How to Create the Perfect Home Bar

We all love the anticipation of some much needed downtime and that fabulous ‘Friday Feeling’ as we leave work for a few days of rest and recuperation or fun and frolics. If you are anything like me however, getting ready for a night out at your favourite bar can be quite exhausting (women you will understand). By the time I shower, dry and style my hair, apply my makeup and choose an outfit; it’s pretty much time to go to bed. However there is a growing trend of amazing ‘Home Bars’ hitting the interior design world, making it easier than ever to enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple or a warm cup of coffee with your friends in the comfort of your own home (in your PJs should you so wish).

Take a look at these fun and stylish bar ideas that will provide you with a social centrepiece in the home where you can kick back and relax or party the night away.

Cocktails have made a huge comeback over the past few years with old school ‘Tequila Sunrise’ and ‘Tom Collins’ still being a favourite choice as well as some newcomers such as ‘The Bramble’ and ‘Espresso Martini’ coming into the fold. What better way to showcase your mixing skills than with a fabulously stylish cocktail station that will take pride of place in any living room, dining room or kitchen area.

Choose classic designs such as art deco or silver leaf for a hint of 1920s glamour or choose simple sleek ebony or mahogany items for a modern yet traditional look. Ensure you have space for your liqueurs, wines, sodas and juices as well as a good supply of ice and mixers. Hang an array of glasses in tall, tumbler and martini designs or fill jugs and pitchers that can be shared out among your guests. And of course don’t forget some good old cocktail umbrellas, straws and sparklers for the ultimate in cheesy retro design.

Wine bars have become increasingly popular in many towns and cities and provide a chic and stylish space to relax and enjoy some laid back music and conversation. You can replicate this feeling in your own home by incorporating a wine bar area into your kitchen/diner interior. Firstly create a seating area on a breakfast bar or island with some stylish chrome stools with modern black, white and red leather upholstery. Then create an open shelving area for your wine glasses and flutes and traditional cellar style storage spaces for your bottles.

Beneath these shelves place a small or large wine cooler that can be set to exactly the right temperature to serve your white, rose and sparkling wines or if you are really splashing out then why not purchase a fitted wine dispenser where varying wines can be poured direct from a tap on the wall of your kitchen. Place a stylish table top bottle opener on your worktop area and always ensure you have an ice bucket and plenty of ice on hand just in case your bottle lasts long enough to go cold.

Craft Ales and draughts are hugely on trend this season with small and local breweries producing some of the finest ales and ciders with unique tastes and flavours. If your thinking or re-designing your whole kitchen then you can now have a 15 inch beer dispenser with traditional draught tap fitted into your kitchen worktop that will allow you to serve your favourite beer or lager on tap whenever you please (perfect for budding landlords).

You can also fit a small beer fridge beside your tap for placing your bottled beverages in one central easy to access area. If craft beers are more your style then create a rustic shelving area from some old beer crates and display your ales according to types such as ‘blondes’, ‘dark’ and ‘flavoured’ and arrange a weekly or monthly meet up with friends to sample new brands and flavours.

If alcohol is simply not your thing then no worries! You can still create a stylish home bar area where you can enjoy a relaxing cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate in classic coffee shop style surroundings. If you love a vintage Tea Room interior design then select a rustic oak or cream painted dresser and display a selection of retro and shabby chic style cups and saucers, plates and tea pots for a pop of visual colour. On the table section place a traditional style whistling kettle and silver stirrers, strainers and spoons for a classically brewed cup of tea. Add a mini fridge or cupboard with vintage storage tins for your afternoon tea, cakes and sandwiches and a cake stand that will showcase all your delicious delicacies.

If sophisticated coffee shops are more your thing then select free standing or integrated shelving in black, silver or chrome and display your large mugs, cups and jugs as well as a selection of roasts, syrups and marshmallows for a bespoke coffee making station. Place a stylish coffee maker on your worktop with a milk steaming function for lattes and hot chocolate and throw in a Panini press for a lunch time pit stop or late evening snack.

For more ideas on creating a home bar in your interior, take a look at this week’s latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Home Bars