Mastering the Wet Bar
How to Mix a Little Style Into Your Beverage-Prep Area
Brian Patrick Flynn
February 9, 2011
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator of Decor Demon, lifestyle editorial with an edge. http://www.decordemon.com
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator of Decor... More
When the term "bar" is associated with "mancave," it paints a cliché-driven picture involving leather club chairs, framed sports memorabilia, The Godfather posters and TV panels larger than dining room tables. Throw in the word "wet" and you're likely to think more executive office or 5th Avenue penthouse than a football-centric, beer-bottle haven.
But as the wet bar goes into many new homes, it's doing so in a plethora of styles and finishes to choose from. Whether your objective is to add a dedicated cocktail-mixing area, to squeeze in a separate prep space, or a create place to serve up iced tea, here's a great collection of well-done wetbars created by Houzz professionals.
And as the world's most boring drinker, I'll take a vodka tonic with a lime, hold the vodka.
But as the wet bar goes into many new homes, it's doing so in a plethora of styles and finishes to choose from. Whether your objective is to add a dedicated cocktail-mixing area, to squeeze in a separate prep space, or a create place to serve up iced tea, here's a great collection of well-done wetbars created by Houzz professionals.
And as the world's most boring drinker, I'll take a vodka tonic with a lime, hold the vodka.
Single-wall wet bars are an excellent way to put walls with great views to work. Something to think of when considering this option is the lack of storage above. If you're not hoarding enough liquor bottles and servingware to accommodate a fraternity house, you've got nothing to worry about. The best part of a single wall wet bar with a view? You can see your guests as they pull up, dash to the closet and get dressed before the door bell rings. Seriously, am I the only one that works up to the last second before people arrive then end up answering the door in jammies? Please say no.
Floor-to-ceiling wet bars (or as in this case, serving bars) give the always-been-there look. This look seems more architectural; it fits right in with the overall lines of the interiors. While many new-construction spaces offer finishes like cherry, mahogany and oak, I recommend always going dark with ebony or dark walnut unless you're willing to go painted. Cabinets with professional sprayed finishes seem to defy all trends.
Modernists often go for the floating-shelf look. This is fantastic for keeping an overall linear and light aesthetic; however, you've gotta master the art of styling to pull it off. Just group things in odd numbers, mix in different metallics, shapes, textures and finishes, and you'll be in good shape. If you're on a super-tight budget, pick up LACK shelves from IKEA; they're save you tons of money on custom costs and still offer the floating look.
Pass-through wet bars allow you to engage with your guests while mixing drinks. This can be a social life-saver because keeping your back to friends can (a) make them think you hate them (b) influence them to steal your stuff when you're not looking.
With wine collecting becoming more mainstream coast-to-coast, open wine storage above a wet bar is a great way to give one space two purposes. When storing good wine in the house, keep it in spaces that don't get a lot of moisture. Why? Moisture adds to cork erosion. Nothing more upsetting than a bottle of $210 wine sporting teency-weency bits of cork floating atop the glass.
Depending on how much you want to showcase your wet bar, you'll need to be picky with materials options. If you want it to fit right in with the rest of the room, keep the cabinetry the same throughout. If you want to delineate it just a bit, bring a different texture or sheen to the backsplash. In this case, the sleek stainless backsplash helps it to stand out just a little bit instead of screaming "I'M THE WET BAR!"
An L-shaped wet bar offers just a bit more space for prep duties. By assigning a corner to the sink, you've got a larger surface for all the dirty work.
Have any of you Houzz readers done something outside-the-box with your own wet bar?
Next: Browse more home design photos
Have any of you Houzz readers done something outside-the-box with your own wet bar?
Next: Browse more home design photos
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Is that an integrated bar fridge in the lower right hand (facing) corner?
It is great when the below counter wine cabinets have been nicely built in and have a custom
component to them - as the finish and fit is identical to the surrounding
space. Here is some more information (and inspiration) on
custom wine cabinets: http://www.genuwinecellars.com/wine-cellars/custom-wine-cabinetsclosets/
Thanks for some good inspirations! Now all I have to do is filter out the traditional, the modern, the contemporary and - Goddess bless us all - the transitional! My dream house - with full wet bar, naturally - is Primitive Rustic. With all the bells and whistles I can fit behind reclaimed wood doors. Slainte!