Not in the mood for bar hopping but still want to enjoy your favourite beverage with friends or family in a fantastic atmosphere? Building a home bar that’s designed with your dreams in mind will provide years of enjoyment and become a celebratory gathering place for years to come.
Your options are nearly endless, so here are just a few things to mull over before construction commences.
Pick Your Space – The first question you’ll want to ask is, where do you want to set up your home bar? Think about where you do the majority of your entertaining. That – or a space adjacent to it – is where you’ll likely want your bar located. Have plans to create an entirely new space for entertaining, such as building a basement or adding a backyard patio? If so, you can get a bit more creative with your home bar because you won’t need to retrofit to an existing space.
Wet vs. Dry – The wet bar option is wonderful because it gives you the convenience of having a fully functioning sink in your bar area for emptying and rinsing glasses (quite handy if you plan to mix a lot of cocktails behind the bar). However, you’ll need to take into account the proximity of plumbing when choosing a spot. Not up for tackling a plumbing project? A dry bar can be an ideal option, giving you the ability to chill drinks or temporarily discard waste.
Take a Seat – The seating you choose has a lot to do with the length of time you and your guests like to spend bellying up to the bar. Backless stools are great if you tend to have more of a “drink-and-run” scenario. But if you enjoy more of a leisurely sipping time, then stools with backs are a better bet. The other important thing to keep in mind is selecting the proper height. A counter stool is sized for a 36” high bar (typical height for a kitchen cabinet) and a bar stool is sized for a 42” high standard bar.
Dishwashers and Drawers – If it’s doable space and cost-wise, a dishwasher is an excellent addition. The new energy efficient models are actually quite practical, and less time hand washing equals more time entertaining guests. Drawer units are also great, as they allow you to store all of your glassware in one drawer and then transfer them back and forth from dirty to clean.
This is just a taste of the possibilities that await you as the proud owner of a custom-designed home bar. Give us a call, or send a text or email at your convenience. We’re ready to brainstorm together when you are!