Wanna get a drink?

Whether you want your home to feel like Cheers or a vintage vineyard retreat, home bars have so many benefits other than just storing your liquor. Home bars add a gathering place, small or large, to entertain guests outside the kitchen. If you have room for a sink, fridge and storage your home bar will easily become a focal point and make your hosting duties easy!

With any project planning for your new space is key! You will need enough space to fit what you need to store, such as a fridge, sink, glasses, beverages and more. Consider what you wish to store in your bar and make a list. Also ask you self some questions such as; Do you want or need room for seating?  If this bar is away from your kitchen think of convenience. Will you want a small dishwasher? How about a microwave to warm snacks? 

Once you have your list, write down the dimensions of some of the main appliances or features that will take up space. Some average dimensions to keep in mind while you plan; Typically under-counter fridges are 24" wide, a bar sink roughly 6-7" wide, bar height seating 42" high.

Home bars are fun to dress up! Adding glass doors, mirrored backs or floating shelves are an easy to make your cabinets cocktail ready. Some great features like a wine lattice or wine cubbies will free up counter top space. If you are storing larger bottles consider open shelving or pull out shelves to offer convenience. If your space offers accessibility to a water line, a small sink is wonderful to have. It allows for convenient washing. These sinks are smaller than normal sinks and take up less counter-top space.

Home bars are usually adorned with glass and mirrors, which offers a fun spin on lighting. You want to make sure that you have enough lighting for use, but also for ambiance. Recessed lighting above the bar or interior cabinet lights will create a great relaxing environment for entertaining. Typically bars are next to TV's or game tables, so to have adjustable overhead lighting may limit your view of the bar. Under cabinet light or pendent lighting is a great solution to make the space still functional if the lights are off for a great movie! 

Home bars usually have some decorative glassware that is easy to show off. Having a variety of glassware like highballs, lowballs, martini glasses and more will make your space look prepared for any event! Also having cocktail shakers, ice buckets and bottle openers will add a great opportunity to decorate. 

Creating your own bar is a fun process and with a little time, and the right designer it will be a breeze!