How To Create A Stylish At-Home Bar, Even In Small Spaces
Make Use Of Forgotten Spaces
“We enjoy taking an area that isn’t a feature – like an unwanted cupboard, redundant storage under the stair, or a corner of a room that has become dead space – and turning it into something unexpected.” – Melissa Hutley, co-founder of Hutley & Humm
“You really don’t need a lot of space. A beautiful cupboard that opens up to reveal a bar is sometimes much more charming than a large, purpose-built area. There’s something lovely about that element of surprise.” – interior designer Laura Stephens
Embrace Awkward Proportions & Keep It Simple
“Often the most interesting little bars come from having to respond to an unusual nook or an odd ceiling height. Just keep the practical elements very simple and concentrate on getting the basics right – you need somewhere for bottles, a selection of glasses, a surface on which to make a drink and somewhere discreet for the less attractive paraphernalia like bottle openers, cocktail shakers, napkins and so on. Beyond that, everything is optional. A sink, wine fridge or ice maker is wonderful if you have the room and budget, but not essential. I would always prioritise a generous preparation surface over too many appliances.” – Laura
Adapt Existing Furniture
“A fully bespoke scheme isn’t the only way to go. An old armoire, glazed cabinet or sideboard can make a wonderful bar. You can add shelves internally, line the back with mirror or wallpaper, and introduce a small rechargeable lamp. It doesn’t always need to announce itself as a ‘bar’; sometimes it’s much nicer when it simply feels like part of the furniture.” – Laura
“An old piece of furniture can also be wired for lighting or you could use a bookcase, dresser or even a fabric skirt to disguise less attractive joinery below. The key is to measure everything carefully before you begin. You want to make sure the bottles, glasses and equipment will fit and think about the surface too – you don’t want something that will be easily damaged by wet glasses.” – interior designer Octavia Dickinson
Spend On The Details
“Spend money on the things you touch and notice most: a lovely handle, an interesting tap if there’s a sink or a nice piece of stone or timber for the worktop. Those details can elevate something very simple.” – Laura
“Think about the details that will be on view. A mirrored back to shelving can bounce light around the rest of the room, while considered handles, brackets and other small joinery details can add character and a sense of quality.” – Melissa
Use Colour & Pattern
“Because a bar is usually such a small area, it’s somewhere you can afford to be a little braver. I love lining the inside of cabinetry with a patterned wallpaper or painting it in a strong contrasting colour.” – Laura
“Plain tiles can give everything a more utilitarian feel, while patterned tiles deliver the decorative impact of wallpaper while being more hard-wearing – particularly behind a sink. A beautiful fabric skirt can also hide less attractive joinery below while adding pattern and softness.” – Octavia
Prioritise Clever Storage
“Think vertically. Bottles don’t require particularly deep shelving, so narrow shelves can be incredibly efficient. Glasses can sit on shelves above, while drawers can house all the smaller accessories that otherwise make a bar look cluttered. A few beautiful bottles and glasses look wonderful; 20 bottles and every cocktail utensil you own can quickly start to feel chaotic. Keep the everyday things accessible and hide the rest.” – Laura
“In a recent project, we incorporated racks within the doors for additional bottle storage without taking up valuable worktop space. Keep the things you use most frequently within easy reach and don’t waste precious space storing barware you rarely use.” – Sophie Pringle, founder of Pringle & Pringle
Use Lighting To Create Atmosphere
“Rechargeable lamps are brilliant and can sit on a shelf or worktop, while inexpensive LED strips can be concealed beneath shelving. A small decorative lamp with a fabric shade is particularly lovely because it immediately makes the space feel softer and like part of the room.” – Laura
“The glasses become part of the decoration when they’re beautifully lit. In a recent project, a playful Urban Electric light was installed inside the cabinet and connected to a door switch. The light comes on automatically when the bar is opened – a small detail that adds a bit of drama.” – Sophie
Make It Feel Part Of The Room
“Treat it like a glamorous corner of the room rather than an extension of the kitchen – think artwork above the bar, a lamp on the surface, beautiful objects and considered styling that can soften any joinery.” – Melissa
“Look at the colours, materials and architectural details that are already present and allow the bar to speak the same language. If there is painted joinery elsewhere, continue that colour; if the room contains antique brass, repeat it in the handles.” – Laura
“Large baskets underneath are useful for hiding away all the mixer cans, so everything you need is close at hand without the space feeling too practical.” – Octavia
Finally, Add Personal Details
“There’s no point creating an enormous cocktail station if you always drink wine or filling shelves with spirits you never touch simply because they look impressive. Those personal details are what stop a home bar from feeling like a showroom and like it really belongs there.” – Laura
“In one project, the owners had an extensive collection of spirits and beautiful glassware, so the bar incorporated substantial storage and bottle racks into the doors. The bespoke veneer on the front featured an African-inspired shield as a nod to the client’s South African heritage. It also becomes a real centrepiece when they’re entertaining. Opening the cabinet creates a little moment of theatre while you’re making guests a drink too.” – Sophie
Visit HUTLEY-HUMM.COM, LAURASTEPHENS.CO.UK, PRINGLEANDPRINGLE.CO.UK & OCTAVIADICKINSON.COM
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