Photos by Mark Ehlen- Ehlen Creative

San Luis Kitchen Co., Victorian Butler's Pantry

The owners of a local historic Victorian home needed a kitchen that would not only meet the everyday needs of their family but also function well for large catered events. We designed the kitchen to fit with the historic architecture -- using period specific materials such as dark cherry wood, Carrera marble counters, and hexagonal mosaic floor tile. (Not to mention the unique light fixtures and custom decor throughout the home.) Just off the kitchen to the right is a butler's pantry -- storage for all the entertaining table & glassware as well as a perfect staging area. We used Wood-Mode cabinets in the Beacon Hill doorstyle -- Burgundy finish on cherry; integral raised end panels and lavish Victorian style trim are essential to the kitchen's appeal.

The Ranch House in Almaden Valley

Carmit Oron Interior Design

Bridges at Spring Creek Residence

4D Design + Consulting

Traditional Custom Kitchen

WL Bars

Project Sparrow Point (full home renovation)

Delaney's Design

Rural Omaha

Artistic Cabinetry LLC

This home features a beautiful rustic white kitchen & a stunning dark stained kitchen behind, his & hers. Complete with top of the line appliances, serious storage, and a pantry fit with custom barn doors, these kitchens are what dreams are made of!

Luke Ridge Kitchen

Adeline Ray Design Studio

Custom Walk Up Bar

WL Kitchen & Home

North Shore Lake Home

Bruckelmyer Brothers

Studio Soulshine

Traditional Custom Kitchen

WL Bars

Bindley

Burdge & Associates Architects

Mediterranean Home designed by Burdge and Associates Architects in Malibu, CA.

Maple Renovation Wet Bar

Scott Arthur Millwork & Cabinetry Ltd

Maple Wet Bar with rover clay stain, raised panel cabinetry, antique nickel hardware, granite countertops, built in bar fridge, stacked crown moulding & custom glass insert doors

Vibrant Kitchen & Butler's Pantry Renovation

CLR Design Services, Inc.

Transitional Home Bar

Coastal Rustic Basement

Angie Schwab Interiors LLC

Redesigning the bar improves the flow with the rest of the basement allowing for easy access in and out of the bar. This beautiful table was custom made from reclaimed wood and serves as a buffet space, game table, dining table, or a spot to sit and have a drink. Instead of having a flooring change from carpet and to tile, this wood-look luxury vinyl plank was installed. The flow is improved and the space feels larger. The main finishes are neutral with a mix of rustic, traditional, and coastal styles. The painted cabinetry contrasts nicely with the stained table and flooring. Pops of blue are seen in the accessories. Photo by: Beth Skogen

Man Cave (Hudson, WI)

Forever Barnwood, LLC

This was a bar in the mezzanine of a car shop!

A Well Traveled Thousand Oaks Treasure

Breeze Giannasio Interiors

Meghan Bob Photography

Basement Finishing in Spriengfield, VA

BasementRemodeling.com

Enjoy a night of entertaining while pouring drinks at this home bar with a stacked stone accent wall.

Santa Ynez Family Home Remodel

DesignArt Studios

This space was perfect for open shelves and wine cooler to finish off the large adjacent kitchen.

Home Bar Design Ideas with Raised-panel Cabinets and Grey Benchtop

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.