How to Create a Home Bar or Lounge

These days with artisanal beers, wines, scotch and kombucha – the home bar or lounge has become a popular design trend. I am always looking for fun nooks or unused spaces to create a room or built-in that has lounge-y appeal. So the question is: how do you create a home bar or lounge? There aren’t any rules. You need some type of imbibing ingredient – it doesn’t have to be alcoholic in nature. Juice bars are all the rage – why not create that in your very own abode!

First key element: seating! I like to give the bartender a seat! Here I added a leather pouf, an antique stool, and club chairs. So when drinks are being created there is room for lots of friendly conversation.

Second key: lots of glassware! It sparkles and provides a nice styling accessory. So it’s useful and pretty. If you can add a wine or beverage fridge, that is a fab addition.

Third key feature: storage! I like to do glass shelving. In a small space, the look of items floating is a cool element. We snuck this bar into a staircase. It was pretty rad. And we added an ice machine! It was easy to do because the refrigerator is on the other side of the wall so already had a water line available.

Countertop space is another key element. It adds useful surface area but gives you another design layer of fun. Countertops in a home bar or lounge can be more dramatic or fun. The space lends itself to taking risks.

Using reflective surfaces such as mirrors are a fabulous addition to any home bar or lounge space. It gives the space a deeper sense of space. But a gorgeous backsplash is also another way to add drama. And don’t forget the martini table!