Raise Your Glass to Home Bars in All Shapes and Sizes
When you have a personalised home bar, the party will always follow you! Here's how to get it right
Kerryn Ramsey
15 September 2014
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance lifestyle journalist and serial renovator, reporting for print and digital articles on architecture, design, travel and business.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance lifestyle journalist and serial renovator,... More
Unleash your creative prowess – and cocktail prowess – when designing a bespoke home bar. While a tiny unit can be squeezed into an empty corner, a larger-than-life bar that takes over a whole room can work as a real party starter. BYO swizzles sticks, mood music and cocktail menu. Just find a style that suits you here and go for it!
Works for: design devotees
So sophisticated, this marble splashback encased in timber adds visual impact to the built-in bar. Two wine fridges mean that a cool pinot gris is never out of reach, and another nifty idea is the in-built overhead row of glass racks. Here, glasses are easy to find when guests settle in and they don’t take up any cupboard space.
So sophisticated, this marble splashback encased in timber adds visual impact to the built-in bar. Two wine fridges mean that a cool pinot gris is never out of reach, and another nifty idea is the in-built overhead row of glass racks. Here, glasses are easy to find when guests settle in and they don’t take up any cupboard space.
Works for: beach babes
Even when the surf is far, far away, this bar shack with nautical elements evokes a Gidget-meets-Moondoggie vibe. The aquamarine feature wall works as a strong backdrop, while the much-loved surfboard provides a decorative but functional benchtop. The string of fairy lights continues the retro feel, giving the bar a sweet, nostalgic air.
Even when the surf is far, far away, this bar shack with nautical elements evokes a Gidget-meets-Moondoggie vibe. The aquamarine feature wall works as a strong backdrop, while the much-loved surfboard provides a decorative but functional benchtop. The string of fairy lights continues the retro feel, giving the bar a sweet, nostalgic air.
Works for: The Great Gatsby
This old-world residence in Melbourne knows how to merge traditional elements with contemporary touches. The dark walnut bar with shapely stools works as a centrepiece, while the shimmering circular chandeliers above create gentle illumination. One of the most quirky touches is the ornate gold-gilded frame – where liquor bottles work as a changeable artwork.
Stools: Curtis Counter Stool
This old-world residence in Melbourne knows how to merge traditional elements with contemporary touches. The dark walnut bar with shapely stools works as a centrepiece, while the shimmering circular chandeliers above create gentle illumination. One of the most quirky touches is the ornate gold-gilded frame – where liquor bottles work as a changeable artwork.
Stools: Curtis Counter Stool
Works for: dedicated daydreamers
Anyone for a pina colada, pineapple mojito or banana smoothie? With a thatched roof, rattan furniture and vintage artwork on display, the only thing missing here is Gilligan, Skipper and Ginger! There’s nothing more satisfying than converting a suburban backyard into a tropical wonderland. Why not DIY or check out a range of Bali hut companies available in Australia?
Anyone for a pina colada, pineapple mojito or banana smoothie? With a thatched roof, rattan furniture and vintage artwork on display, the only thing missing here is Gilligan, Skipper and Ginger! There’s nothing more satisfying than converting a suburban backyard into a tropical wonderland. Why not DIY or check out a range of Bali hut companies available in Australia?
Works for: apartment dwellers
A hallway cavity can often be utilised as a compact laundry or broom cupboard – but not here! This metrosexual owner squeezed a fully fitted bar into the hallway of this tiny apartment. It means that an instant party is always on hand.
A hallway cavity can often be utilised as a compact laundry or broom cupboard – but not here! This metrosexual owner squeezed a fully fitted bar into the hallway of this tiny apartment. It means that an instant party is always on hand.
Works for: country artisans
Made of reclaimed wood, this bar with a double-vaulted ceiling is a juxtaposition of rustic charm and old-world elegance. Creating an L-shaped bar encourages the conversation to flow – it means guests face each other without interrupting the busy ‘mixologist’.
Step inside this cabin
Made of reclaimed wood, this bar with a double-vaulted ceiling is a juxtaposition of rustic charm and old-world elegance. Creating an L-shaped bar encourages the conversation to flow – it means guests face each other without interrupting the busy ‘mixologist’.
Step inside this cabin
Works for: cocktail connoisseurs
Thanks to the ubiquitous wheelie suitcase, vintage luggage has become more decorative than functional. Here, the collection of drinks, cocktail shakers and other accoutrements makes the ‘suitcase bar’ a little secretive, a little hip-vintage … and a lot of fun.
Thanks to the ubiquitous wheelie suitcase, vintage luggage has become more decorative than functional. Here, the collection of drinks, cocktail shakers and other accoutrements makes the ‘suitcase bar’ a little secretive, a little hip-vintage … and a lot of fun.
Works for: party people
More than just a bar, this is like a second home! Friends and family no doubt flock here – everything from happy snaps to trophies, mirrors, vintage furniture and more gives the ramshackle space real personality. Apart from the novelty aspect, the bar itself is up to the minute with quality appliances and fittings installed minimising energy and water costs. The only cost that can’t be saved is the liquor tab!
More than just a bar, this is like a second home! Friends and family no doubt flock here – everything from happy snaps to trophies, mirrors, vintage furniture and more gives the ramshackle space real personality. Apart from the novelty aspect, the bar itself is up to the minute with quality appliances and fittings installed minimising energy and water costs. The only cost that can’t be saved is the liquor tab!
Works for: guest mixologists
An empty corner can be easily converted into a well-equipped bar – ideal for occasional cocktail nights, dinner parties or even work functions. It means that guests can help themselves without interrupting the cook in the nearby kitchen.
An empty corner can be easily converted into a well-equipped bar – ideal for occasional cocktail nights, dinner parties or even work functions. It means that guests can help themselves without interrupting the cook in the nearby kitchen.
Works for: pool parties
The famous Queensland slogan ‘Beautiful one day, perfect the next’ virtually sums up this stunning pool bar in Brisbane, designed by Interiors by Darren James. The fixtures, fittings and furniture are impeccable, but the real ‘wow’ factor has to be the bespoke waterfall with coloured lighting used as gentle illumination.
The famous Queensland slogan ‘Beautiful one day, perfect the next’ virtually sums up this stunning pool bar in Brisbane, designed by Interiors by Darren James. The fixtures, fittings and furniture are impeccable, but the real ‘wow’ factor has to be the bespoke waterfall with coloured lighting used as gentle illumination.
Works for: DIY craftspeople
Inexpensive, inventive and irresistible – these repurposed crates have been transformed into an industrial-edge bar and shelving units. These days, we keep seeing pop-up bars in cities around the world, but this funky home bar has what it takes for a fantastic personal pop-up bar. BYO stool!
Inexpensive, inventive and irresistible – these repurposed crates have been transformed into an industrial-edge bar and shelving units. These days, we keep seeing pop-up bars in cities around the world, but this funky home bar has what it takes for a fantastic personal pop-up bar. BYO stool!
Works for: wine buffs
Creating a corner bar is a great option for wine connoisseurs. A glass-fronted shelving unit is a must-have – as we all know, different types of wine require specific glasses. As a bonus, the burgundy-coloured glasses here add real impact to the floor-to-ceiling cabinet.
Creating a corner bar is a great option for wine connoisseurs. A glass-fronted shelving unit is a must-have – as we all know, different types of wine require specific glasses. As a bonus, the burgundy-coloured glasses here add real impact to the floor-to-ceiling cabinet.
Works for: lounge lizards
This outdoor lounging area in Cairns in Far North Queensland has a tropical vibe and features a utilitarian bar positioned at the back. Depending on the mood, a flip-up door can be opened for easy access to the bar, or hidden away when guests refuse to leave!
SHOW US
We’d love to see your home bar photos in the comments section.
MORE
Why Man Caves Are a Must-Have
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This outdoor lounging area in Cairns in Far North Queensland has a tropical vibe and features a utilitarian bar positioned at the back. Depending on the mood, a flip-up door can be opened for easy access to the bar, or hidden away when guests refuse to leave!
SHOW US
We’d love to see your home bar photos in the comments section.
MORE
Why Man Caves Are a Must-Have
5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Indoor-Outdoor Entertaining Area
Inside Out: 20 Outdoor Entertaining Zones to Inspire You
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loving the different designs but 'works for: pool parties' does it for me... genius