Now, I feel that it’s really in most young (and old!) men’s dreams to have a really, super swank den/library/sanctuary type of room in their homes. So, I decided it would be a whole lot of fun to imagine a bit- I’m quite far off from such a project! And so, allowing my mind to roam about with unlimited funds, and fun! I’m browsing the internet to find how I’d set up this room. Go forth and read on..
1. I love cigars. I love tobacco! I don’t drink alcohol, so, I guess that’s my one vice, unless I take up crack smoking, guns, or smut. So, the first thing for me to do, would be to move my 4 large “coolerdors” (Read: Cheap cigar storage) with several hundred well-aged premium cigars to something nicer. I’d want something upright, and able to display the often beautiful art in cigar boxes and bands. This would do the job nicely. Great display piece, and includes an electronic humidifier- I use one in my ‘real’ humidor and have never been let down- Sure, it was pricey, but considering that just one of the cigars in the box of 75 is worth half of that, I considered it to be a good investment. So, Upright humidor, Check! I also own the best cigar ashtray, in my opinion: The Stinky Ashtray. Of course, with all this smoke, You’re going to need something to keep things nice, and prevent smoke damage. I like this one, just on form factor & finish: Csonka Super Smoker Cloaker. Also, it would be prudent to run ozone, too. But, Lucky me, good at electronics, can build the perfect one to conceal in the right place. Also, a good table lighter would be excellent. I have antique ones, but let’s dream a little, no? This one, in any thing but black or chrome, really appeals to my steampunky kind of tastes.
2. Furniture. This is rather tough! It would be nice to have a futon for guests and laying out, but it would damage the overall antique aesthetic I’m wanting. So, perhaps a nicely done black leather sofa? Room for two to cuddle on, indeed, and leather would not hold in stale cigar odor as much, and it’s a breeze to clean. I’d also like a particular few tables: Something like this would do great for holding the small collection of Roman antiquities & coins, silver rounds and art bars, and other small, precious items (family things, you know what I mean) that I’ve collected over the years, and do hope to add to! My current display, a bell jar with a custom made metal platform, will hopefully need to be upgraded! Add to that a good coffee table, too. I would also like to set a large hunk of glass on top, to keep it clean and nice.
3. Chess. It’s no secret that I love Chess. I play, I study it, and have an average of three games going at once. (Want to play? Contact me!) Another dream is to have an heirloom quality chess set in my ‘dream den’. Something I can pass along to the younger generations, and prize. And, as a side thought, It would be nice to have a table of sorts, that I could stack multiple chess sets on, and simply slide out the one I wish to address. Anyhow, I find this one to be very striking- My favorite color of blue! It might not fit into the overall decor, but I think a little slip is okay. Of course, I could also give in to my adoration of Doctor Who and go for this bad boy.. ultra rare, and 4,500 in US dollars. And there’s a wooden TARDIS! But, that would be something more for me, and I could easily see it not lasting as an heirloom long after my passing! Crazy Uncle/Father Christopher and his Doctor Who obsession.
4. Art: I feel I’ve got this pretty well covered already. Not that there aren’t people I’d love to have pieces from, But that all comes in time. I shy away from sculpture, but I feel the right one will find me. But for painting, I’d like one of Auburn Lahoski’s new works. I went to high school with her, and have seen her work just get better and better. I do hope she gets an online portfolio going, but I assume she’s busy. Other than that, check my links for other wonderful art.
5. Entertainment. Oh, bookshelves! Several will be needed! I would like to drive back to my hometown (more than 1000, less than 2000 miles) and retrieve the books and records that I have in storage. There’s a lot, and Lori has a lot, so it’s a big undertaking 
But, A nice record player, with a good tube preamp would be great, with it going into the requisite sweet television and surround sound. Also, A Victrola would be an excellent addition- Unless, of course, I got a record player that could play those great old 78’s. I had one very similar demonstrated to me yesterday, and I was amazed.. the aesthetics, the totally analog approach, all of it- It was really an ingenious thing.
6. Finally, we have FOOD. I have an antique gumball machine I’ve restored, which would be nice, but I would be more inclined to fill it with seashells or marbles, because I simply can’t eat that much candy before it spoils! Or, I could fill it with cigar bands- not a bad idea. But, it would still be nice to have a small fridge, for a copious supply of Virgil’s and ginger beer. A sweet little popcorn machine would be a nice addition, But I think the espresso machine belongs in kitchen.
Wow.. now it just all seems excessive!