The Rise of the She-Cave

By Balance Member Contribution

Sisters are doing it for themselves ladies. While men carve out their testosterone laden man caves of sound, screens and cables, women are sneaking in their own private retreat right under everyone’s noses.

Her quest: To seek and acquire territory for her She Cave. Once found, she’ll stake it out and claim it as hers. Never again will a Y chromosome cast a shadow over the threshold of her She Cave, AKA, her dressing room.

There’s a little bit of magic in a dressing room. It has disappearing powers. She disappears into it while other family members disappear from it.

When a man dares to hurry a woman while she’s getting dressed, does it end well for him? He learnt long ago, that when a woman is considering her outfit, the further away he is the better. And the kids? … Not that interested in being with Mum when she’s getting changed. Perfect!

The souped up walk in wardrobe has evolved into the dressing room sanctuary. The only place that is entirely her own. The fantasy décor of inside I dream of Jeannie’s bottle, of pink and purple glitter velvet cushions and ottomans will not be out of place here. Whatever your flavour of whimsy, this is the place for it.

Staking it out – How are She Cavers Finding the Space?

They either:
1) Plan it as part of new build or renovation
Or
2) Re-purpose rooms no longer needed- bedrooms and basements for example.

But what about re-sale implications of converting a bedroom?

Re-sale is not the concern of a woman who has staked her claim on the space. She knows her mind and has determined her needs.

Being organised every day in the present, is far more valuable to her than the possibility of a sale price in the future.

Having said that, they nearly always expect to be in the home for 5-10 years.

Is this really a thing?

Yes, many of our clients are She Cavers.

Who’s doing it?

She Cavers are equally represented from regular suburban residences to luxury homes. She’s just as likely to be a down to earth empty nester, a corporate executive or a young newlywed in a modest home.

Source: Clever Closet Company

Fun Fact: Female accountants are overly represented in this group of busy women who love order.

What’s in a She Cave?

Decorative Mirrors
Feature Lighting
Dressing Tables

Source: Janet Stevenson, Closets and Cabinetry by Closet City

Travel Accessories and Packing Benches
Laundry Hampers
Rugs
Mannequins
Ottomans
Valet Hooks

Islands are very popular with Jewellery and Lighting

Source: Denise Butchko – Butchko and Company

Hand bag and shoe display

Source: Denise Butchko – Butchko and Company

A special place for individual treasures and photos

Source: Joyce Hardison – Native Oak, Ventura California

What do She Caves Cost?
Average around $20,000
Luxury $30,000 – $100,000

Source: Clever Closet Company

A few quotes from some of our She Cavers …

“When my husband can’t find me, he now says’ –Oh I know where she is, she will be in her dressing room” – Lesley

“It’s taken me months to stop saying to my walk in wardrobe with dramatic flourish of the hand, be still my aching heart” – Jann

“My girlfriends all love coming over and hanging out in my dressing room. We’re going to build another home with an even larger one” – Ossay