Want To Up Your Hosting Game? How To Design The Perfect Home Bar

As we (very slowly but surely) gear up for the festive season, the al fresco days of summer drinking are firmly behind us. But with no garden to rely on, how do you craft the perfect entertainment spot for your guests? Here’s how to upgrade from the humble drinks trolley to a full-blown home bar.

Your Guide To The Perfect Home Bar

Why Are People Increasingly Introducing Bars Into Their Homes?

From celebrities with dedicated party rooms (we’re looking at you, Ellen DeGeneres) to the fully-fledged home bar (pint pullers included) of Ron’s home in The Thursday Murder Club, it seems that the humble drinks trolley simply doesn’t cut it anymore. And we’re not the only ones to notice. Neatsmith director Philipp Nagel says there’s been a recent rise in clients asking for bespoke home bars that combine elegance with practicality: ‘A drinks trolley is charming, but a dedicated bar creates an experience.’ Fully recovered from the dreaded Covid years and fighting against a phone-fuelled loneliness epidemic, entertaining is back with a bang. ‘The home bar is fast becoming the hallmark of stylish entertaining,’ adds Nagel. ‘A thoughtfully designed home bar can help define a space and create an instant social hub, perfect for gathering with friends and family.’

What Do People Often Overlook When Designing A Home Bar?

While it may be tempting to focus all your efforts on creating a Gatsby-esque extravaganza of Art Deco design, Nagel warns not to overlook functionality. ‘It’s easy to focus on statement finishes but forget about the practicalities such as storage, where the ice will go, how the glassware is stored, or whether there’s enough space for bottles. Just like a kitchen, the layout matters and everything should flow so that mixing a drink feels effortless.’ According to Nagel, the ideal home bar should include smart storage for bottles and glassware, a dedicated space for mixing drinks, and integrated lighting which serves both a functional purpose and creates ambience. 

How Do You Master The Design?

While practicality is key, you also want to ensure that a home bar complements your interiors, standing out as a beautifully crafted piece of furniture in its own right. ‘We always encourage clients to think first about the mood they want the bar to create,’ says Nagel. ‘We always consider the architecture and character of the client’s home as the best designs feel personal, with just the right element of surprise.

As previously mentioned, there should also be some practical elements. ‘Should it be a bold focal point or a discreet addition that blends into the room, practicality is just as important. Durable surfaces are essential for prep zones, while wood, glass or mirrors can add warmth and texture.’ When it comes to sourcing inspiration, look to boutique hotels and cocktails bars where the balance of glamour and practicality is key.

It’s also important to consider what you want out of your home bar – do you desire it to make a stunning centrepiece or would you prefer it to remain quietly tucked away? If you’re looking for the former, then keep the statement finishes in mind: glass, marble, fluted shapes and mottled textures. You can also add vintage bar stools, plush leather seating, side tables, speakers and artwork to make it a true entertaining hub. If you would prefer something more subtle, Nagel recommends a floor to ceiling finish, so that the bar can be neatly tucked away at the end of your oh-so-rowdy night. 

What About Storage Hacks?

From glasses and bottles to lemon slices and cocktail shakers, it’s easy for a home bar to quickly descend into chaos – especially during a wild night of partying. To master your storage, Nagel recommends pull-out drawers for bar tools, integrated hanging racks for stemware and mirrored shelving that both maximises space and injects a layer of elegance. ‘Consider hidden compartments for less glamorous essentials, mixers, cleaning cloths and spare ice buckets, so the beautiful details are always the star of the show.’

How Do You Perfect The Lighting?

‘Lighting makes all the difference,’ says Nagel, ‘and is often overlooked.’ He explains that backlit shelving creates a jewel-like glow around bottles, while subtle lighting ensures practicality when making drinks. ‘You can layer lighting so it can shift from bright and functional to soft and atmospheric, perfect for entertaining,’ he adds. 

Final Top Tips

Ultimately, explains Nagel, a home bar should feel like a conversation piece but also a piece of furniture which works perfectly with the wider interiors of the home: ‘Above all, design your bar to reflect your lifestyle, whether that means a show-stopping centrepiece for entertaining or a discreet hideaway for special occasions.’ Even if you don’t think you can quite handle an all-night rager every weekend, remember that your home bar can double-up as a space for morning coffee and daytime hosting too.