Decorating & Design
September 2, 2022
These Glamorous At-Home Bars Will Elevate Your Cocktail Hour
When you see these stylish setups, you’ll be inspired to make your own Moscow Mules and Gin & Tonics from the comfort of your kitchen. We rounded up some of our favorite at-home bars, bar carts and wine fridges that will up your home entertaining game. Cheers!
Every library needs a sophisticated bar cart to complete the look. This luxe space designed by Colette van den Thillart is the perfect spot to relax on a fall evening with a good book in hand.
According to Jonathan Adler, everyone needs a bar cart. “Even if you don’t drink, get a bar cart. A bar cart provides instant swagger. They make young people seem sophisticated, old people seem young, and everyone seem fun,” says the designer.
An integrated bar area and wine fridge create a cosy moment off the pantry in this Whistler retreat. Wood-panelled walls give the ultramodern space a rustic, retro vibe.
This hardworking outdoor kitchen is the ultimate entertaining hub, featuring a barbecue, dishwasher, prep area and bar.
Create a speakeasy feel in your basement with a full bar. Tile-like brick and wraparound bar seating adds to the authentic vibe.
In this cool and compact pool cabana, the designer integrated beer on tap into the kitchenette, so you never have to travel far for a poolside bevvie.
Integrating your bar right into your pantry area is a stylish way to save on space. The dark wood cabinet offers a dash of contrast and give it a distinct presence in the kitchen.
A bar off the kitchen in this California home features a mix of display shelves and glass cabinet doors, so you can show off your favorite cocktail coups and barware. A library-style light ties in with the brass hardware and adds an element of sophistication.
This boathouse bar features pocket windows for serving snacks and bevvies so you never have to go too far for a docktail. “The porcelain tile feels very ‘Italian café,’ and it’s also weatherproof,” says designer Anne Hepfer.
“Setting up a dedicated bar space frees the kitchen of all the cocktail equipment, like specialty icemakers and tools, while still keeping them readily accessible,” says designers Ashley Drost and Marie Trohman of Proem Studio. “Plus, you can still interact with guests while hosting!”
In the 2020 Princess Margaret Showhome, designer Sarah Baeumler created a stylish speakeasy on the lower level. There’s no need to run up to the kitchen — this hardworking hub has everything you need: a full-size refrigerator, pantry, dishwasher, wine fridge and ice machine.
You won’t be missing cocktail hour at a buzzing downtown bar when you see this luxurious country home‘s basement, complete with a dining table that seats 30, glamorous bar and lounge area, and hidden catering kitchen.
“Take a step back and really think about how you will use the space,” says Kari Arendsen, founder and principal designer of Intimate Living Interiors. “For a more casual vibe, you might consider bright, open shelves to show off your conversation pieces and provide easy access to serving platters, vessels and utensils.”
This stunning model home boasts Art Deco-inspired touches, clean-lined furniture and statement stone to create a space that’s ideal for entertaining — and we can’t get enough of the living room’s sleek bar. Black, built-in shelving pops against the white walls.
If you’re hosting an alfresco gathering, a covered patio with a wet bar makes entertaining easy. A double sink, woven storage bins and plenty of open shelves are perfect for prepping a BBQ meal or summer cocktail.
Perfect for small spaces, a vintage bar cart on wheels adds a touch of gilt and glamour to a front hallway. “I can roll it to wherever it’s most convenient, store extra cocktail glasses or wineglasses and set a vase of fresh flowers on top if there’s space,” says homeowner and Tonic Living founder Janine Morrison.
Inspired by old apothecary cabinets, this forest green bar area exudes vintage charm. Spirits and bitters are stored conveniently above the wine fridge, while an icemaker is concealed behind false cabinet fronts for a seamless look.
You can’t go wrong with wrapping a bar console in rich navy blue paint. To take the look to the next level, designer Alex Arnott added custom brass toe kicks and picture lights.
When you’re hosting a dinner party, letting guests help themselves is a must for a stress-free soirée. With two islands, this organized kitchen divides meal prep and making drinks into separate stations.
Designer Tanya Krpan created a nook — made out of bleached white oak — next to the fridge in this bright and airy kitchen. “It has a counter for serving drinks and open shelves for display,” she says.
“Having the separate pantry and bar area allowed us to have a functional, symmetrical layout in the main working space, with room for true chef’s appliances,” says designer Lea Legg of Acorn Studio.
In this 170-square-foot galley kitchen, a designated bar zone with a full-sized wine fridge makes the most of the compact space. “Open shelves can be styled with framed art and small sculptures to help personalize the kitchen and take it beyond everyday function,” says designer MaryLynne Meschino.
What size wine fridge should I buy? It’s totally up to your wants and needs.
No room for a built-in bar? No problem. Opt for a leggy, mid-century modern-style bar cabinet for a retro-cool vibe. Also, can we talk about the old fashioned champagne coupes and tumblers? So chic!
Creating zones in an open-concept condo kitchen is key to maximizing every square inch. This young couple’s gathering place does double duty as a kitchen and a bar, thanks to the sleek drinks station with a wine fridge.
Keep your drinks cold with an integrated beverage drawer. This sleek compartment also faces a wine fridge built into the kitchen island (not pictured), which makes entertaining a breeze!