A home bar is at the top of my dream home wishlist. Just picture a dedicated drinks space where you can mix cocktails, store bottles of fizz and display glamorous glassware.
We have collected some of our favourite home bar designs for any style and budget – think dazzling cocktail bars, cute pantries and grand drinks stations in large open-plan kitchens.
“When it comes to home bar design, I would advise you to focus on the three Es of ease, elegance and ergonomics as this will stand you in good stead when considering how you like to entertain your guests, how often and the preferred drinks on offer,” says Julia Steadman, commercial director at Brandt Design.
Every good party should have a great drinks area. So, if you love hosting, a home bar is a need, not a want. Apart from adding the wow factor to your kitchen or diner, it is also an incredibly practical addition to your layout. “Having a dedicated bar area which is fully integrated into the kitchen with a wine cooler close by will free up space in the main refrigerator and ensure that it is separate from the cook zone,” advises Julia.
Need more practical design tips and tricks for your home bar? Click here. Now, let’s delve into the inspiration…
Stylish home bars in kitchens
Put your home bar on display with the help of pocket doors, like in this kitchen design, price on application, by Davonport. Place your home bar near the island to help you top up your guests’ drinks in between preparing meals. Urban home bar, price on application, Brandt Designs. Small kitchen? No problem! We love this compact Marlow bar in Storm Grey by Benchmarx Kitchens. Kitchen designs start from £3,168.Pretty mirrored splashbacks help give the illusion of a more ample space. Cocktail bar, price on application, John Lewis of Hungerford.Don’t have space for an entire home bar set-up? Transform one of your wall cabinets into a drinks station such as in this Ryburgh kitchen, price on application, by Naked Kitchens. Do you have spare worktop space? Why not use it as a cocktail-making area for your next party? Kavanagh collection in Avocado, from £25,000, Tom Howley. Got ample space? Go all-out by designing a drinks area in your kitchen complete with an island, bar stools, open shelves and opulent lighting. Ali home bar, price on application, Roundhouse.And, if you’re short on space, we suggest creating a dedicated area for serving drinks in an unused kitchen corner. You can do wonders with a couple of colourful liquor bottles, luxurious drinkware and glass decanters. Bespoke cabinets, price on application, MG Bross, with mirrored backsplash, £720, Fitted Mirrors and Glass.
Pantry bars
When closed, a tall cupboard may look like another storage spot for dried goods. But inside, you can keep all your favourite wine and liquor bottles, pretty glassware and stylish decanters. Home bar by Day True. Kitchens start from £25,000.An open home bar area is ideal for displaying your favourite liquor bottles and opulent glassware. Design by Herringbone Kitchens, from ££48,000.Enhance the practicality of your home bar by including spot or strip lighting. Bar dresser kitchen cabinet, price on application, Masterclass Kitchens.
Fluted glass is a stylish and on-trend way of elevating your drinks area. Bespoke bar, price on application, Hux Kitchens. Love reeded finishes? Don’t stop at the glass door fronts – choose furniture adorned with this tactile effect for your home bar. Bespoke Abuja kitchen, price on application, Wood Works Brighton.
Living room drinks stations
Show your drinks station a bit of love and decorate any open shelves with quirky accessories and house plants. Monique table lamp in brass, £160, Pooky.If you don’t have space in your kitchen, find a cosy spot for your home bar in your dining room or living area. Manhattan furniture, price on application, Sharps.
