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

The Perfect Bar For a Gathering

KBF by Audi Contractors

With Summer on its way, having a home bar is the perfect setting to host a gathering with family and friends, and having a functional and totally modern home bar will allow you to do so!

Minnesota Residence

O’Hara Interiors

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design | L. Cramer Builders + Remodelers, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Overland Park Basement Finish

Renovations by Starr Homes

Luxe Living

Julia Russell Designs

Home bar located in family game room. Stainless steel accents accompany a mirror that doubles as a TV.

New Transitional Custom Home

Webber Development & Construction

Rustic White Photography

Rockford Court Reno

Michaelson Homes LLC

The bar, located off the great room and accessible from the foyer, features a marble tile backsplash, custom bar, and floating shelves. The focal point of the bar is the stunning arched wine storage pass-thru, which draws you in from the front door and frames the window on the far wall.

DS Chicago to Birmingham

Amy Storm & Company

Joe Kwon Photography

Hinsdale Renovation

Jillian Richey Design

Spanish Modern Lakehouse

CIRCLE Design Studio

Kip Dawkins

Time for Wine

Sarah Spiroff, CKD, CBD

Ali Atri at Ali Atri Photography Designer: Sarah Spiroff CKD, CBD Contractor: Remodel West

Hudnell Basement

Kircher Design & Build

Basement Bar

Nuteck Homes Ltd

Design and built by Sarah & Cesare Molinaro of Nuteck Homes Ltd. This transitional home bar features a leathered antiqued granite top with built in T.V., liquor storage, wine storage and decorative glass shelving. Stone wall accents supply a rustic modern edge. Photo by Frank Baldassarra

Wet Bar

Castle Pines Remodeling LLC

Transitional Home Bar

Modern Marvel

Creative Design Construction, Inc.

A basement renovation complete with a custom home theater, gym, seating area, full bar, and showcase wine cellar.

Speakeasy

Anthony James Master Builders, LLC

The Ginesi Speakeasy is the ideal at-home entertaining space. A two-story extension right off this home's kitchen creates a warm and inviting space for family gatherings and friendly late nights.

PLANDOME RESIDENCE INTERIORS

ss.mm design

Transitional Seated Home Bar Design Ideas

A transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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.