A standard approach to kitchen design was not an option for this glamorous open-plan living area. Instead, an intricate bar sits front of house, with attractive and practical kitchen space tucked in behind.

Living room bar.

A.SLOAN CONSTRUCTION

Photograph by Jonas Ganzoni. Shelves and cabinet installation by, A.SLOAN CONSTRUCTION.

Remington

Paul Gray Homes

This basement pub really makes a stunning statement with the dark stone bar, quartz countertops and plenty of shelving to showcase your favorite spirits and wines.

2018 CotY Award Winners

NARI of Minnesota

Basement Over $100,000 (John Kraemer and Sons)

Modern Farmhouse

Old Hillsboro Building Company

Observatory Park Denver Wine Wall

VintageView

Mixing both wine racking styles and textures, this climate-controlled wine room holds 96 bottles in a wet bar area just off the kitchen. Total artistic style. David Lauer Photography

Living Room Bar- Los Angeles, California

designstiles

Custom Living Room addition. Photo Credit: Amy Bartlam

Modern Magnetism

P&H Interiors

Multi-Seat Bar with Metal Accents

User

Unique custom designed full bar with seating for 6. Built-in arched bookshelves at wall include wood framed glass shelves. Decorative pilasters spaced in between bookshelves. Bar also includes several appliances, curved wainscot panel & bar rail.

Tranquil & Stunning Seaside with Beautiful Cabinetry

AlliKristé Custom Cabinetry and Kitchen Design

Lori Hamilton

Ramble Romantic

ACM Design

Lower level bar perfect for entertaining. The calming gray cabinetry pairs perfectly with the countertops and pendants. Meechan Architectural Photography

Rustic Custom Residence

Quaker Craft Cabinetry

RICHARDSON RESIDENCE

BIM/DESIGN RESOURCES, Inc.

Del Sur Country House Wine Bar

McCullough Design Development, Inc.

This wine bar located in the formal entry room has an authentic "Wine Cellar" feel due to the stone veneer wall and lighting touches, yet has every convenience at hand, including the cooler. Photo by FlashitFirst.com

Contemporary Home Bar

CONCORD BUILDERS LLC

Bar with Lit countertop and lit stained panels

Ebony and Ivory - Indoor Outdoor Bar

Drewett Works

The indoor/outdoor bar is the showpiece of the main living area, providing a stunning setting to socialize and sip. Ivory chipped-face limestone walls and an innovative ceiling treatment are standout features. Project // Ebony and Ivory Paradise Valley, Arizona Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Bedbrock Developers Interiors: Mara Interior Design - Mara Green Landscape: Bedbrock Developers Photography: Werner Segarra Fireplace and limestone walls: Solstice Stone Flooring: Facings of America Hearth: Cactus Stone Metal detailing: Steel & Stone https://www.drewettworks.com/ebony-and-ivory/

WONDERLAND Video

RSZ Design Development

Home Bar Area

Atomic Ranch MCM Main House

Breathe Design Studio

Our Austin studio decided to go bold with this project by ensuring that each space had a unique identity in the Mid-Century Modern style bathroom, butler's pantry, and mudroom. We covered the bathroom walls and flooring with stylish beige and yellow tile that was cleverly installed to look like two different patterns. The mint cabinet and pink vanity reflect the mid-century color palette. The stylish knobs and fittings add an extra splash of fun to the bathroom. The butler's pantry is located right behind the kitchen and serves multiple functions like storage, a study area, and a bar. We went with a moody blue color for the cabinets and included a raw wood open shelf to give depth and warmth to the space. We went with some gorgeous artistic tiles that create a bold, intriguing look in the space. In the mudroom, we used siding materials to create a shiplap effect to create warmth and texture – a homage to the classic Mid-Century Modern design. We used the same blue from the butler's pantry to create a cohesive effect. The large mint cabinets add a lighter touch to the space. --- Project designed by the Atomic Ranch featured modern designers at Breathe Design Studio. From their Austin design studio, they serve an eclectic and accomplished nationwide clientele including in Palm Springs, LA, and the San Francisco Bay Area. For more about Breathe Design Studio, see here: https://www.breathedesignstudio.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.breathedesignstudio.com/atomic-ranch

Bayfield Ranch

Candent Design

Custom Bar built into staircase. Custom metal railing.

Picture Perfect Pied-à-terre on the North Side

Corvus Design House

Antique Audubon artwork hangs above fabulous bar cart.

Home Bar - Seated Home Bar and Bar Cart Design Ideas

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.