Butler Pantry Bar
This is an example of a traditional single-wall home bar in Chicago with no sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, metal splashback, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Menlo Circle - Rustic

Kitchens by Good Guys

Before, the kitchen was clustered into one corner and wasted a lot of space. We re-arranged everything to create this more linear layout, creating significantly more storage and a much more functional layout. We removed all the travertine flooring throughout the entrance and in the kitchen and installed new porcelain tile flooring that matched the new color palette. As artists themselves, our clients brought in very creative, hand selected pieces and incorporated their love for flying by adding airplane elements into the design that you see throguhout. For the cabinetry, they selected an espresso color for the perimeter that goes all the way to the 10' high ceilings along with marble quartz countertops. We incorporated lift up appliance garage systems, utensil pull outs, roll out shelving and pull out trash for ease of use and organization. The 12' island has grey painted cabinetry with tons of storage, seating and tying back in the espresso cabinetry with the legs and decorative island end cap along with "chicken feeder" pendants they created. The range wall is the biggest focal point with the accent tile our clients found that is meant to duplicate the look of vintage metal pressed ceilings, along with a gorgeous Italian range, pot filler and fun blue accent tile. When re-arranging the kitchen and removing walls, we added a custom stained French door that allows them to close off the other living areas on that side of the house. There was this unused space in that corner, that now became a fun coffee bar station with stained turquoise cabinetry, butcher block counter for added warmth and the fun accent tile backsplash our clients found. We white-washed the fireplace to have it blend more in with the new color palette and our clients re-incorporated their wood feature wall that was in a previous home and each piece was hand selected. Everything came together in such a fun, creative way that really shows their personality and character.

2018 CotY Award Winners

NARI of Minnesota

Basement Over $100,000 (John Kraemer and Sons)
Traditional single-wall seated home bar in Minneapolis with dark hardwood floors, brown floor, an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets and metal splashback.

Avington

Visbeen Architects

Design ideas for a large transitional u-shaped wet bar in Grand Rapids with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, metal splashback, porcelain floors, beige floor and black benchtop.

Turquoise Home Bar Design Ideas with Metal 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.