This is the perfect example of how a designer can help client's think outside the box. Nothing really lines up, but it all works. Photos by: Rod Foster

ELMWOOD FINE CUSTOM CABINETRY

GT Kitchen & Bath Design Studio

WINE ROOM - WINE RACK

This unique bar uses back-lit glass tiles on the front in a graduated color scheme, complimented by a back=lit glass panel display wall to showcase the glass bottle collections.

Chandler Outdoor Kitchen

Hochuli Design & Remodeling Team

Modern Outdoor Kitchen designed and built by Hochuli Design and Remodeling Team to accommodate a family who enjoys spending most of their time outdoors. Photos by: Ryan WIlson

Outdoor Kitchen

Signature Concrete Design

Gabelli Studio

Denver Contemporary Farmhouse

Laura Medicus Interiors

This is a Craftsman home in Denver’s Hilltop neighborhood. We added a family room, mudroom and kitchen to the back of the home.

Abacoa Complete Home Renovation

Island Time Renovation & Design

Drink It In

Absolute Cabinets Inc

Pantries & Wine Bars

California Closets

Floor-to-Ceiling Wine Bar

Black is the New Gray: Back in Black East Cobb Home Makeover

Atlanta Curb Appeal

Black Bar. Gold stools. Gorgeous tile and counters. Gold hardware

Speak Easy Vibe in Willowsford, Aldie, VA

Interior Style by Marisa Moore

Modern speak easy vibe for this basement remodel. Created the arches under the family room extension to give it a retro vibe. Dramatic lighting and ceiling with ambient lighting add to the feeling of the space.

Modern Rock Star Retreat

John McClain Design

A niche near the bar in this pool house serves the perfect spot for highlighting this client's collection of rock memorabilia. Sleek, contemporary barstools are upholstered in a durable charcoal vinyl. Stephen Allen Photography

Entertainment Lounge in North Scottsdale

S Interior Design

Modern, Colorful, & Comfortable S Interior Design was asked to create an entertainment space that would remind one of an upscale lounge in trendy boutique hotel. The home owner, a single man, had already installed a projection screen that enabled a 20' viewing surface, but nothing else was in the room but hand me down furnishings. All of the furnishings from the dry bar, high top seating area, upholstered seating and window coverings were designed specifically for the room's purpose. LED lighting in the form of the recessed cans and the linear pendant allow for layers of light to be managed to set the mood desired. Steven Kaye Photography

Corner Ridge Road - Kitchen

Tacoma Woodworks

Paradise Valley Rustic Modern

Laurie Westberg, Urban Interior Design

Warm and cozy home bar in knotty alder with pewter accents and custom metal screens for cabinet doors. Rustic modern materials and finishes.

Luxe Modern Wet Bar

ULAH Interiors + Design

Luxe modern interior design in Westwood, Kansas by ULAH Interiors + Design, Kansas City. This dark and moody kitchen features both Dekton and Silestone by Cosentino. We carried the same Dekton from the island design onto the wet bar and the bar backsplash. The wet bar has matte black cabinets with panel ready appliances and an under-mounted bar sink. The bar shelves are made of real brass posts with glass shelves.

Watrous Avenue

State Street Homes

Butler pantry/bar, with beverage center, ice maker and bar sink.

Wine Bar Unit & Crockery Unit in Bronze Expressive Oak! Inspired Elements

Inspired Elements Ltd

Wine bar unit & Crockery Unit in bronze expressive oak

Modern Home Bar Design Ideas

A modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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.