Tips for Designing the Perfect Home Bar

With most people working online today, nearly every homebuyer wants a house with a bar or an entertainment spot. Now more than ever, homeowners are willing to spend their money on creating spaces for socializing in their homes. A home bar makes a great place for entertaining your guests and loved ones while enjoying your favorite cocktails.

Fortunately, the possibilities are endless when it comes to designing a home bar. Today, there are many great home bar ideas that can help you convert unused space in your home into a perfect spot for enjoying your favorite spirits after work or on weekends with friends.

If you’re planning to open a bar business or renovate an existing one, I-5 Design Build can help you design a signature venue that allows for better service and a better guest experience. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to create a well-designed home bar:

1. Find the Perfect Spot for Your Home Bar

The first step is finding a perfect spot in your home for your bar setup. The good thing is that you don’t need plenty of space to build a home bar. If you don’t have a basement, you can transform an unused niche or closet into a statement-making bar. Alternatively, you may choose to create space in your kitchen pantry or the short hallway between the powder room and dining room.

If you have an expansive house, you can build a home bar inside the sunroom that leads to the outdoor area or your basement. When deciding where to install a home bar, it’s always best to choose a spot that’s easily accessible from where you usually entertain your guests.

2. Pick a Style that Suits Your Taste

There are many home bar styles to choose from. Choose a home bar style that complements your home’s interior design style for the perfect appearance. If you opt for a modern home bar, consider adding cabinets and shelves with straight edges to create simple shapes and clean lines of a contemporary design scheme.

Choose a monochromatic color scheme to add contrast to your bar area as well as geometric floor patterns, whether on your carpet, rug, or tiles. This will add visual interest and make your design stand out. And use metallic accents to add a dash of glam to your bar design. This also gives the space a bit of shine when light reflects off it.

On the other hand, if you prefer a rustic-themed home bar, consider using wood chairs and tables and antique accessories and pieces. Use reclaimed wood for the counter, furniture, and accessories. You can also add your favorite frame or some old hunting antiques to the walls. Get creative with your presentation and storage by installing hidden shelving.

3. Add Targeted Lighting

Lighting can make a huge difference in the overall design of your home bar. Install targeted lighting under your bar cabinets to ensure you get adequate illumination on the countertops. Consider using decorative pendants, sconces, and rope lights under shelves to keep the lights dim and create a soothing atmosphere. You may also install wall-mounted lights to provide ambient glow to the space and illuminate your artwork. Use lighting to add ambiance and some pop to your home bar.

The Checklist

Having a home bar is an excellent way to entertain your guests while also enjoying a refreshing drink after a hard day’s work. However, to make the most out of your home bar, you need to have the right tools and ingredients. Here are some must-have things for a home bar.

1. Cocktail shaker: A cocktail shaker is an essential tool. You can use it to mix drinks or give them a good shake. A good cocktail shaker will allow you to make a wide variety of drinks, from Martinis to Margaritas.

2. Jigger: A jigger is a small measuring cup used to measure alcohol accurately. Measuring the right amount of alcohol is crucial for making balanced cocktails.

3. Ice bucket: An ice bucket is a must-have item for a home bar. It is essential for chilling drinks and keeping them cold. You can also use it as a decorative piece for your bar.

4. Glassware: It’s not a bar without proper glassware. Make sure you have various types of glasses, including Martini glasses, Highball glasses, and Shot glasses.

5. Bar spoon: A long-handled bar spoon is a handy tool for stirring cocktails. It’s great for mixing drinks, and it also aids in garnishing cocktails.

6. Fresh garnishes: Having fresh garnishes such as lime, lemon, and oranges can take your cocktails to the next level. Fresh garnishes add a pop of color and flavor to your drinks.

7. Cocktail napkins: Cocktails can be messy, so make sure you have plenty of cocktail napkins on hand. These napkins are a great way to clean up spills and drips.

8. Bitters: Bitters are an essential ingredient in classic cocktails, such as Old Fashioneds and Manhattans. They add a depth of flavor and balance to drinks.

9. Mixers: Mixers are the non-alcoholic ingredients that add flavor to cocktails. They include simple syrup, tonic water, soda, and juices.

10. Alcohol: Finally, a home bar is not complete without a selection of alcohol. It’s best to have a range of spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila.

In conclusion, a home bar can be a fun and exciting addition to your home. With these must-have items, you can make a wide variety of delicious cocktails for yourself and your guests. Remember to stock up on fresh ingredients and keep your bar clean and tidy.