Designing a breathtaking bar requires more than swizzle sticks, mood music and a menu of tasty cocktails and mocktails. We believe it takes talent to design a beautiful home bar that you can raise a glass to!
If your bar is the focal point in your entertaining area – you’ll want your guests to walk in and want to stay and have a few drinks. Whether you prefer a refined, slick atmosphere, vintage, sports, or rustic – like any good wine, you need to blend the right amount of form and function to create the perfect bar for you; a bar that reflects your style, personality, purse and tastes.
While you may want to unleash your creative prowess when designing a custom home bar – it’s best to consult a designer who can help with the intricacies of maximisng this space.
Customise According to your Space
The first and most obvious thing to decide is where to install it and the available space you have to work with. Although some homes have space for large and extravagant bars, you can create a bar in small spaces by being clever with the design. Measurements are one of the most important factors of functionality. You need around half a metre between the bottle display and the bar top allowing you to move easily between your counter and your drinks.
A bar with built-in cabinets or large furniture will definitely give it a more distinguished feel; be sure to incorporate plenty of storage in your bar design. If you are a wine connoisseur then customise your cabinetry to accommodate wine and stemware for easy access. You should have a compartment for everything and an attractive display of glasses and premium spirits.
Plumbing and Electrical Points
If you are going to play bar tender a wet bar is the way to go so consider the strategic placement of a mini sink and your water supply. The placement of the electrical points is equally important ensuring you can install appliances like a fridge, wine cooler and ice machine. Small fridges placed below the counter is the way to go – they are easy to access and this keeps the back of the bar open for the inclusion of aesthetic and decor features like funky splash backs, floating shelves and bar accessories.
The use of different materials, especially a combination of solid wood/timber veneers, marble, stone, glass and matt metal in a bar creates a visual feast and a sensory experience that enriches the overall finish of the bar. The use of stone and glass teamed with brass creates a dynamic on-trend look but when it comes to a wood finish, the best options are high-quality oaks, maples, mahogany or ash. If you opt for a copper or brass bar top finish – make sure you are aware of the kind of maintenance this material will need to keep it looking tip top.
Whether traditional barstools, modern or something more vintage, seating is the key to easy entertaining and keeping your guests comfortable on their perch. If you have space – add a few chairs or some comfortable complementary lounge seating near the bar so that guests can socialise more freely.
Mirror Mirror on the Wall
Installing a mirrored back-splash will give an illusion of more space and the reflections can be dramatic with the right use of lighting. When it comes to lighting – down-lighters and under-counter lights will add elegance and functionality, while statement pendant lights or chandeliers add drama to the bar and will help set the overall mood. You can even consider introducing light at the base of the bar which adds intrigue but also helps guests see where they are placing their feet as they climb on and off their bar stools.
When it comes to the theme or look and feel of the bar – introduce some feature or focal décor pieces. Don’t go overboard with decoration – just choose some standout pieces for the best effect. For example you may decide to include a fish tank, art pieces, bold graphics, marquee letters a bright accent wall colour like a bold green that pops when paired with black chrome, marble and wood, or even a water wall. Whatever you opt for – pick one – not every idea in the book.
Whatever your style – whether you’re after a trend setting finish, something more classic or conservative – give us a call and we’ll help mix things up for your perfect bar. Cheers!
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Whatever your style – whether you’re after a trend setting finish, something more classic or conservative – give us a call and we’ll help mix things up for your perfect bar. Cheers!