Fox Point

Peter Eskuche, AIA

House in Port of Spain, Trinidad

Dickinson Woodworks

Bar installation with Walnut folding doors incorporating Brass shelving and leather upholstered linings. American Black Walnut veneered panelling to the walls and ceiling. Black steel and Walnut front bar. Architect: Jamie Fobert Architects Photo credit: Hufton and Crow Photography

Essex Loft

Ampersand Architecture

Elizabeth Felicella

Cerused Oak flooring

Catherine Lanieri at Riverhead Building Supply

Photo: Bill Timmerman + Zack Hussain Blurring of the line between inside and out has been established throughout this home. Space is not determined by the enclosure but through the idea of space extending past perceived barriers into an expanded form of living indoors and out. Even in this harsh environment, one is able to enjoy this concept through the development of exterior courts which are designed to shade and protect. Reminiscent of the crevices found in our rock formations where one often finds an oasis of life in this environment. DL featured product: DL custom rugs including sculpted Patagonian sheepskin, wool / silk custom graphics and champagne silk galaxy. Custom 11′ live-edge laurel slabwood bench, Trigo bronze smoked acrylic + crocodile embossed leather barstools, polished stainless steel outdoor Pantera bench, special commissioned steel sculpture, metallic leather True Love lounge chair, blackened steel + micro-slab console and fiberglass pool lounges.

Ahmad Residence

Richard Luke Architects P.C.

Urbanwood

Divine Custom Homes

Spacecrafting

Old Westbury Home

Cara Woodhouse Interiors LLC

Robert Granoff Photography

HOME BAR

Sheila Rich Interiors, LLC

This home bar was added and designed to coordinate with the kitchen cabinetry as if it had been in place from the start; it is identical to the original pantry standing next to it. The wood countertop on the bar, coordinates with the island. The rhomboid-shaped carrara marble backsplash adds interest to this understated bar. The refrigerator drawers in the lower center, along with additional storage for bar equipment, offers the ideal self-serve option for party guests while keeping pathways clear for walking. The bar also creates a natural transition between the kitchen, dining alcove and living room while allowing each to relate to the other.

Arbuckle - West University

Missy Stewart Designs

Bayou360

Wellborn Cabinetry Designs

Roeser Home Remodeling

Kitchen bar cabinetry with pull-out dog gate. Photo: Jeffrey Totaro.

Vashon Island Kitchen

Neil Kelly Company

Vail Condo Full Remodel

SRE BUILDING ASSOCIATES

A small and comfortable space designed to host guests in a modern get together.

Cantinetta Bar

Opposite

Alessandro Camiciotti

Heritage Renovation + Addition

Trendsetter Homes

Contemporary Home Bar Design Ideas with Wood Benchtops

A contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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.