Our clients were living in a Northwood Hills home in Dallas that was built in 1968. Some updates had been done but none really to the main living areas in the front of the house. They love to entertain and do so frequently but the layout of their house wasn’t very functional. There was a galley kitchen, which was mostly shut off to the rest of the home. They were not using the formal living and dining room in front of your house, so they wanted to see how this space could be better utilized. They wanted to create a more open and updated kitchen space that fits their lifestyle. One idea was to turn part of this space into an office, utilizing the bay window with the view out of the front of the house. Storage was also a necessity, as they entertain often and need space for storing those items they use for entertaining. They would also like to incorporate a wet bar somewhere! We demoed the brick and paneling from all of the existing walls and put up drywall. The openings on either side of the fireplace and through the entryway were widened and the kitchen was completely opened up. The fireplace surround is changed to a modern Emser Esplanade Trail tile, versus the chunky rock it was previously. The ceiling was raised and leveled out and the beams were removed throughout the entire area. Beautiful Olympus quartzite countertops were installed throughout the kitchen and butler’s pantry with white Chandler cabinets and Grace 4”x12” Bianco tile backsplash. A large two level island with bar seating for guests was built to create a little separation between the kitchen and dining room. Contrasting black Chandler cabinets were used for the island, as well as for the bar area, all with the same 6” Emtek Alexander pulls. A Blanco low divide metallic gray kitchen sink was placed in the center of the island with a Kohler Bellera kitchen faucet in vibrant stainless. To finish off the look three Iconic Classic Globe Small Pendants in Antiqued Nickel pendant lights were hung above the island. Black Supreme granite countertops with a cool leathered finish were installed in the wet bar, The backsplash is Choice Fawn gloss 4x12” tile, which created a little different look than in the kitchen. A hammered copper Hayden square sink was installed in the bar, giving it that cool bar feel with the black Chandler cabinets. Off the kitchen was a laundry room and powder bath that were also updated. They wanted to have a little fun with these spaces, so the clients chose a geometric black and white Bella Mori 9x9” porcelain tile. Coordinating black and white polka dot wallpaper was installed in the laundry room and a fun floral black and white wallpaper in the powder bath. A dark bronze Metal Mirror with a shelf was installed above the porcelain pedestal sink with simple floating black shelves for storage. Their butlers pantry, the added storage space, and the overall functionality has made entertaining so much easier and keeps unwanted things out of sight, whether the guests are sitting at the island or at the wet bar! The clients absolutely love their new space and the way in which has transformed their lives and really love entertaining even more now!

Butlers Pantry features inset, shaker style, glass, two-tiered cabinetry with wine X storage, undermount bar sink and under counter refrigerator.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional single-wall wet bar in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, light hardwood floors, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Photo of a small transitional single-wall wet bar in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, light hardwood floors, beige floor and grey benchtop.

When planning this custom residence, the owners had a clear vision – to create an inviting home for their family, with plenty of opportunities to entertain, play, and relax and unwind. They asked for an interior that was approachable and rugged, with an aesthetic that would stand the test of time. Amy Carman Design was tasked with designing all of the millwork, custom cabinetry and interior architecture throughout, including a private theater, lower level bar, game room and a sport court. A materials palette of reclaimed barn wood, gray-washed oak, natural stone, black windows, handmade and vintage-inspired tile, and a mix of white and stained woodwork help set the stage for the furnishings. This down-to-earth vibe carries through to every piece of furniture, artwork, light fixture and textile in the home, creating an overall sense of warmth and authenticity.

I PLAN, LLC
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional single-wall seated home bar in Phoenix with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Marco Ricca
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional home bar in Denver with grey cabinets, brown splashback, stainless steel benchtops, ceramic splashback, ceramic floors, grey floor, grey benchtop and shaker cabinets.

A perfect nook for that coffee and tea station, or side bar when entertaining in the formal dining area, the simplicity of the side bar greats visitors as they enter from the front door. The clean, sleek lines, and organic textures give a glimpse of what is to come once one turns the corner and enters the kitchen.

Photo of a large traditional u-shaped seated home bar in Dallas with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, ceramic floors, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Design ideas for a contemporary wet bar in Grand Rapids with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, light hardwood floors and grey benchtop.

Home Bar/Rec Room
Photo of a large beach style l-shaped seated home bar in Boston with medium wood cabinets, zinc benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, light hardwood floors, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Alyssa Lee Photography
This is an example of a transitional single-wall home bar in Minneapolis with white cabinets, ceramic splashback, no sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green splashback, light hardwood floors, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Photo of a small midcentury single-wall home bar in Austin with no sink, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, light hardwood floors and grey benchtop.

Photo of a modern u-shaped seated home bar in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, porcelain floors, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic single-wall wet bar in Dallas with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and grey benchtop.

This 600-bottle plus cellar is the perfect accent to a crazy cool basement remodel. Just off the wet bar and entertaining area, it's perfect for those who love to drink wine with friends. Featuring VintageView Wall Series racks (with Floor to Ceiling Frames) in brushed nickel finish.

This remodel transformed two condos into one, overcoming access challenges. We designed the space for a seamless transition, adding function with a laundry room, powder room, bar, and entertaining space. This bar area boasts ample open and closed storage, a spacious counter with seating, and a refrigerator – ideal for seamless entertaining in a beautifully curated space. ---Project by Wiles Design Group. Their Cedar Rapids-based design studio serves the entire Midwest, including Iowa City, Dubuque, Davenport, and Waterloo, as well as North Missouri and St. Louis. For more about Wiles Design Group, see here: https://wilesdesigngroup.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://wilesdesigngroup.com/cedar-rapids-condo-remodel

Photo of a country home bar in Dallas with shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, brown splashback, ceramic splashback, vinyl floors, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Whiskey bar with remote controlled color changing lights embedded in the shelves. Cabinets have adjustable shelves and pull out drawers. Space for wine fridge and hangers for wine glasses.

A young growing family purchased a great home in Chicago’s West Bucktown, right by Logan Square. It had good bones. The basement had been redone at some point, but it was due for another refresh. It made sense to plan a mindful remodel that would acommodate life as the kids got older. “A nice place to just hang out” is what the owners told us they wanted. “You want your kids to want to be in your house. When friends are over, you want them to have a nice space to go to and enjoy.” Design Objectives: Level up the style to suit this young family Add bar area, desk, and plenty of storage Include dramatic linear fireplace Plan for new sectional Improve overall lighting THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Awkward corner fireplace creates a challenge laying out furniture No storage for kids’ toys and games Existing space was missing the wow factor – it needs some drama Update the lighting scheme Design Solutions: Remove the existing corner fireplace and dated mantle, replace with sleek linear fireplace Add tile to both fireplace wall and tv wall for interest and drama Include open shelving for storage and display Create bar area, ample storage, and desk area THE RENEWED SPACE The homeowners love their renewed basement. It’s truly a welcoming, functional space. They can enjoy it together as a family, and it also serves as a peaceful retreat for the parents once the kids are tucked in for the night.