Fab Pad

Top to bottom: The newly fab bachelor pad is fully outfitted in stools from CB2, an Eames chair and couch from Area 51 and easily replaced FLOR carpet tiles. The bare bones before view shows two camping chairs outside and no furniture on the inside.

Furniture-light and design-limited, John Felkins was in dire need of direction after buying his new Fremont condo, but he was also budget-minded.

Enter Martina and Steve Clymer of Seattle’s Design Stage (206.829.9049; design-stage.com) and their unique design coaching service. The hourly rate is the same ($75) as for their traditional interior design clients, but fewer hours are tallied (typically, 10 to 25) because coached clients have fewer in-person consultations and do the shopping. “It’s almost like DIY design,” jokes Martina. Although her first meeting with Felkins was spent sitting on the floor using cardboard boxes as a coffee table, what he wanted was a hip bachelor pad with multi-functioning pieces suited to his and his two roommates entertaining lifestyle.

Design Stage, which also does home staging, put together a design packet crammed with expert tips on specific furniture pieces and measurements, retailers, plants to buy and even where to place them. Within three weeks, Felkins had ordered all the right pieces and pulled together his perfect pad. Key pieces include a Carter sofa ($2,999) and vintage Eames chair and ottoman from Area 51 (Capitol Hill, 401 E Pine St.; 206.568.4782; area51seattle.com) and chic click-and-fit FLOR carpet tiles ($11.99 each). The latter also have proven practical during his new puppy Bruno’s potty training.

Even bachelor pads aren’t free of domestic drama.