Skip the vexation of searching for your next date night spot and instead serve up delicious cocktails from the comfort of your own home. These days, rolling bar carts, awkward counter spaces, and small rooms can be reimagined into the perfect spot to add the style and function of a bar to your home.
At the minimum, you’ll need counter space, storage, glassware, liquor, and bar tools, which might look like a rolling bar cabinet in the dining room, a secondary space off the kitchen, or a fully stocked wine cellar in the basement.
While you may keep things neutral in other rooms (modern kitchens or minimalist living rooms), home bars deserve creative design. Daring backsplashes, vibrant paint colors, unique accents and overstated hardware are just a few ideas – and below are a few more!
Make it moody: Think vintage-inspired wallpaper, antique artwork, and dark-colored cabinets.
Squeeze in a bar space: Glass-paneled or open cabinetry in colors similar to the kitchen allows for visual breathing room in a small space.
Patterns: Elevate a corner bar with geometric wallpaper.
“Unexpected Red” Theory: Punchy red cabinets can turn a home bar into a focal point. glass-paneled cabinetry displays glassware and a decorative tray on the counter holds extra liquor bottles.
Dining room cabinet-turned-bar: Make sure your cocktail essentials are nearby during your next dinner party by setting up a bar cabinet or bar cart in the dining room – that way, everything’s within reach!
Make a Statement: Draw attention to the space by hanging eye-catching art, as designer Emily Winters does over these navy blue cabinets. Candlestick wall sconces on each side add another layer of sophistication.
Daring backsplashes and wallpapers: For those with neutral kitchens, let your home bar be the place for experimentation. Black-and-white backsplash tiles or bold-colored wallpapers can add instant drama to any home bar area.
Make the most of vertical space: Wood cabinetry and a marble countertop extending to the ceiling will draw guests’ eyes to the bar area. Floating wood shelves provide ample space for glassware, liquor bottles, and framed artwork.
Paint cabinets a bright blue: Skip neutral cabinets and opt for a vibrant blue instead. Neutral walls and a subway tile backsplash allow the cabinets to stand out against the rest of the interior.
Merge coffee and liquor areas: By merging your coffee and liquor bar, you can keep your favorite morning and evening beverages in one space. Coffee machines and drink shakers always stay within reach, whether you’re in the mood for a cappuccino or something a little stronger.
Mount wine racks: Rows of wine racks not only store your growing collection but double as elegant wall decor in a spacious home bar.
Multiple statement pieces: While you may typically stick to one focal point per space, a home bar is a place to let creativity run wild. Take a design risk with a striking backsplash, lighting, cabinet colors and whatever your heart desires.
For more ideas on how to dress up a home bar, visit goodhousekeeping.com.
