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.

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.

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

Emilio Collavino
Design ideas for a large contemporary galley wet bar in Miami with dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, porcelain floors, grey floor, a drop-in sink, black splashback, grey benchtop and open cabinets.

DENISE DAVIES
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall wet bar in New York with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, grey splashback, light hardwood floors, an undermount sink, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Lower level bar perfect for entertaining. The calming gray cabinetry pairs perfectly with the countertops and pendants. Meechan Architectural Photography

Michael Lee
Photo of a small transitional single-wall wet bar in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, black splashback, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, soapstone benchtops and mirror splashback.

Small mediterranean wet bar in Charleston with a drop-in sink, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback and multi-coloured benchtop.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

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.

Floating shelves and surround with LED tape lighting.
Photo of a small transitional single-wall home bar in Austin with no sink, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, medium hardwood floors and recessed-panel cabinets.

Photo- Neil Rashba
Photo of a traditional single-wall wet bar in Jacksonville with dark hardwood floors, an undermount sink, white cabinets, recessed-panel cabinets and soapstone benchtops.

Design ideas for a mid-sized beach style galley wet bar in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, porcelain floors, grey floor and white benchtop.

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.

Kitchen bar with custom cabinets, wine refrigerator, and antique mirror.
Country u-shaped home bar in Other with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, ceramic splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

This new home is the last newly constructed home within the historic Country Club neighborhood of Edina. Nestled within a charming street boasting Mediterranean and cottage styles, the client sought a synthesis of the two that would integrate within the traditional streetscape yet reflect modern day living standards and lifestyle. The footprint may be small, but the classic home features an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, and refined finishes throughout.

A black and white color pallet in a modern home bar with backlit marble wind cellar. Jared Kuzia Photography
Mid-sized contemporary wet bar in Boston with medium hardwood floors, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown floor, white benchtop, black cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback and marble splashback.

Residence 1 at Skye Palm Springs
Inspiration for a small midcentury single-wall wet bar in Orange County with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey benchtop, an undermount sink and white floor.

Fabulous home bar where we installed the koi wallpaper backsplash and painted the cabinets in a high-gloss black lacquer!
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary single-wall wet bar in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, black benchtop, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.