Are you tired of your mini home bar made out of the kitchen trolley? If you want to dedicate an entire home extension to your home bar dreams, then you should maximise the space you’ve gained.
After all, it’s not easy to pursue home extensions, especially for leisure purposes. Additionally, you should be ready for the maintenance and other financial requirements of having your bar at home.
In the past, you may have already tried installing a small bar in your kitchen but you may not have enough space. So now that you’ve finally decided to extend your kitchen for a home bar, it’s easier to host a get-together without feeling cramped in the kitchen and dining area.
Having home extensions is a fun idea to enjoy your hobbies and improve your home. As for having a bar home extension, you can lessen the hassle of going out just to have a drink or two. Now, you can enjoy drinking with family and friends in the comfort of your home.
So if you’re thrilled to decorate your home bar extension, then here are some tips to help you maximise this new space!
1. Create a layout
If you have home extensions solely to have a bar, then you can leave it an open space or add a divider. However, if you want to make the place look bigger, then you can just start planning the layout of the bar itself.
In a typical bar, you can find an underbar, a front bar, and a back bar. The underbar separates the front and the back bar. Then, the front bar is where the guests sit and enjoy their drinks. Finally, the back bar is where the host or the bartender makes and serves the drinks.
But aside from the bar counter, you’ll also need storage, a garnish station, a sink, and an ice bin. So think about their measurements carefully so that you won’t have to compromise the space for your guests.
2. Opt for minimalist or multi-purpose furniture
Are you planning to add some sofas or cocktail tables to your home bar? Then you should opt for slim pieces to give some extra space where people can walkthrough.
Furthermore, adding multi-purpose furniture like a couch with an attached mini fridge would be a great idea. That way, your guests won’t have to stand up every time they want a refill. Meanwhile, some bar table sets are foldable so you can just unfold them whenever you have a bigger party.
As for your favourite bar trolley, you can place it under the bar counter if there are still no fixed drawers and cabinets in it. If it still looks fine, then it’s also okay if you want to have it on display.
3. Display your liquor collection
Are you worried about where to put your liquor and glass collection? If you already installed some shelves at the back bar, then you can just display your collection there. Let your guests see all you can offer right in front of them.
After all, when you’re in an actual bar, you can easily see your choices. Some bars have even installed lights so that the liquor shelves look fancy. As for the glassware, you can also display them according to use.
Have you seen those wine glasses displayed upside down? It would be great and handy if all glassware with stem and foot would be stored this way so that you can still store more glass under them.
4. Incorporate the design with the rest of the house
As a part of the planning process, you should consider the design of the main house. For instance, if you have a modern home, then your home extensions should also be in line with the modern style.
On the other hand, if you want a fresh look, then you can also go for a design with the complete opposite of the main house. But at least have the bar extension reflect the design of the kitchen, or wherever room your bar extension is near.
Another trick when decorating your bar and other home extensions is through the lighting. If the style or design is not even close to the rest of the house, then you can play with the lights.
5. Manage the perfect storage area
As mentioned before, you can store the liquors and glassware at the back bar. However, other things may not look as appealing when being displayed. For instance, the napkins, utensils, and blenders may need a more concealed and suitable storage area.
You can place these things under the counter, but just make sure that they won’t get wet or damaged even if there’s a spill on the countertop. One easy option would be glass doors so that you can easily see what you’re looking for.
Don’t worry, this kind of storage doesn’t need to be huge. It’s just something you need just in case it’s not aesthetically pleasing to display other tools and equipment in your home bar.
6. Be creative with the seating arrangement
Since this is your bar, you can be as creative as you like when it comes to the seating arrangement. You don’t need to follow the traditional seats of a regular bar. Instead, you can fashion an attention-grabbing way on how can people enjoy their drinks while chatting with friends.
Of course, you should still consider the space of your home bar, but it doesn’t mean you need to stick to buying the boring stools that you hate. Pick some classy or quirky pieces that suit the ambiance of your home bar.
Meanwhile, the most important thing you should consider when buying stools and chairs is the comfort of anyone who’s going to sit in them.
Now that you have a few ideas on how to maximise the additional space you have for your home bar, it’s time for planning and decorating. Let us know what makes you pursue your dream of having a home bar, and the final look by leaving a comment below!
