How To Create A Perfect At-Home Bar
Summer entertaining is in full swing and we're ready to prep the grill, plan the hors d'oeuvres, and create our signature cocktails for all the summer fêtes we have in the books. Whether it's a glass of wine or a frosty beverage, though, a bar space at home is key to keeping things fun and festive without having to tend bar all day/night. So in the spirit of spirits, we tapped our favorite designers for a few tipsies (ahem) on creating a bar service at home. Design inspo ahead!
CREATE A SHOW-STOPPING BAR
Photo: Patrick Cline
Let your bar be your focal point with beautiful glassware, fancy bottles, floral arrangements, and stylish accessories. New York-based designer Marlaina Teich of Marlaina Teich Designs says: "When first deciding where to install your home bar, think about the areas in your home where you do the most entertaining and that have a large, empty wall. Notable places could be your dining room, living room, basement, or garage. This will turn a forgotten-about space into something that is both functional and stylish!"
HAVE FUN + ADD COLOR!
Photo: Laurey Glenn
Mel Bean of Oklahoma-based Mel Bean Interiors says, "Celebrations bring about laughter and good times, so why not have fun with your bar area too. Choose colorful barware in coordinating colors. Consider open shelving to display glassware and for easy accessibility."
USE YOUR EXISTING SPACE
Photo: Laurey Glenn
Make use of your existing space by adding a wine rack or shelving and voilà, you can create your own mini bar. "Shelving units, kitchen built-ins, and consoles are great places to start when creating a bar design," says Bean.
Photo: Laurey Glenn
Another pro tip: "Add a decorative tray and a glass decanter and cup set and you're halfway there to a stunning bar area," says Bean.
Photo: Kacey Gilpin
Or really give your bar area some love with a splash of color for impact -- look at that ceiling too!
THE ART OF THE BAR CART
Photo: Thomas Guy Interiors
Don't have a lot of space to work with? We've got you. Try these DIY bar cart ideas or buy something to fit your decor. Lance Thomas of Louisiana-based Thomas Guy Interiors says, "A new or vintage bar cart creates an appealing addition to a living or dining room. Bar carts can hold most of the bottles and stemware you need in a compact space - and will little investment."
SHOP BAR CARTS
Cheers!
Ready to make your first drink in your new bar area? Try this refreshing citrus drink to entertain guests.
Grapefruit Spritzer
from Chef Patti Delgado of Vibrant in Houston, TX
- Grapefruit juice 4oz
- Rosemary honey 1/2oz
- Mineral water 3oz
- Rosemary sprig for garnish
- Ice
Directions:
Place in a shaker 4oz grapefruit juice, 1/2oz of rosemary honey, and a small scoop of ice place top and shake vigorously for 30 secs. Remove top of shaker use a strainer and pour the liquid into a glass, add 3oz of mineral water top with a couple of ice cubes and garnish with a small sprig of rosemary.
Rosemary Honey recipe:
- 1/2 bunch of rosemary sprigs
- 1 cup of good-quality honey
- 1 cup of filtered water
In a medium saucepan combine rosemary, honey, and water. Stirring frequently over medium heat for 5 minutes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10mins, remove from heat, and steep for 10 mins. Pour the cooled honey through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass bottle or jar and tightly seal, discard rosemary.
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