Home bars have become an integral part of living room/lounge design. Partly, because of the entry of readymade bars into the retail furniture segment, but essentially fuelled by a change in entertaining styles and the affordability factor. It is also a much more personal, comfortable and relaxed way to entertain and definitely a lot less expensive than going to bars/restaurants. Change in lifestyles has influenced the design and concept of a home bar. It no longer oscillates between basic trolley cart design and high-end customised bars for the wealthy. Design one customised for your needs.

Basics

The first step is to figure out the space.

Enough room. Assume that when entertaining at least a third of the crowd will hang around the bar.

Accessibility. If you do not have an in-built sink and mini fridge, you need to be close enough to the kitchen or at least somewhere where you can keep stocking up on ice or refills.

Accessorise to give a personal touch

Practical design. Whatever the size, everything from the alcohol to the accessories and glasses should be easy to reach.

Entertaining style. Do you prefer a more casual self-service bar, in which case the bar can be front open design? Or, is a traditional counter style more practical for you? Do you need a basic bar with a few glasses or a full service functionality?

Location. Any kind of space can be worked with. Use niches and corners to create drama and utilise space. If you need flexibility, go for a bar on wheels.

Limitations. You can’t have everything. So decide what is important and then make an intelligent choice.

Design

The design of your bar should not only suit your requirements but also complement the rest of the living/lounge/entertainment area. It should be striking but not stick out like a sore thumb.

Figure out which glasses will stay out and which ones will be stored in the cabinet

Thematic elements. If you have the luxury of a separate room as your bar, you could think about a theme and then design the entire bar and the complementing furniture accordingly. There are many options and no rules as long as it all fits together.

Portability. If you move often, or would like to place your bar according to the scale and mood of your party, portable bars are a great option. They come in a variety of styles from the low-budget basic cabinet-counter on wheels to extravagant leather. Portability lets you change the dynamics of entertaining depending on the kind or number of people who will be coming. It can go from your bedroom to your living room or even a small balcony/lawn.

Blend in. You could have a bar that doesn’t even look like one. It could merge with the room’s decor completely or even become a decorative element. This works well if you need a basic bar but don’t want it to be overwhelming, or need something more subtle. It could be an unobtrusive cabinet or something dramatic like a fireplace or a mantelpiece design with an in-built bar.

Incorporate various hardware and fittings in the design

Hardware and gadgetry. You can incorporate various hardware and fittings into the bar’s design. The options in gadgetry and fittings may not be specific to bar applications but they can be designed to work in such a setting. Many kitchen fittings can be modified and used effectively in the bar design.

Details

Functionality. Decide if you need a wet bar. If not, it gets a lot simpler. The counter should be a high pressure surface that is heat and water resistant. The cabinetry should cater for the bottles, glasses, accessories and cutlery. There should be some kind of lighting and practical elements like dustbin, ashtrays and snack bowls should be within easy reach.

A casual self-service bar can be front-open

Essentials. Lighting plays an important role in creating the right ambience, focus on display elements and setting the mood. The right kind of seating, either in terms of bar stools or sofas around the bar area is important. Comfort means happy guests.

Display. Decide on what you want to display as the lighting and cabinetry can only be designed once this is done. Figure out what kind of glasses will be on display and which ones stored in the cabinet. Bottles, wine racks and bar accessories also need appropriate space.

Accessorise. Perk things up with accessories. Give a personal touch. Pictures of your travels, photographs, funny coasters are all conversation starters.

The Bonus Elements

If you have the space and can afford it, you could add a mini-fridge, an inbuilt sink, ice machine, wine rack, blender, and beer cooler and wired in music systems. Of course all the right glasses, mixers and accessories are essential too. A large room or a basement bar could allow you to bring in a media centre (to watch all those cricket matches!) and perhaps even a pool table, pinball machine or a dartboard. Such a space would also allow for a little dance floor. It all really depends on what you want. Cheers!

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