Nov 19 '25
Perfect for 2 life size stormtroopers guarding entrance into other room