We used raised panel traditional cabinets as well as a Magma Black granite countertop to assist in this lower-level game rooms aesthetic and function. A new undermount sink, brass faucet, and cabinet pulls made this space more creatively inviting. The gold and black marble backsplash ties in the golds and cherry cabinets seamlessly. We were also sure to include proper cabinet lighting for function and setting the spaces mood.

This bar lives in the kitchen space, just off the living room. For the cabinetry, a custom dark stain was used on rift cut white oak in Grabill Cabinet's Lacunar door style. Glass upper cabinets add sparkle and interest to the clean lines of the door style. Cabinetry: Grabill Cabinets; Interior Design: Kathryn Chaplow Interior Design; Builder: White Birch Builders; Photographer: Werner Straube Photography

Dennis Stierer via Candlelight Cabinetry

Shimmery penny tiles, deep cabinetry and earthy wood tops are the perfect finishes for this basement bar.

Our clients were living in a Northwood Hills home in Dallas that was built in 1968. Some updates had been done but none really to the main living areas in the front of the house. They love to entertain and do so frequently but the layout of their house wasn’t very functional. There was a galley kitchen, which was mostly shut off to the rest of the home. They were not using the formal living and dining room in front of your house, so they wanted to see how this space could be better utilized. They wanted to create a more open and updated kitchen space that fits their lifestyle. One idea was to turn part of this space into an office, utilizing the bay window with the view out of the front of the house. Storage was also a necessity, as they entertain often and need space for storing those items they use for entertaining. They would also like to incorporate a wet bar somewhere! We demoed the brick and paneling from all of the existing walls and put up drywall. The openings on either side of the fireplace and through the entryway were widened and the kitchen was completely opened up. The fireplace surround is changed to a modern Emser Esplanade Trail tile, versus the chunky rock it was previously. The ceiling was raised and leveled out and the beams were removed throughout the entire area. Beautiful Olympus quartzite countertops were installed throughout the kitchen and butler’s pantry with white Chandler cabinets and Grace 4”x12” Bianco tile backsplash. A large two level island with bar seating for guests was built to create a little separation between the kitchen and dining room. Contrasting black Chandler cabinets were used for the island, as well as for the bar area, all with the same 6” Emtek Alexander pulls. A Blanco low divide metallic gray kitchen sink was placed in the center of the island with a Kohler Bellera kitchen faucet in vibrant stainless. To finish off the look three Iconic Classic Globe Small Pendants in Antiqued Nickel pendant lights were hung above the island. Black Supreme granite countertops with a cool leathered finish were installed in the wet bar, The backsplash is Choice Fawn gloss 4x12” tile, which created a little different look than in the kitchen. A hammered copper Hayden square sink was installed in the bar, giving it that cool bar feel with the black Chandler cabinets. Off the kitchen was a laundry room and powder bath that were also updated. They wanted to have a little fun with these spaces, so the clients chose a geometric black and white Bella Mori 9x9” porcelain tile. Coordinating black and white polka dot wallpaper was installed in the laundry room and a fun floral black and white wallpaper in the powder bath. A dark bronze Metal Mirror with a shelf was installed above the porcelain pedestal sink with simple floating black shelves for storage. Their butlers pantry, the added storage space, and the overall functionality has made entertaining so much easier and keeps unwanted things out of sight, whether the guests are sitting at the island or at the wet bar! The clients absolutely love their new space and the way in which has transformed their lives and really love entertaining even more now!

Blue

Photo by Chuck Williams

With a bar this fabulous in your own basement, who’d want to go out? It features two under counter refrigerators to keep cold beverages handy, a dishwasher so you don’t need to run glassware up and down the stairs, a glass rinsing faucet, and a microwave perfect for movie night popcorn. The navy blue cabinets, Carrara marble, brass hardware, and dark herringbone floors make it feel more like a luxury hotel bar than a basement. A lighted open top section in the wall cabinets displays decorative treasures while a base cabinet cleverly conceals utilities. I loved working on this project for some dear friends, and collaborated with their favorite contractor, Mastr-Jay Renovations, to pull this off.

Steven Miller designed this bar area for the House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year 2014. Countertop Wood: Peruvian Walnut Construction Style: Edge Grain Wood Countertop Location: Decorator’s Showcase in San Francisco, CA Size: 1-1/2" thick x 34" x 46" Wood Countertop Finish: Grothouse Original Oil Designer: Steven Miller Undermount or Overmount Sink: Undermount Sink Cutout for Kohler K-3391

Custom designed refreshment center for billiards room. Materials: Belgian Chocolate Thermally Fused Laminate with Thermofoil fronts and high-pressure laminate countertop. Designed, manufactured and installed by Valet Custom Cabinets - Campbell, CA. Special thanks to homeowners for allowing us to photograph.

Butlers Pantry features inset, shaker style, glass, two-tiered cabinetry with wine X storage, undermount bar sink and under counter refrigerator.

Shiloh Cabinetry, 1 1/4" Overlay, Statesville Door Style, Maple, Naval Paint Countertop: Quartz, Calacatta Gold. Customer supplied full height tile backsplash.

Who doesn't want to transform your living room into the perfect at-home bar to host friends for cocktails? #OneStepDownProject

This wet bar located in the lounge is a great space to entertain. With a functioning sink and faucet, an abundance of storage and a built-in wine bar. Open shelving with ambience lighting and a mosaic backsplash creates the perfect mood. Chevron light hardwood flooring and tray ceilings add chic details.