7 Trends in Home-Bar Design
Create a chic happy-hour hangout at home with these design ideas for feature walls, shelving, lighting and more
Becky Harris
20 February 2019
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
Designers deserve a toast: they create such spectacular home-bar set-ups these days, it’s hard to imagine that their clients ever want to venture out to the local watering hole. Whether one of your 2019 goals is to become a mixologist who understands what bitters actually do, to host wine tastings with friends or to have an organised place to shake up your favourite mocktails, here are seven great ideas to bring into your own home.
1. Accent walls
Stylish bars with walls that differ from those in the rest of the space entice guests to come on over and pour themselves a drink. The whitewashed antique-brick wall behind this home-bar nook in Charleston, USA, nods to the South Carolina city’s rich architectural history.
Tip: Keep a home-bar drawer stocked with supplies like coasters, cocktail napkins, openers and stirrers.
Stylish bars with walls that differ from those in the rest of the space entice guests to come on over and pour themselves a drink. The whitewashed antique-brick wall behind this home-bar nook in Charleston, USA, nods to the South Carolina city’s rich architectural history.
Tip: Keep a home-bar drawer stocked with supplies like coasters, cocktail napkins, openers and stirrers.
In this home in Phoenix, USA, the materials palette is neutral and minimalist – except where the home bar is concerned. Colourful tiling in a bold pattern enlivens the space and signals that it’s where the party starts.
Tip: A home bar can be integrated into a range of rooms – kitchen, hallway, dining room or living room.
Tip: A home bar can be integrated into a range of rooms – kitchen, hallway, dining room or living room.
A reflective tile adds an elegant look to this New York home-bar alcove. The silvery tones in the tiles play off the stainless steel on the wine refrigerator.
Tip: A niche or alcove has plenty of space to create a compact home bar. A bar this size can also be integrated into an existing cupboard.
Tip: A niche or alcove has plenty of space to create a compact home bar. A bar this size can also be integrated into an existing cupboard.
2. Sexy shelving
Along with the bar faucet, the eye-catching brass shelf brackets work like jewellery to accentuate this home-bar wall. Clear glass shelves keep the view to the navy-blue tiles unobstructed. The look is a sophisticated take on nautical style.
Along with the bar faucet, the eye-catching brass shelf brackets work like jewellery to accentuate this home-bar wall. Clear glass shelves keep the view to the navy-blue tiles unobstructed. The look is a sophisticated take on nautical style.
In this design, wall-hung brass shelving transforms the built-ins into a stylish home bar, adding shine to the wall.
Tip: A bar sink isn’t a home-bar requirement. Transform an existing benchtop, sideboard or built-ins into a home bar by leaving glassware, bottles and an ice bucket on display.
Tip: A bar sink isn’t a home-bar requirement. Transform an existing benchtop, sideboard or built-ins into a home bar by leaving glassware, bottles and an ice bucket on display.
3. Chunky timber accents
Reclaimed wood continues its streak as a popular material to add rustic texture to a space, and it’s getting thicker than ever. In this kitchen in Charleston, USA, the hefty open shelves draw attention to a convenient drink-serving area.
Tip: When entertaining, consider presenting wine bottles, glassware and a corkscrew on a tray. It looks stylish and protects benchtops from red-wine spills and stains.
Reclaimed wood continues its streak as a popular material to add rustic texture to a space, and it’s getting thicker than ever. In this kitchen in Charleston, USA, the hefty open shelves draw attention to a convenient drink-serving area.
Tip: When entertaining, consider presenting wine bottles, glassware and a corkscrew on a tray. It looks stylish and protects benchtops from red-wine spills and stains.
A chunky timber benchtop and end panel combine with stone on this bar in Montana, USA. Metal accents add a western touch.
4. Mood lighting
No one wants to sip an old-fashioned or a dirty martini in a brightly lit bar, so bring the dark and moody ambience from your favourite establishment home. These festive vintage-style glass pendants can be dimmed, while the downlights below the benchtop highlight its moulding with a soft glow.
No one wants to sip an old-fashioned or a dirty martini in a brightly lit bar, so bring the dark and moody ambience from your favourite establishment home. These festive vintage-style glass pendants can be dimmed, while the downlights below the benchtop highlight its moulding with a soft glow.
When paired with the right lighting, bottles can be a big design accent in a bar. In this Australian home bar by ACT-based The Dept of Design, uplighting on the shelving highlights the bottles – the variety of coloured glass and liquids inside changes things up and gives the shelves a warm glow. And it provides illumination for those using the beer taps below.
Strip lighting beneath the upper shelf in this Moscow home bar illuminates the area and highlights the striking pattern of the splashback, while maintaining the dark and sexy mood in the space.
This Texas home bar features a
backlit sliced-geode slab. The piece creates a dazzling focal point while providing soft light.
Best of the Week: 30 Home Bars From Around the Globe
backlit sliced-geode slab. The piece creates a dazzling focal point while providing soft light.
Best of the Week: 30 Home Bars From Around the Globe
5. Mirrors behind shelving
In this home bar, mirrored glass doubles the pretty look of glassware and bottles, adds depth and reflects ambient light.
Tip: Installing a home bar in an eat-in kitchen can take the area from bright breakfast room in the morning to chic lounge at night. Just remember to install overhead lights with dimmers.
In this home bar, mirrored glass doubles the pretty look of glassware and bottles, adds depth and reflects ambient light.
Tip: Installing a home bar in an eat-in kitchen can take the area from bright breakfast room in the morning to chic lounge at night. Just remember to install overhead lights with dimmers.
An antiqued mirror splashback gives a strong presence to this clever home bar built under the stairs in this dining room.
Tip: If you have children or teenagers around, being able to lock a home bar is always a good option. This built-in area has doors that conceal and secure it.
Tip: If you have children or teenagers around, being able to lock a home bar is always a good option. This built-in area has doors that conceal and secure it.
6. Standout sinks
Hammered brass adds a subtle shine and rustic-glam touch to this home bar. A matt black faucet helps it stand out even more.
Hammered brass adds a subtle shine and rustic-glam touch to this home bar. A matt black faucet helps it stand out even more.
7. Impressive wine display
Wine bottles are out of the crates and serve as decor at many home bars these days. At this home in Montana, USA, wine racks display the bottles in a way that looks like an art installation. If you’re planning your own wine display, remember to keep wine bottles stored away from direct sunlight and at the correct temperature, as the most beautiful and impressive display is not worth ruining your favourite libations.
And as always, if your guests have enjoyed a merry drink or two at your home, please insist that they stay the night or use a ride-sharing service.
Tell us
Do you have a thirst to incorporate a bar into your home? Share your tips in the Comments if you already have, save your favourite images, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Keen to include a bar area at home? Find an interior designer near you for some customised options on where you could squeeze a drinks station into your floor plan
Wine bottles are out of the crates and serve as decor at many home bars these days. At this home in Montana, USA, wine racks display the bottles in a way that looks like an art installation. If you’re planning your own wine display, remember to keep wine bottles stored away from direct sunlight and at the correct temperature, as the most beautiful and impressive display is not worth ruining your favourite libations.
And as always, if your guests have enjoyed a merry drink or two at your home, please insist that they stay the night or use a ride-sharing service.
Tell us
Do you have a thirst to incorporate a bar into your home? Share your tips in the Comments if you already have, save your favourite images, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Keen to include a bar area at home? Find an interior designer near you for some customised options on where you could squeeze a drinks station into your floor plan
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We incorporated a built-in nickel ice container fabricated to match the countertops for a clients who frequently entertain. The top recesses into the counter so that it is flush with the surface when not in use.
Love that the concept of the home bar has been revived. With drink driving laws getting stricter and stricter, home will be the only safe place to raise an elbow! For me, the bar has to have its own special vibe and should be comprised of clever storage and beautiful surfaces and lighting. It doesnt have to be massive, but space for a little fridge, a portable ice maker and a blender is essential. Shiny dramatic surfaces, whether as a backdrop or countertop will make it feel deliciously separate from everyday food prep areas. And to top it off, dont forget warm inviting mood lighting :)
I had This bar custom made for a short stay apartment, and it is all set to go with powerpoints at the ready and mood lighting setting the scene!
Accent Tiles for Bar Backsplash and More .
Thank you for this informative article. Great tips for making a beautiful Bar that stands out. Wall Stand out was the main take away and really on point. Thank you