An award-winning, custom wood bar juxtaposes sleek glass modern backlit shelving.

Hawthorne

Saunders Building Company Pty Ltd

Caco Photography

North Capitol Hill

Marc Blackwell New York

From the sitting room adjacent to the kitchen, a look into the dining room, with a 7' x 7' custom table, with banquette, and flannel modern chairs.

Jordan Wills

An outstanding collection of Art Deco furnishings, lighting, artwork, and accessories imbues this full-floor, Lake Shore Drive condominium with uncommon presence. Tailored in style and masculine in hue, it cocoons even as it welcomes light and views. Macassar ebony millwork and travertine floors evince its luxurious architectural side; sumptuous materials including silk velvet, cashmere, and shagreen articulate exquisite decorative elegance – as do pashmina draperies and parchment-covered walls. Also climbing walls: poetry, in this case written by the owner’s son and artistically hand-lettered by a local artisan. Layered in the extreme and collected over time, interiors exemplify the owner’s vocation as a jewelry designer, avocation as a world traveler, and passion for detail in measures both large and small. Embellished by a wide-ranging collection of sophisticated artworks – think everything from vintage New Yorker covers to a graphic Lichtenstein – it is a testament to the decorative power of self-assurance. Photo: Werner Straube

Interior Renovation

Aspen White Star, LLC

Lake Carillon Transitional

Atwood Custom Homes

Residencia VM

Arquiluz

"Lorida" Greek Taverna

Kaamer Design

Rustic Smart Barn

Cloud9 Smart

Jordan Wills

Home Bar Design Ideas with Open Cabinets and Glass Sheet Splashback

A 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 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 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 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.