Your home deserves a dedicated spot to relax after a long week. If you have a home bar, you can gather with your friends while staying at home. Creating one is easier than you think — all you need is a budget and an open mind. Here are seven tips for designing your new favorite area of the house.
1. Find the Right Spot
The home bar can go anywhere in your home, so choose a spot carefully. Location will determine its practicality once you start using it. If you want to entertain, select the living room or den. This primary social area is terrific for a bar because the drinks are easy to access.
The kitchen is another practical option because it’s close to water and ice. Choose this location if you want to make pre-dinner cocktails or after-dinner drinks. While selecting the kitchen is logical, it carries some cons. For instance, the bar could lose its distinct identity if it blends into the kitchen cabinetry.
2. Complement Your Decor
Connecting the bar to your home’s layout is essential for cohesiveness. It should complement your house and be intentional, so ensure it speaks the same design language. Imagine your interior has a modern industrial style inspired by old loft spaces. Your home bar could include exposed metal pipe shelving and bar stools with metal frames.
Classic wood style is another popular choice for home bars. Dark woods like mahogany and walnut can make your setup feel luxurious and established, as if it’s an old-time pub. Wooden bar stools, leather seats and polished brass accents should top your materials list.
3. Stock Core Glassware
While alcohol selection matters, start with the glassware. Choose versatile glasses to impress your guests and maintain a functional collection. Your assortment should match your primary drinks to emphasize thoughtful curation. For instance, all-purpose wine glasses work with different types regardless of grape variety. The glassware should have thin rims to help the wine flow smoothly.
Besides wine, you should also have glasses for spirits. Pick tumblers with sturdy bases for your whiskey. If you like your drinks on the rocks, this glassware type provides terrific support. You need a heavy foundation for muddling ingredients, whether sugar or bitters.
4. Stock Foundational Bottles
A home bar may have limited supplies compared to a full-sized saloon, so have a versatile selection of bottles for your cocktails. Vodka, gin, whiskey and rum are the essentials for making popular mixed drinks. Keep your favorites around and tailor to your friends’ preferences.
Vodka has a neutral flavor, so keep a bottle for screwdrivers and Moscow mules. A midrange brand is terrific because it serves as the base for other drinks. If you have more expensive tastes, you can get a luxury bottle. Sweet and smooth is a solid approach for bourbon, as you’ll want to pick crowd-pleasing beverages.
5. Accessorize for Temperature
Making your audience happy is essential when hosting a great party. That said, it’s wise to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Elevate your home bar with a specialty beverage service beyond ice and martini glasses. Temperature is essential to your drinks, so incorporate dual-zone beverage coolers. Separate storage is necessary for white and red wines.
Incorporate accessories to make specialized drinks and impress your guests. Wow your friends by making sake, as temperatures can vary significantly. Experts say you can serve the drink chilled at 41° Fahrenheit or warmed to 131° Fahrenheit. Making this drink could include a traditional ceramic carafe and cups as stylistic elements.
6. Gather Mixology Tools
Your friends want to watch you make drinks, so ensure your home bar has the right tools. Amateur and expert mixologists need the basics, such as a quality shaker and a strainer. Jiggers help you measure amounts, which is essential when creating specific cocktails and balancing flavors. Remember to grab a stirring spoon for spirit-forward drinks.
The right mixology equipment is also essential for managing drinks. For instance, you may benefit from larger ice molds to prevent faster melting and keep the drinks colder. Insulated ice buckets are terrific for parties because they keep the area sanitary and convenient. Consider a pick if you have larger frozen blocks or you want custom chunks.
7. Create the Right Atmosphere
Making and serving drinks is the core of your home bar. However, you should prioritize fostering the right atmosphere with seating and lighting. Increase comfort by offering footrests and letting your guests kick their feet up. If you have counter seats, give guests room between their seats and the bar.
Lighting is the other half of the ambience, as it affects mood and perception. Choose warm tones and dimmed lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. Ensure the bar itself has adequate lights for mixing and serving drinks. Under-cabinet LED strips illuminate the workspace without creating a glare. Incorporate accent lights over the bar to increase the lounge feeling.
Designing a Home Bar With Personal Touches
Your home bar should reflect your personal style and enjoyment. This project blends practical tools and creative fun to create a unique atmosphere. Some see it as a place to store bottles and bitters. However, the home bar can become the heart of your social life and memories. Take your time and enjoy the details before you raise a glass to your favorite space.
