A wine bar at home may be considered the height of luxury as we normally associate a wine bar with an up market restaurant venue however, in recent years, the addition of a home wine bar has become very popular…and for good reason.
They create an in home hospitality experience and are an inviting place for guests to gather when entertaining at home. They also are an opportunity for designers to design a dedicated bar with thoughtful joinery, storage, lighting and incorporate complementary hardware and accessories.
So what are the key elements for an aesthetic and practical home wine bar?
In this blog post I will explore location options and key considerations when designing a home bar.
Selecting the right location
Opt for a space that is easily accessible and allows for socialising, such as a dedicated corner in your living room or a well-lit area in the kitchen. Ensure there's enough room for storage, serving, and if possible, comfortable seating.
Wine bar within the kitchen
Setting up a wine bar within the kitchen has some great benefits. Proximity to the kitchen sink and cabinetry means that your wine bar doesn’t need too much to be set up and ready to go. It can be as simple as a dedicated area on the end of your bench top or a cabinet set aside with shelving for your wine glasses.
Home wine bar in its own dedicated area
When space is not an issue creating a larger wine bar with beautiful design features is an opportunity to be creative and really make a statement within the home.
Types of Home Bars
Bar Cart
Ease of placement is the main benefit of a bar cart. It can be moved around as needed and taken to where guests are gathering for ease of accessibility. Bar carts are perfect when space is limited.
Bar Cabinet
A bit more substantial than a cart, the bar cabinet has more storage space and will usually be placed in a certain spot in your dining, lounge or dedicated room.
Concealed Wine Bar
For a clutter free, more minimalist look, a concealed home bar is the best option. With custom joinery to cohesively blend with the adjoining space, this wine bar can be closed when not in use and creates a streamlined look.
Dedicated Dry or Wet Bar
As a designer, I can see the value of having a larger area solely dedicated to a wine bar. There are more options for preparation of drinks as well as storage and seating.
The main difference between a dry and wet bar is the addition of an integrated sink. The practicalities of a sink at hand allow for serving of water and rinsing of glasses and related paraphernalia.
Wine Bar Features
Wine Storage Solutions
An efficient and aesthetically pleasing wine storage system is crucial for your home wine bar. This sets the tone and look and ensures optimal practicality.
Invest in a quality wine rack, cellar, or wall-mounted shelving to keep your bottles organised and readily accessible. Consider the size of your collection and leave room for expansion, allowing your wine bar to evolve over time.
Temperature Control
Install a wine fridge or, if you have the room, a wine cellar, with temperature control features to keep your collection at the optimal temperature. The right temperature enhances the taste of your wines.
Lighting Matters
Choosing the right lighting sets the mood for an intimate wine-tasting experience.
Avoiding harsh overhead lights and opting for soft, ambient lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider adding LED strips or pendant lights above the wine storage area to highlight your glass ware and wine collection and create a focal point.
Glassware and Accessories
Invest in high-quality glassware and accessories to really set the tone.
This is the chance to use your favourite glasses and goblets and to have them on display. You cannot go past gorgeous crystal glasses and the range of sizes and shapes available will have your wine bar looking very swish.
Include essential accessories such as
bottle openers and corkscrews,
decanters,
ice bucket and tongs
small bin
aerators
Seating and Comfort
Placing your wine bar close to seating is ideal for comfort and elevating the entertainment vibe. Select pieces that suit the space and ensure they’re comfortable. A well-designed wine bar isn't just about the drinks, it's also about creating a space where friends and family can gather to enjoy each other’s company.
Choose stylish and comfortable seating options, such as
barstools
plush lounge chairs, or
size appropriate sofa
Styling your home wine bar
Enhance the visual appeal of your wine bar with beautifully curated art and decor. Consider wine-themed artwork and accessories. Keeping the style and colour palette cohesive with the rest of your home to create a seamless transition between spaces.
In conclusion, designing the perfect wine bar at home is an exciting endeavour that requires a blend of functionality, aesthetics, and personal style. By carefully considering the space, storage solutions, lighting, glassware, seating, and decor, you can create a wine haven that not only showcases your collection but also invites others to share in the pleasure of a good glass of wine. Cheers to transforming your home into a haven for wine enthusiasts!
Are you ready to design the kitchen of your dreams?
Start the design process by booking an interior design consultation and receive guidance, feedback and advice on your kitchen. Book via the link below:
Kindest regards,
Grace
