Cocktail Lovers, Here’s How To Create The Most Glorious Home Bar
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2 weeks ago
Calling all cocktail aficionados...
Transforming a corner of your home into a stylish bar can add both sophistication and a touch of fun to your living space. Whether you’re an avid cocktail enthusiast or simply enjoy the occasional tipple, your home bar offers a personalised escape without leaving the house – and, with hosting season upon us, it can provide a hub for making new memories.
From sleek shelving to artful glassware displays, we’ve curated the essential knowledge you need to make this entertaining essential both functional and beautiful. Langstaff, the bespoke cabinetry makers behind gorgeous hotel and home bars, provide us with expert insight.
Tips For Creating A Gorgeous Home Bar
1. Understand The Space You’re Working With – And How You’d Use It
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Start with the basics: what kind of space are you working with? Take inspiration from @Hutleyhumm‘s sunny bar design, which transforms a snug under-the-stairs spot into a smart and functional bar that makes the most of limited space. Perhaps you have an unused nook in the kitchen, a forgotten corner of your hallway, or even a summer house at the end of your garden with room to spare. Choosing the right location is key, and it’s helpful to think about how often you’ll use the bar and where you’ll want to serve drinks. For those planning dinner parties, a bar near the kitchen is ideal. But if it’s more for quiet after-dinner drinks, a tucked-away room may be perfect.
2. Consider The Design Of The Framework
© Langstaff
Once you understand the space in which your home bar will sit, it’s time to consider the build. Maybe you’re inspired by hotel bars, with custom shelves that stretch wall-to-wall, showcasing beautiful bottles. If you prefer a tidier look, think about incorporating drawers or doors that allow you to neatly stow away your glassware when not in use. For those who might not wish to drill into walls – renters or those not yet ready to commit to a permanent bar – a freestanding cupboard could be the perfect solution.
Nick Bell, director at Langstaff, suggests this is the time to be playful with colour and texture. ‘Experiment with combinations of wood, marble, metal, or textured board finishes to inject your character and personality to the home bar,’ he says.
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And don’t shirk practical considerations, either: ‘We always recommend using a stain resistant material for the worktop or a material that can have a stain resistant finish applied. Ceramic Worktops such as Dekton or Neolith are great for their stain resistance.’
If a DIY project sounds challenging – especially for a bar in a tight or awkward space – consider enlisting professionals who can bring your vision to life. ‘We’d recommend using a trusted cabinetry supplier – like us – to ensure your bar stands the test of time,’ says Nick.
3. Plan Lighting For Both Function And Beauty
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Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of any space, and layered lighting offers the flexibility to transition effortlessly from lively social events to relaxed evening drinks with just a flick of a switch. Nick suggests incorporating three types of lighting: ‘Ambient, accent, and task lighting combine to create an inviting and functional bar area.’
Consider using this layered lighting to highlight your bar’s standout features – whether it’s the elegance of your glassware or the visual appeal of your bottle displays – while ensuring practical visibility (like easily reading bottle labels) and enhancing the overall atmosphere.
4. Consider The Equipment Or Gadgets You Need
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Think about the essentials: a shaker, cocktail strainer, maybe a zester – what do you regularly drink?
If you’re partial to an IPA, why not incorporate space for your favourite brews into your design? The beauty of a home bar is its customisation, tailored to your personal tastes. Plan accordingly.
© Langstaff
‘Don’t forget a fridge for beers, cans, and mixers alongside your wine storage,’ says Nick. ‘You can discreetly integrate it behind a pocket door to avoid too much exposed stainless steel. And make the most of small spaces – stacked wine bottle storage can fit into those slim gaps.’
If you have the room, Nick also suggests adding a boiling water tap: ‘A tap like this, paired with a prep sink, adds extra functionality for cocktail preparation.’
5. Plan The Final Touches
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End with the fun part – showcasing your personality through the final touches. Play around with beautifully designed bottles, mixing your cocktail essentials with unique, design-forward spirits (just make sure they’re as tasty as they are stylish!). If you’re drawn to a boho vibe, a rattan basket can be the perfect way to organise your bar accessories, while a more contemporary design might call for sleek glass racks to elegantly store your glassware. And, of course, with glassware, this is the time to pick pieces you’ll love forever.
Nick’s final tip: ‘Don’t hesitate to add mirrors – they bring depth, reflect light, and create a sense of spaciousness in any bar area. For a softer, more inviting look, consider using antiqued mirror glass.’
