Home bars are not just a place to serve drinks; they are an opportunity to design a luxurious and captivating space that elevates the art of entertaining. Whether you want to relax with friends or create a unique environment, a well-designed home bar can transport you to the world's finest bars without leaving the comfort of your home. In this journal, our designers will guide you through the process of crafting the perfect home bar, from statement finishes and functional features to seating and lighting.
Embrace Bold Design Statements
A home bar is the perfect setting to embrace daring design choices. While it is important to maintain a cohesive style with the rest of your home, don't be afraid to push the boundaries in your bar design. Dramatic angles, statement finishes, patterns, and bold colors can create an exciting and anticipatory atmosphere for your guests. Let your bar make a daring statement that showcases your personality and sets the tone for a memorable evening.
Image: Bespoke drinks cabinet with high gloss timber doors and liquid metal drawers
Design With a Personal Story
Your home bar design should tell a story and reflect your individuality. Incorporate bespoke handcrafted features, vibrant colors, or unusual finishes that symbolize your personal experiences, interests, or special moments. Draw inspiration from your travels, the local area, or the property setting to add depth and meaning to your design. A bar with a personal touch will spark conversations and create a truly unique space.
Image: Extreme Design
Elevate the Atmosphere with Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the perfect ambiance for your home bar. Combine accent lighting and task lighting to set the mood while ensuring practicality. Accent lighting can emphasize key features and create a wow factor without overpowering the space. Low-level task lighting can illuminate the bar area and seating to enhance visibility without sacrificing the cozy atmosphere. Opt for warm and dimmable lighting to create the right ambiance for different occasions, using a combination of ceiling lights, pendants, under bar lighting, and shelf lighting.
Image: Extreme Design
Source Stylish Yet Functional Materials
When selecting materials for your home bar, prioritize style and functionality. Opt for durable and hard-wearing materials that can withstand regular use and potential spills. Granite or quartz countertops are ideal for their resistance to stains and damage. For cabinetry, consider gloss or lacquered finishes that resist stains and marks. Feature panels provide an opportunity for creativity, with options such as opulent upholstered panels, colored glass, mirrors, or natural stones like onyx.
Image: Extreme Design
Choose the Perfect Location
There are no strict rules for where to locate your home bar. Consider your lifestyle and entertaining preferences when deciding on the best location. If your kitchen is the central entertainment hub, a bar area within the kitchen could be ideal. For larger homes, a dedicated bar in a separate room can provide a cozy and intimate atmosphere for post-dinner cocktails. Ensure your bar's location suits its functionality and proximity to amenities such as sinks, fridges, and storage.
Image: Contemporary kitchen with a home bar drinks cabinet and wine storage by Extreme Design.
Marry Style with Function
While functionality is essential, it shouldn't come at the expense of design aesthetics. Your home bar should be practical and well-equipped with storage, shelving, and drinkware to ensure comfortable entertaining. Consider including features such as fridges, temperature-controlled wine storage, sinks, dishwashers, and even a walk-in wine room if you have an extensive collection. Blending style and function will result in a bar that caters to your specific needs and enhances the overall design.
Image: Extreme Design
Establish the Perfect Layout
When designing your home bar, consider the available space, floorplan, and how you want the room to function. An island layout with bar seating in a row is a popular choice, but it's not the only option. A peninsula with bar seating, complemented by lower-level soft seating in the rest of the room, can create an inviting atmosphere. An L-shape or island layout can maximize seating options in a smaller space. If space permits, a U-shape or curved bar can encourage interaction and create a more sociable environment.
Prioritize Comfortable, Sociable Seating
Seating is crucial for a home bar where socializing, partying, and relaxation take center stage. Offer a mix of seating options to accommodate different preferences. Breakfast bar seating is ideal for a comfortable and conversational experience. Consider upholstered bar stools with backs for added comfort and style. Remember to include footrests to enhance the overall comfort of your guests. Low-level seating areas can provide break-off spaces for smaller groups to converse and enjoy their drinks.
Image: Sofa & Chair Company
Elevate the Fun with Entertainment
If you enjoy hosting games or incorporating entertainment in your gatherings, consider adding features like a TV screen or game tables such as billiards, poker, ping pong, or table football. Let your imagination run wild and add unique elements like light-up dance floors, disco lighting, an integrated sound system, or even vintage arcade games for a touch of nostalgia. Enhancing your home bar with entertainment options will keep your guests engaged and create a lively atmosphere.
Work with a Luxury Home Bar Designer
Designing a home bar is an inspiring and personal project. To ensure you achieve the utmost luxury, sophistication, and elegance, consider working with a specialist kitchen and home bar designer. A professional designer can unleash the potential of your space and create a harmonious design that seamlessly integrates with the rest of your home. Opting for one designer to handle multiple rooms, including your kitchen and home bar, ensures continuity and a cohesive look.
Extreme Design is an award-winning British design brand specializing in luxury kitchens, home bars, and fitted furniture across the UK. To discover our home bar design service, contact one of our three studios in London, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire.
