This jewel bar is tacked into an alcove with very little space. Wood ceiling details play on the drywall soffit layouts and make the bar look like it simply belongs there. Various design decisions were made in order to make this little bar feel larger and allow to maximize storage. For example, there is no hanging pendants over the illuminated onyx front and the front of the bar was designed with horizontal slats and uplifting illuminated onyx slabs to keep the area open and airy. Storage is completely maximized in this little space and includes full height refrigerated wine storage with more wine storage directly above inside the cabinet. The mirrored backsplash and upper cabinets are tacked away and provide additional liquor storage beyond, but also reflect the are directly in front to offer illusion of more space. As you turn around the corner, there is a cabinet with a linear sink against the wall which not only has an obvious function, but was selected to double as a built in ice through for cooling your favorite drinks. And of course, you must have drawer storage at your bar for napkins, bar tool set, and other bar essentials. These drawers are cleverly incorporated into the design of the illuminated onyx cube on the right side of the bar without affecting the look of the illuminated part. Considering the footprint of about 55 SF, this is the best use of space incorporating everything you would possibly need in a bar… and it looks incredible! Photography: Craig Denis

Benedict Residence

Kami Rezai

Transitional home bar in Los Angeles with onyx benchtops and limestone floors.

Water to Water House

Demetriou Architects

Rishel Photography
Design ideas for a home bar in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, onyx benchtops, stone slab splashback and limestone floors.

Home Bar Design Ideas with Onyx Benchtops and Limestone Floors

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.