Photography by Michael J. Lee
Photo of a mid-sized transitional wine cellar in Boston with storage racks and blue floor.

Scenic View Residence

Marion Interior Design

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary wine cellar in Austin with diamond bins and blue floor.

Seattle Custom Home 1

Shuler Architecture

Completed in 2019, this is a home we completed for client who initially engaged us to remodeled their 100 year old classic craftsman bungalow on Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill. During our initial conversation, it became readily apparent that their program was much larger than a remodel could accomplish and the conversation quickly turned toward the design of a new structure that could accommodate a growing family, a live-in Nanny, a variety of entertainment options and an enclosed garage – all squeezed onto a compact urban corner lot. Project entitlement took almost a year as the house size dictated that we take advantage of several exceptions in Seattle’s complex zoning code. After several meetings with city planning officials, we finally prevailed in our arguments and ultimately designed a 4 story, 3800 sf house on a 2700 sf lot. The finished product is light and airy with a large, open plan and exposed beams on the main level, 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 powder rooms, 2 fireplaces, 4 climate zones, a huge basement with a home theatre, guest suite, climbing gym, and an underground tavern/wine cellar/man cave. The kitchen has a large island, a walk-in pantry, a small breakfast area and access to a large deck. All of this program is capped by a rooftop deck with expansive views of Seattle’s urban landscape and Lake Union. Unfortunately for our clients, a job relocation to Southern California forced a sale of their dream home a little more than a year after they settled in after a year project. The good news is that in Seattle’s tight housing market, in less than a week they received several full price offers with escalator clauses which allowed them to turn a nice profit on the deal.

Lake Norman Remodel

Chic By Design, LLC

This was previously unfinished space. It was plumbed perhaps for a shower room but our client preferred to have wine storage. Custom storage was built in a beautiful wood finish which also clad the walls. A gold paint finish was applied to the ceiling, and a tasting table added with fun original artwork above. The concrete floor continues into this room (not as blue as the image portrays).

Scenic View Residence

Marion Interior Design

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary wine cellar in Austin with diamond bins and blue floor.

Scenic View Residence

Marion Interior Design

Design ideas for an expansive contemporary wine cellar in Austin with diamond bins and blue floor.

Scenic View Residence

Marion Interior Design

Photo of an expansive contemporary wine cellar in Austin with diamond bins and blue floor.

Scenic View Residence

Marion Interior Design

Expansive contemporary wine cellar in Austin with diamond bins and blue floor.

Wine Cellar Design Ideas with Blue Floor

When you’re an avid wine collector, wine racks don’t always cut it. A wine cellar, on the other hand, can provide ample wine storage within a controlled temperature, and a place to entertain friends. Just add seating and a tasting area to take yours to the next level. You don’t need 500 bottles or more to reap the benefits of a wine cellar, either. A small wine cooler can keep 20-odd bottles chilled to perfection and can sit within your kitchen, whereas a freestanding all-glass wine cellar could act as a feature or functional room divider in your home. Short on space? Transform an entire wall into wine storage, and showcase your collection, too. Browse the photos on Houzz for an array or wine cellar designs, and strike up a conversation with the architect or wine cellar specialist of your favourite picks. For more wine cellar ideas, check out the Stories section on Houzz.

What should I include in my wine cellar?

This depends on the size of your collection – or how big you hope it becomes. If you enjoy quaffing, you may want to invest in a walk-in cooler with wall-mounted wine racks and several tall wine fridges, as well as a tasting area with bar stools. If you’re a beginner or have a small collection, a home bar with mini fridge and wine rack will suffice. Essential bar accessories include wine glasses, corkscrews, carafes and aerators.

How should I store my wine?

Temperature control is at the core of a functional wine cellar. Your bottles need to be kept out of direct sunlight, and away from the heat and steam of kitchen appliances. A room that is too warm will make your wine age faster, oxidise and lose its character and flavour. If bottles are corked, they also need to be laid down. Your architect or designer will be able to help you create the ideal conditions for your home collection.

Where should I position my wine cooler?

The most important thing to consider is ease of access, which is why kitchens are the most common place to position wine coolers. Should you have minimal floor space, a small one could even sit comfortably on your countertop. If quaffing requires an occasion or you frequently host dinner parties, consider your dining room, so you can top up people’s glasses without having to leave the room. You could also make your bar fridge or cooler a destination within your entertainment or games room. There’s no denying that Aussies love to entertain and enjoy a glass or two outdoors, so if you’re lucky enough to have a covered outdoor area, this could be just the place for a cooler, too. Just ensure it doesn’t experience any extreme weather or long periods of direct sunlight.