Top Tips for creating your very own at-home bar

Top Tips for creating your very own at-home bar

With most of us all spending more time entertaining friends and family at home, having your own bar can make a world of difference to your evening creating a vibrant atmosphere.

And the kitchen bar has become the trend of the year. Designed in the right way, it can add class and glamour to your kitchen, without going over the top.

Whether you are looking to include a home bar within a bigger redesign project, or just want to turn part of your kitchen counter into a social drinks area, follow our top tips to help you make it happen.

#1 Make the most of every space

If you think that kitchen bars are only meant for large kitchens, think again. A compact kitchen bar can be fitted into your small kitchen without compromising on your space.

Why not combine the bar with storage to save space with additional cupboards. Make sure you take full advantage of all of your available wall space with full height wall shelving units – these have a small footprint but are great to store glasses and bottles.

#2 Built in coolers and gagdets

One of the best ways to make your home bar feel luxurious and high-end is to include a built-in beer or wine fridge in your design.

If you are a real wine connoisseur why not include a mini-wine cellar? This can be in the form of a built wine storage area within a pantry or your kitchen units, or, if space is limited, why not have a hanging a wine rack on the wall.

When it comes to gadgets, including a countertop icemaker as part of your bar can add a touch of style to your cocktails. Icemakers are affordable, easy to use and keep you from running back and forth from the freezer with an ice bucket.

#3 Make your bar a feature

Adding a mirrored backsplash to the side of your home bar is a great way to give it that high end bar feel – include this with glass shelving to display your bottles and glasses will not only give the illusion of more space, but it also makes a great central feature for your kitchen.

Using metallics as an accent colour can transform a home bar into a chic focal point and a great way to experiment if you have an otherwise minimalist home.

#4 Splash out on the counter top

If you are designing your home bar from scratch, the choice of countertop is worth spending a bit of time and money on – you want something that compliments the design of your bar or wider kitchen.

And with years of use and enjoyment ahead, it’s not just about the aesthetics but also durability. Laminate, ceramic tiling, granite, marble, and even stainless steel are just a few options when selecting your perfect bar countertop. Each material carries its own benefits, from mold resistance to heat and scratch resistant protection.

#5 Include the essentials

If you are lucky enough to be including your new bar within a whole new kitchen redesign, make sure it has all of the essentials. Including features such as cabinets and shelving for your spirits, a small sink, and additional hidden storage underneath.

If you have the luxury of being able to create a wet bar then consider having a Quooker tap with filtered water on tap as well as the option to have instant fizzy water with the Qooker CUBE.

Adding extra lighting in the bar design is also worth it, making drinks prep a lot easier. Illumination from the floor and behind shelves can really bring out features such as glass shelves, mirrors and your impressive drinks selection.

And don’t forget the bar stools! With so much choice around these days you can choose to have traditional pub high stools or those with low backs so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your drink.

#6 no space is too small!

If space is at a premium in your home, then you can tuck your little home bar into a recess or large cupboard area and hide behind pocket doors. This allows you to close of the area when not in use. To make sure it blends in nicely with the rest of the room when the door is open, use some of the same accent colours.

No kitchen is too small for your very own home bar! Visit this recent case study for more home bar inspiration