Bar for Morning and Evening – Darien, IL

The idea was to create a beverage-centric space. Located right by the newly extended kitchen and no longer separated by a wall, this space acts as if it is part of the kitchen but is also a stand-alone place for enjoying morning coffee and evening drinks. To work, the space needed more than a bar cart or a converted buffet against the wall. Samantha designed a gorgeous beverage-specific station with counterspace and storage that is functional and classy. A coffee maker and a few ready-to-pour bottles can be out in the open while stemware, special bottles and mixology elements can be out of the way. In addition to being a great energy-up and wind-down space on either side of a typical day, the area comes in handy as a spacious drink-prep place while entertaining.

Bright Natural Wood Dry Bar

Trim Tech Designs

Your Friday celebration can start at home! ? Celebrate the weekend early with our custom bar installations.
Photo of a small single-wall home bar in Chicago with no sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, light hardwood floors and white benchtop.

Banbury + Ball

Clark + Aldine

This is an example of an eclectic single-wall wet bar in Detroit with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback and white benchtop.

A.C. Master Bath

Design REMODEL Pros

This is an example of a small midcentury single-wall wet bar in Dallas with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, black floor and white benchtop.

Wakefield Wine Bar and Fireplace

Griffin Design

Designed By: Robby Griffin Photos By: Desired Photo
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall home bar in Houston with shaker cabinets, green cabinets, wood benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, light hardwood floors, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Turquoise Single-wall Home Bar Design Ideas

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.