Luxury and 'man-cave-feeling' custom bar within basement of luxury new home build
Inspiration for a large contemporary galley wet bar in Sydney with an integrated sink, marble benchtops, glass sheet splashback, terra-cotta floors, white floor and beige benchtop.

R Residence

archer design

A standard approach to kitchen design was not an option for this glamorous open-plan living area. Instead, an intricate bar sits front of house, with attractive and practical kitchen space tucked in behind.

Richmond

Assembuild

Bar unit
Contemporary single-wall wet bar in Melbourne with an undermount sink, green cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Below Buchanan

Ventures Design

Below Buchanan is a basement renovation that feels as light and welcoming as one of our outdoor living spaces. The project is full of unique details, custom woodworking, built-in storage, and gorgeous fixtures. Custom carpentry is everywhere, from the built-in storage cabinets and molding to the private booth, the bar cabinetry, and the fireplace lounge. Creating this bright, airy atmosphere was no small challenge, considering the lack of natural light and spatial restrictions. A color pallet of white opened up the space with wood, leather, and brass accents bringing warmth and balance. The finished basement features three primary spaces: the bar and lounge, a home gym, and a bathroom, as well as additional storage space. As seen in the before image, a double row of support pillars runs through the center of the space dictating the long, narrow design of the bar and lounge. Building a custom dining area with booth seating was a clever way to save space. The booth is built into the dividing wall, nestled between the support beams. The same is true for the built-in storage cabinet. It utilizes a space between the support pillars that would otherwise have been wasted. The small details are as significant as the larger ones in this design. The built-in storage and bar cabinetry are all finished with brass handle pulls, to match the light fixtures, faucets, and bar shelving. White marble counters for the bar, bathroom, and dining table bring a hint of Hollywood glamour. White brick appears in the fireplace and back bar. To keep the space feeling as lofty as possible, the exposed ceilings are painted black with segments of drop ceilings accented by a wide wood molding, a nod to the appearance of exposed beams. Every detail is thoughtfully chosen right down from the cable railing on the staircase to the wood paneling behind the booth, and wrapping the bar.

Pocketing Window System

Fenessco Doors and Windows

Photo of a mid-sized modern single-wall wet bar in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, concrete floors, grey floor and white benchtop.

Sunrise Point

Wright Design

This transitional timber frame home features a wrap-around porch designed to take advantage of its lakeside setting and mountain views. Natural stone, including river rock, granite and Tennessee field stone, is combined with wavy edge siding and a cedar shingle roof to marry the exterior of the home with it surroundings. Casually elegant interiors flow into generous outdoor living spaces that highlight natural materials and create a connection between the indoors and outdoors. Photography Credit: Rebecca Lehde, Inspiro 8 Studios

Open-plan Concept | Contemporary Living, Dining & Bathroom

Improva

This modern contemporary style dry bar area features Avant Stone Bianco Orobico - honed, benchtop and splash back with a sliding door to hide the bar when not in use.

Bli Bli Beauty

Dall Designer Homes

With its own wet bar, this family room is sure to be a hit with teenagers and visitors alike. Kitkat tiles and semi circular handles are a fun addition to this entertainers space.

Modern Victorian

Zimmer Design LLC

Glamourous dry bar with tall Lincoln marble backsplash and vintage mirror. Flanked by custom deGournay wall mural.
Photo of a large traditional galley home bar in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, mirror splashback, marble floors, beige floor and white benchtop.

Modern Organic

Jefferson Street Designs

Mid-sized scandinavian galley wet bar in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, green cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback and white benchtop.

Mid-Century Modern Highland Park West Home

Mosier Luxury Homes

Small midcentury single-wall home bar in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, brick splashback, light hardwood floors and grey benchtop.

Brighton: Renovation & Extension

First Avenue Homes

Design ideas for a large contemporary l-shaped home bar in Melbourne with black cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, concrete floors, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Lakeside New Build

Andrea Schumacher Interiors

This home bar has glass shelving and a mirrored backsplash. The blue cabinetry adds a pop of color to the area and blends with the blue painted refrigerator.

Vienna Glam Custom Home

c|s DESIGN STUDIO LLC

Photo credit Stylish Productions Tile selection by Splendor Styling
Small transitional single-wall home bar in DC Metro with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, metal splashback, light hardwood floors and white benchtop.

Summit Vista

Laura Lochrin Interiors

Photo of a transitional single-wall wet bar in San Diego with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Built-In Wet Bar

Lignum Custom Woodwork

Situated on prime waterfront slip, the Pine Tree House could float we used so much wood. This project consisted of a complete package. Built-In lacquer wall unit with custom cabinetry & LED lights, walnut floating vanities, credenzas, walnut slat wood bar with antique mirror backing.

Woodland Renovation

Deborah Leamann

This bar is part of the Family room. It has custom glass shelves, custom-designed, and fabricated stone counter. There are 2 Subzero fridges to keep beverages cold. It is wonderful to have an entertaining area.

Salrit Contemporary Shaker Kitchen & Bathroom Remodel

Thyme & Place Design LLC

This unused space provided the perfect spot for a recessed bar. Floating shelves display glass ware, liquor is stored in the base cabinet and wine bottles abound in the wine refrigerator.

Delray Noir

Nikki Levy Interiors

This 22' bar is a show piece like none other. Oversized and dramatic, it creates drama as the epicenter of the home. The hidden cabinet behind the agate acrylic panel is a true piece of art.

Modern Orlando

V Design Group

Mid-sized modern galley wet bar in Orlando with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble floors, white floor and white benchtop.

Home Bar Design Ideas with Marble Benchtops and Laminate Benchtops

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.