Photo courtesy of ARTium Design Build, Inc.
By Mallory Ivall
No longer just dedicated cabinetry for housing drinks and entertaining guests, today’s home bars or beverage stations serve a variety of purposes and reflect your unique needs and tastes.
By day, a home bar can operate as a coffee or tea bar, display area or storage space. By night it can quickly become the MVP as an area to set out food or drinks.
An all-in-one family friendly basement bar is one that offers something for everyone. It can be centrally located for ease of use and act as a focal point throughout the space. The configuration of cabinetry can create versatility so it’s a refreshment station for those using the basement gym, an entertainment space for family and friend gatherings in the media area, and as a kitchenette or coffee bar for overnight visitors using a basement guestroom. It can contain a sink, beverage fridge, layered lighting and combination of open and closed storage.
You can strategically place a kitchen bar just off the kitchen, seamlessly connecting your kitchen and family room, for example, while remaining visible from your dining and living areas. In this case, the bar’s cabinetry will be a continuation of the kitchen’s finishes, creating a cohesive look throughout the space.
The ideal kitchen bar design can have a blend of glass cabinets with integrated lighting and closed cabinets, striking a balance between functional storage and stylish display. Its countertop can be an extended place to aid in entertaining, whether you’re serving a buffet or beverages.
A “sidekick” dining area side bar is ideal if space is tight, because it can add storage and counterspace. It can be placed across from your main kitchen space or directly next to an eat-in area so it acts as a sidekick to your dining table.
A well-designed bar for small spaces can maximize an underutilized area – behind a wall, for example. By sinking the fridge into the wall cavity and employing custom shallow cabinets, such a design can optimize functionality while maintaining an open circulation space.
A home bar can feature a blend of open and closed storage solutions. Wine bottle cubbies and a small open shelf can provide easy access and a touch of elegance. Closed cabinets can offer ample storage for other essentials. Specialty door mechanisms, such as awning-style hinges on the cabinet above the shelf, can ensure smooth access while enhancing the bar’s sleek appearance.
Even with limited space, creative design solutions can bring your dream bar to life, complementing your lifestyle and the spaces in your home.
Mallory Ivall is a Designer with ARTium Design Build Inc. & Just Basements