Home Interior: Raising

Raising the Bar

5 REASONS WHY HOME BARS HAVE ACHIEVED MAIN-LEVEL LIVING STATUS

By Lisa J. Gotto

Remember those groovy, lower-level recreation rooms we grew up with, with the rich wood paneling, gold Berber wall-to-wall, and the “man of the house” basement bar with the adjacent dart board? Pretty cool, right? Back in the day it was the norm to banish adult beverages to the basement; sometimes out of necessity, but usually because Dad’s idea of a “bar” didn’t often complement Mom’s Pfaltzgraff collection.

We say it’s about time to raise that bar out of the basement because today’s designers have so many ways to fashionably and functionally integrate this popular home feature into almost any main-level living scheme. And here are five reasons why:

They Can Be Safe

Because in some households it is prudent that certain consumables are kept in an out-of-sight, out-of-mind location and secured so those with curious minds and palates are unable to access them, a locking liquor cabinet may be in order. And while we are certainly not unfamiliar with the device, they surely did not look like this when we on the hunt for the key! This swanky, yet subtle version offers an elegant design, a stemware rack, an eight-bottle wine rack, and a sassy, mirrored backsplash insert. The upper cabinet locks, the lower cabinets offer additional space for bar glasses and accessories, and a lower shelf provides a great place to stash your stylish serving tray.

Photo courtesy of ballarddesigns.com

They Can Be Glamourous

Empty nesters rejoice! The kids are grown and now you can opt for all-out glamour if you so choose. If you’re in the process of designing a new home, make sure you leave a little space to get creative, and if you’re in your forever home, it isn’t hard to re-dedicate and re-imagine a space in a main living area that mimics your favorite, classy cocktail lounge. Sometimes it’s just a matter of adding a few new pieces, and a gorgeous, stand-alone bar is a great way to start. These pieces often come with storage capability underneath for larger items, but you may wish to consider embellishing the space with some well-chosen accessories like pendant lighting, attractive shelving, and reflective elements, such as a classic mirror, to lend the space panache.

They Can Be Functional

And sometimes it’s just a matter of shaking up the status quo, and stirring in a little imagination to take a wasted space and turn it into one of the most popular spots in your home. Many existing homes already have an under-utilized wedge of dead space under a stair. This is a great example of what can happen when some thought is given to everything one may want their at-home bar to provide and then adding a layer of utility and polish so nothing looks like an afterthought. In keeping with the fundamental style of the home, this is a prep place option that does not include any bar stools that would detract from its sensible, yet fabulous functionality.

They Can Be Tasteful

Here’s a contemporary, kitchen-y take on the at-home libation station that really makes sense for the way we live today. While its tones and overall look may be subdued, this option packs a lot of utility into a small space and does so beautifully. And like a butler’s pantry, it’s functional and there’s a place for everything. But unlike a butler’s pantry, there’s no need to keep an attractive space like this behind closed doors!

They Can Be Camouflaged

If the thought of a stand-alone bar and all its essentials seems too busy for your space, there’s some self-contained options out there you may wish to consider. This custom option is the height of sophistication when opened, yet still offers a convenient sink surrounded in luxe marble, and an ample space for bar wares and slicing those all-important lemon and lime garnishes. Self-contained, ready-to-buy units are also available from quality interiors manufacturers, as well, so all you have to do is arrange for delivery and stock it up with your favorite glassware and libations.

May we see the cocktail list, please?