When you love hosting, what could be better than your very own bar or cocktail lounge. An area entirely dedicated to entertaining is just the place for a glass of fizz to get the party started or, after a sumptuous meal, you can extend the evening by showing guests into an atmospheric space for a nightcap, or perhaps even some dancing.
Extreme Design’s Creative Director, Marcello Cuconato says, “A home bar can be an inspiring environment unlike any other. It is the perfect opportunity to embrace bold design choices without being restrained by the style of more formal spaces. Dramatic angles, statement finishes, patterns and colours are all encouraged to give guests a feeling of excitement and anticipation.”
Mix it up
Creating the perfect lounge involves designing fitted bar furniture, and there are specialist companies that can planand deliver the project for you. Your room will require a water source and sink, a fridge and an island or bench with a resilient surface for the preparation of beverages. Worktops fitted with hard stone such as granite and quartz are more practical than marble and limestone. When thinking about the cabinetry, a lacquered or gloss finish may be more resistant to the occasional spill.
Marcello says “It’s important to understand how the whole room will function and how the individuals like to entertain. From this, the layout can take shape, anything from a small bar accompanied by low-level soft seats to a larger design in a U-shape that takes centre stage with seating for 10 or more.”
If you choose raised seating – so you can watch your mixologist or chat to guests as you demonstrate your own cocktail-making skills – avoid hard materials such as metal and wood: upholstered chairs with a backrest are more comfortable. And don’t leave your guests hanging – ensure each stool has a footrest or that a footrail is incorporated into the design of the bar itself.
Shine bright
Felix Milns, Founder of HUX London, says, “It’s interesting to look at how the materiality within the design interacts with lighting. For example, reeded glass will give a delicate glow, a beautiful stone finish will bounce light, and high gloss paint will reflect colour into the room, while a foxed mirror will echo the light with a timeless aura.” A room’s ambience can change dramatically depending on the position of each fitting and the material used so it’s always best to seek an expert opinion when considering the design of your home bar.
Grand designs
Given that your drinks lounge is a place for enjoyment, you can let your imagination run wild. Felix says, “Home bars are where you can really have fun. We strive to create a design that will suit the interior of a room in terms of aesthetic and scale, but also add glamour and a sense of personality. A recent project we created for a client had an interior finished in a fantastic coral pink gloss.”
A private bar can be a precious place of relaxation or the ultimate entertainment hub. Whether your taste is for traditional or a more contemporary style, see your vision come to life with a truly spectacular statement bar. One thing is for certain, this touch of glamour will be sure to elevate your hosting from home.
