A colorful and bold bar addition to a neutral space. The clean contemporary under cabinet lighting inlayed in the floating distressed wood shelves adds a beautiful detail. Photo Credit: Bob Fortner

Craftsman Delight

12/12 Architects & Planners

This multi-purpose space serves as the Entry from the Garage (primary access for homeowners), Mudroom, and Butler's Pantry. The full-height cabinet provides additional needed storage, as well as broom-closet and pantry space. The gorgeous blue cabinets are paired with the large slate-colored tile on the floor. The countertop is continuous through to the kitchen, through the grocery pass-through to the kitchen counter on the other side of the wall. A coat closed is included, as well.

Lower level reclaimed wood bar

Schwarz Lewis Design Group, Inc.

Tim Benson Photography
Inspiration for a small country single-wall seated home bar in Chicago with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, dark wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and black benchtop.

The Entertainer's Home

Tailored Spaces, Natalie Spiniolas

Shanna Wolf
Inspiration for a small transitional galley wet bar in Milwaukee with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Craftsman Delight

12/12 Architects & Planners

Home Bar Design Ideas with Beaded Inset Cabinets and Cement Tile Splashback

A home bar can provide a spot of indulgence for one, or be a central hub you gather round when entertaining. Whether you’re thinking of planning a wine bar, outdoor bar, or just making room for a bar cart, browse these images for inspiration, and ask yourself the following questions.

Where should you position your home bar?

The most popular location for a home bar is in or near the kitchen or dining room. If you prefer entertaining outdoors, however, an outdoor bar can be a dream addition to any Aussie backyard – and imagine the luxury of swimming up to your very own pool bar! If you're building from scratch, a landscape architect can help you work out the ideal design for your space.

What type of home bar is best suited to your needs?

Home bars come in all shapes and sizes, and with an array of practicalities. Utilise an awkward corner with a cabinet bar; maximise floor space with a trunk bar, which unfolds to create a bar counter; or conveniently turn any space in your house into a bar room with a mobile bar such as a fun bar cart. If you prefer a more grandiose option, or all the amenities of a real bar, you can’t go past a built-in home bar.

What home bar functionalities do you want to include?

Decide how you will use the bar and whether you will need sinks, storage and refrigeration. Including a sink in your home bar design is a practical addition if you choose a location far from your kitchen. If you’re a wine connoisseur, you may want to include additional wine storage, whereas a mini bar fridge within the kitchen may need no extra storage at all. Home bars that will be used infrequently – perhaps an outdoor bar in the cooler months – may not need refrigeration and could suffice with large ice buckets.

What bar furniture will you need?

Seating is essential to any home bar and will impact the style of your home bar design. Bar stools, for example, come in an array of materials and styles, from traditional wooden bar stools, to resort- and industrial-style stools. Storage is another important element, so look for a liquor cabinet and wine racks. Next, if you are creating a freestanding station, you will need a bar table, which are taller and shallower than regular dining tables. Check that your stools and table height work together before you finalise any home bar designs.

How can you personalise your bar design?

Bar tools and accessories are an easy and interchangeable way to personalise your bar design. You may want to create a wine bar, tavern-style bar or retro bar, so look for wine glasses and tumblers, for instance, that will help carry this style. Coasters, bar mats or signage will help you to further achieve your desired look.