Home Bar; From Concept to Design

Fratantoni Interior Designers • April 26, 2019

Contemporary homes are all about incorporating every little detail that is to the taste of those who live in them. When it comes to creating a complete modern home that is perfect in every sense, the likes of home office ideas, smart media rooms and game rooms seem to be an absolute must. A popular addition to that lineup which seems to be gaining momentum more than before is a cool home bar — they certainly seem like an appropriate upgrade to ponder about at home. If you love concocting new drinks for friends and entertaining in your home, then creating a home bar should be next on your to-do list.

Just like any other part of the house, a home bar requires proper planning. Conceptualizing, planning and construction can be quite an overwhelming task, but it is doable as long as you keep a few basics in mind. Below, we have broken down the steps in creating a functional and efficient home bar for your house, along with some tips which you can follow. Here are some tips on designing a home bar:

Determine the function of your home bar. Just like in any design project, the first and most significant step before planning is to know the purpose of the space. Determining the function of your home bar will help you decide on the layout, design and even the materials and finishes that you will be needing to complete the project. Before starting the draft, know how your bar will be used.

bar

Obviously, a home bar is utilized for entertaining friends, but aside from that, are there still any other activities that you plan to use your home bar for? Will it be used solely for preparing and serving drinks, or do you need it for preparing light snacks? How many users will there be? How much storage do you need? Are there any specific appliances that must be included in your layout? Do you want to use it for other activities, like casual dining, games and recreation? Do you want a wet bar or a game room bar? These questions can serve as guidelines so you can form a home bar design that is personalized and can cater to all of you needs.

Although a home bar will seldom be used every day, it is still best to design it for everyday use.

Pick an area in the house where you want to put your home bar. There are several locations where you can place a home bar. Typically, home bars are placed near the kitchen. It can also be located in a recreation area, a game room, a den, a “man cave” or a garage. In some cases home bars are also placed between living rooms and kitchens, while acting as a divider for the space.

Some homeowners put their home bars in the basement, where it is away from all the traffic of the home. When home bars are placed in the basement, it can serve another function and may be incorporated with another area like a game room or a home theater room. If using the basement as the location of your home bar, make sure that it is free from leaks. Leaks and water can cause molds to build up around your bar.

Plan ahead. This is in relation to choosing the location of your home bar. Before finalizing the location and the plan, know the existing site conditions of the location of your home bar. Figure out the existing water and electrical supply. These two factors are very critical because home bars essentially require a preparation area with a sink and it also requires a power source for wine chillers, refrigerators and other appliances.

Also, take into account your budget. Your budget is also a significant factor in designing your home bar mainly because your whole project depends on it. It also allows you to narrow down your options for materials and finishes. It is also advisable to prepare a contingency fund in case of unforeseen works.

Determine the size. Take accurate measurements of the space and conceptualize a layout that fits well and is proportional to the overall area. Make sure that the your home bar does not look to cramped up or overcrowded.

The shape of your home bar is also a part of the layout. Depending on the available space you have, it can either be a single line, a bar counter with a back bar, curved, round or even L shaped.
A home bar also has different “zones”. Typically it is divided into a work and prep counter, the serving surface, the seating area and the storage. The work counter is the main counter where you prepare drinks and light snacks. The serving surface is usually the overhang in the work counter, or the raised ledge above your work counter and it is where your guests enjoy their drinks and casually dine. The seating area, on the other hand, is obviously, where the bar stools are set up. Usually, a home bar set up has at least two to four pieces of bar stools in the seating area. The storage can be divided into two types: the cold storage and the dry storage. Cold storage includes bar refrigerators and wine chillers. Dry storage are cabinets, shelves and drawers which are used to store glassware, utensils, bottled drinks, snacks, etc. Wine racks are also considered as a type of dry storage.

Decide on the bar design. There are many types of home bar designs that one can explore. It can be a wet bar or a home bar which includes a sink in the layout. It can be a game bar, which also caters to recreational activities or it can be a portable bar, which can be moved easily and stored away quickly when not in use. Alternatively, you can also have a full bar if the available space permits. Full back bars have individual storage for bottles. The bar design will again, depend on the function of your home bar and the available space you have in the home.

Choose a style for your home bar. Ideally, when conceptualizing your home bar’s final plan, choose a design which matches the prevailing style of your home. Your home bar must blend harmoniously and cohesively with all the other areas of the house.

Materials and finishes will help you achieve the overall look you want and the texture and tone of your home bar. You can use wood for a classic feel, while if your house is modern, you can go with a more sleek and glossy surface. The color palette of your home bar must not deviate from the existing scheme of your home. If your house plays on neutrals, the stick with monochromatic tones so that your home bar does not look out of place.

Images From French Villa

Information: Design Ideas

The post Home Bar; From Concept to Design appeared first on Fratantoni Interior Designers.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

What Defines True European Luxury Interior Design

By Josie Fratantoni • February 16, 2026

European luxury interior design is not simply about ornate décor or historic references. It is a refined design philosophy centered on craftsmanship, architectural harmony, premium materials, and intentional living. True European luxury interiors feel timeless rather than trendy, curated rather than cluttered, and elegant without sacrificing comfort. This enduring appeal is why luxury homeowners seeking custom interior design services continue to look toward European influence when designing high end residences. At Fratantoni Interior Designers , European inspired interiors are approached with a deep respect for proportion, detail, and lifestyle functionality. The goal is always to create sophisticated spaces that reflect both heritage and modern luxury living while maintaining an elevated, personalized atmosphere.

Old World Luxury Interior Design Ideas for Custom Homes

By Jessica Fratantoni • February 10, 2026

Old world luxury interior design continues to captivate homeowners who desire timeless elegance, architectural depth, and refined craftsmanship within their custom residences. Rooted in European design traditions, old world interiors emphasize rich materials, ornate detailing, balanced symmetry, and a sense of permanence that transcends fleeting trends. For luxury homeowners building or remodeling custom homes, this design style offers a sophisticated blend of history, artistry, and modern comfort. When executed with precision, old world luxury interiors create living environments that feel both grand and inviting, layered yet harmonious, and deeply personal while remaining architecturally significant.

How Luxury Interior Designers Coordinate With Architects and Builders

By Josie Fratantoni • February 6, 2026

Designing a luxury custom home requires more than selecting furnishings or choosing color palettes. True high end residential interiors are the result of close collaboration between interior designers, architects, and builders working toward a shared vision. When these disciplines operate in alignment from the earliest planning stages, the finished residence reflects cohesion, functionality, and long term livability rather than disconnected decisions made in isolation. For homeowners investing in a custom estate, understanding how a luxury interior designer coordinates with architects and builders provides clarity and confidence throughout the design journey. This collaborative process ensures that interior layouts, structural planning, and construction execution all support one another rather than compete for space or resources.

Working With a Nationwide Luxury Interior Design Firm From Concept to Completion

By Jessica Fratantoni • January 28, 2026

Designing the interiors of a custom luxury home is a deeply personal and highly detailed process. For homeowners building or renovating high end residences, choosing a nationwide luxury interior design firm provides both creative vision and logistical confidence. A firm that operates across state lines brings experience, structure, and the ability to manage complex projects while maintaining a consistent standard of excellence from the earliest design conversations through final installation. A nationwide luxury interior designer is not simply selecting furnishings or finishes. The role extends into space planning, material selection, custom millwork coordination, lighting design, furniture sourcing, and the overall lifestyle functionality of the residence. When executed properly, this process transforms a home into a cohesive environment that reflects the homeowner’s identity while supporting long term comfort and usability.

Luxury kitchen with arched brick ceiling and marble island

Why Interior Design Should Begin at the Architectural Planning Stage

By Josie Fratantoni • January 21, 2026

When most people think about interior design, they imagine furniture, finishes, and final styling. In reality, the most successful luxury interiors are shaped long before any of those decisions are made. For custom homes and high-end renovations, interior design should begin at the architectural planning stage , not after construction documents are complete. When interior designers are involved early, they help shape the very framework of how a home functions, feels, and lives for decades to come. This early collaboration is one of the most overlooked advantages in luxury home design, and one that discerning homeowners increasingly prioritize.

What Defines True Luxury Interior Design in 2026?

By Jessica Fratantoni • January 12, 2026

Luxury interior design in 2026 is no longer defined by excess, trend saturation, or price alone. Today’s most discerning homeowners are seeking something far more refined: intentional design, expert execution, and spaces that feel deeply personal while remaining timeless. As expectations rise, the definition of true luxury has evolved into a balance of craftsmanship, lifestyle alignment, and thoughtful restraint. Understanding what genuinely defines luxury interior design is essential for homeowners building or renovating custom homes, especially those investing at a high level. In 2026, luxury is not about what is added, but about what is curated, refined, and designed with purpose.