Picture of a bar area in the Basement

15 years ago

I found this picture in a magazine of this bar area. I don't know why I keep going back to it. Does any one else like it? We want to do a bar area, and I know we'll have the room for it. But I think I'll need a money tree in the backyard for it too.

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Comments (8)

dilly_dally
15 years ago
IMHO it looks a bit plain. No color. No pizazz. No personality.

The pillar at the corner blocks conversation and divides the group seated into two cliques. The bar is obviously designed for the oenophile as there is a pretty large wine fridge. Most people like to discuss the wine they are drinking with others in a group setting the pillar prevents this.

The reach for serving guests is too great and not practical. The cabinets next the TV seem too high to be for constant use, more befitting long term storage. I am assuming that is where the glassware is being kept. Is there a speed rail?? Coolers for beer? Ice bin? This look like just a wine bar.

They did not put a lot of emphasis on television watching with this arrangement. That may be preferable for many but some may find it awkward. It would depend on the family and how they and their friends like to enjoy their time.
barbie08075
15 years ago
I would feel trapped particularly in an emergency situation. No way to get into the bar area unless one climbs over and no way to get out quickly either.

As dilly said not really a practical arrangement. Reminds me of a souped up prison cell by an incarcerated decorator.
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CaroleOH
15 years ago
I love it! I think in a basement the use of faux stone would be a great way to hide basement support posts. I disagree with the above posters - this looks like a nice setup for a basement - you're not going to be serving 100's of people every night are you? I'd make sure the counters are not real wide so it easy to reach across, use some basic stock maple or cherry cabinets and the cost will not be out of this world.

Think about what you need in this area - do you need a full kitchen, or just a prep sink/fridge? This one does include a microwave which might be handy for warming up things. I've seen many full kitchens in new homes lately and I can't picture cooking a meal in my basement. I can see how I'd like some counter tops at a bar level for seating and maybe a buffet area, sink, nice size fridge and storage area for glasses, plates etc. It might be nice to have a dishwasher too.
Kathleen McGuire
15 years ago
I am in the process right now of redoing our basement. There is a small kitchen area there, nothing this large. It will not have a bar. We are installing an undercounter fridge, icemaker, 1 drawer dishwasher and small microwave. Just enough so that when we are down there watching TV or playing pool, we can pop some popcorn and get a drink. I installed the dishwasher because it seemed to make sense. No carrying glassware or dishes upstairs or even worse, forgetting to bring it upstairs and leaving it down there as a science experiment! Yuk! The picture you posted is one I have seen and the stonework does encase the support beams that all basements have. They built around them.
User
15 years ago
I'm drawn to the stone around the posts!
nhb22
15 years ago
I love it, lacombe!

BTW - I left you a message on your thread to me, here.
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/decor/msg0312491819240.html?5

I don't know why the photo of my house is missing. Going over to PhotoBucket to check it out.

Update: OK, seems to be a problem with your album and you deleted my photo. Are you zumm1620?
dilly_dally
15 years ago
I think the dishwasher is under the microwave.

If you look at the inside counter which has coolers or cabinets under it, you can see it does not go all the way down to the wall with the picture on it. This would be where the exit would be.

They would have either a cut in the counter with a hinge for lifting it, or a cut in the paneling with an invisible hinge making it a swing door, or both. This would provide prompt egress. If the carpenter does it right you don't even notice the exit.

If the pillars were an obstacle to build around I would have pulled the bartop out further so the two sides meet together at the corner forming one continuous bartop and have the pillars inside. Maybe there was not enough room behind the area to do it this way. We don't know all the contingencies involved.
bodiCA
15 years ago
I love it, doesn't look 'basementy' or 'manly sport home bar', in other words, it doesn't look cheap, but could be created to fit other's need and budget. I read your comments to mean you like the look and materials rather than you would copy it exactly as is. Given your rooms dimintions, your intended use and your budget, the price could be lower with faux stone, wood look formica, and careful shoping for all materials. I think it is a beautiful and intimate bar, not a public space. Wine tasting parties at home may be served gathered comfy from sofa/s and a lazy susan on table for cheese and chocolate, etc., many lifestyle choises, how ever you entertain can be planned in your bar's design.
I'd be delighted to be a guest in such a lovely grownup space! Hope you will give it a "Go"!