Because it occupies a small space, designer Tracy Morris was able to use bold colors and textures in this bar without overpowering the rest of this McLean home. Greg Powers
The cabinet-front bar in the family room of this Bethesda home, by Mark Kaufman of GTM Architects, blends seamlessly with the built-in bookcase.
“The home bar is no longer just a bar,” said Tracy Morris of Tracy Morris Design in McLean. “It has turned into the new workhorse of the home. Since our clients have been home a bit more, they are looking for secondary kitchen spaces.”
Because home bars occupy only a small area in a home, homeowners can experiment with unexpected colors and textures that might overpower a larger space.
“Saturated colors are among the latest trends in home bar designs. [They] present a great opportunity to be different and creative,” said Danielle Steele, lead interior designer, Marks-Woods Construction Services. “This space is often near the kitchen, which may be white or neutral, so it presents an opportunity to go bold.”
From wall coverings to countertops, options for courageous design abound. “We are using jaw-dropping wallpapers in many of our home bars,” said Morris. “This is the most asked for item. Clients are trying to differentiate their home bars from the rest of the home. One way to do this is with amazing wallpaper.”
Those who enjoy entertaining friends and family know that the kitchen is often a dinner party gathering spot. Home bars offer an alternative space for guests to mingle. “[It] moves them away from the center of a busy and congested kitchen into a se
Gray and white are popular color schemes, while quartz is often requested for countertops, says Tom Reineberg, InSite Builders & Remodeling.cond area, which is perfect for conversation and gathering,” said Tom Reineberg, architect. InSite Builders & Remodeling.
In fact, home bars can be equipped with accessories that allow them to serve as extensions of the kitchen. “In one recent Bethesda home,
we provided a full walk-behind bar with bar stool seating, said architect
Mark Kaufman of GTM Architects.“The bar has a full array of appliances including an ice maker, refrigerator, dishwasher, sink and power outlets.”
Proper lighting is essential. “Popular choices are LED circular-shaped lights, tape lighting and lighting strips … [which] create a bright and attractive entertaining area,” said Reineberg. “Open shelves with mirrors behind the shelving and dramatic lighting can be used to display and showcase barware, unique bottles and liquor collections.”
”Since our clients have been home a bit more... the home bar is no longer just a bar. It has turned into the new workhorse of the home.”
— Tracy Morris of Tracy Morris Design in McLean.