Decorating & Design
Trending Now: Bars, Big & Small
Published on December 30, 2022
From carts to custom-built wet bars, bars are the new entertaining zone.
A wet bar designed by Brian Gluckstein for the 2022 Princess Margaret Showhome features restaurant-grade hidden appliances and a graphic Caesarstone tiled floor.
An antique bar cart in a dramatic library by designer Colette Van Den Thillart.
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.
In this lower-level bar, wall tile that mimics exposed brick adds depth and texture.
Integrating your bar into your pantry area is a natural fit. The glass fronted cabinets framed in walnut contrast with the white 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 picks up on the brass and adds an element of sophistication.
“Setting up a dedicated bar space frees the kitchen of all the cocktail equipment, like icemakers and bar fridges and creates space to display bottles and barware,” says designers Ashley Drost and Marie Trohman of Proem Studio.
In the 2020 Princess Margaret Showhome, designer Sarah Baeumler created a high style 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 maker.
You won’t be missing cocktail hour at a buzzing downtown bar when you see the luxurious basement in this country house, that includes a dining room that seats 30, a lounge with a glamorous wet bar, plus a hidden catering kitchen.
This stunning model home boasts Art Deco-inspired touches, clean-lined furniture and and a sleek bar.
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 or summer cocktail hour.
Perfect for small spaces, a vintage bar cart on wheels adds a touch of glamor to a front hall. “I can roll it to wherever it’s most convenient, store extra 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 has vintage charm. Spirits and bitters are stored conveniently above the wine fridge, while an ice maker is concealed behind false cabinet fronts for a seamless look.
In this 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 its everyday function,” says designer MaryLynne Meschino.
No room for a built-in bar? No problem. Opt for a leggy, mid-century modern-style bar cabinet for a retro-cool vibe.