Holiday parties are back! It’s so nice to celebrate again with family and friends. We may be hosting smaller events, but we’re definitely feeling the need to have face-to-face contact with our nearest and dearest. Raising a glass to a new year is always easier if you have a gorgeous at-home bar. I love to create built-in designs for my clients, so here is a look at some of my favorites (including my own), as well as tips for creating your own bar in your home.

Chic Customization

I always remind my clients that you should think out of the box when you’re renovating or designing your home. The spaces can be set up for whatever you need. When I decided to rework our breakfast room, we added a wet bar into the mix, but customized it for our family. There is plenty of storage, a fridge, and a bar sink, but we also included a stylish crate for Penny, our Chief Barkitect. She has her own little space for when she’s had enough partying with her humans. Your bar area can function however you need it to, so think big.

More Is More

In the bar I crafted for a fabulous beach house, we knew that it needed to be set up for large family gatherings and lots of guests. So we included an extra ice maker, a larger beverage refrigerator, and a lot of specialty storage. For built-in bars, you want to maximize every inch of space that you can and fill it with smart solutions. Plan for more when it comes to wine storage, ice, and glassware.

Make a Display

There’s something so festive about sparkling glasses and colorful bottles, so be sure you offer a display or two. That could be with glass-fronted cabinets or with trays of liqueurs. So many alcohol companies have stunning bottle designs and labels, so showcase the prettiest ones in your collection. That not only attracts your guests to a chic bar area, but it also shows them what you have on offer for their cocktail selection.

Create Room

If you collect wines, then you definitely want to protect them with a room that offers the right storage and temperature controls. A wine room in a showhouse I did above makes a bold statement while also protecting the home owner’s investment. These rooms could also offer seating, a full bar, and more. If you have the space, a wine room can be a smart design idea.

Space Saver

If you aren’t up for a renovation to create a built-in bar, definitely try a chic bar cart. Look for one that offers multi-levels so you can have glassware on one shelf and the bottles on another. I love the one I found for my clients in the photo above because it can also follow the party by being wheeled from room to room.

If you’re ready to think big with smart design ideas for your 2023 new build or renovation, give my team a call. Our calendar is already filling up.

And I hope you have an incredible holiday with your friends and family. Happy New Year!

Kara