Creating Your Own Home Bar During Lockdown
The global COVID pandemic has driven us inside. But one positive has been a surge of interest in interior design.
During this time, we’ve had the opportunity to decide what home improvements need to be made. For interior designers, a chance to look at new concept ideas to accommodate our new normal.
New trends include clever home offices and ‘flex space’ which ensure homes grow with families. With the housing market at a standstill, this new use of space means less need to move.
As England experiences lockdown mark 2 and restaurants and bars, close we are all missing the ambience of our friendly locals.
So what can be done about this?
Creating a home bar
Well, home bars are also trending and with Christmas on the horizon, they’re likely to be very popular this winter!
Home bars can the ideal way to relax at home after a long day and to offer an intimate social atmosphere for others to share. There’s something very appealing about being able to whizz up a couple of snazzy cocktails in the evening!
There’re many great ideas for home bars and some of them are enjoying a renaissance. The 1920s bar cart and globe drinks holder are proving popular once again. They are relatively small and versatile. You can even find designs online for making a DIY version! Home bars are being created in spare cupboards and on the top of sideboards.
Do your research
For interior designers, you’ll be able to show your clients how a home bar can be cleverly incorporated in dining rooms and kitchens as finding space in many homes can be a challenge.
Remember to question your client about their favourite bar. What kept them going back? What did they like about the ambience? Why did it feel comfortable and like home?
Design ideas
Once again, the curved corner bar is proving popular. If your client does have space, you can design a flamboyantly themed area with a wet bar (a bar with a small sink). Finish the design off with stylish bar stools and consider a wine chiller as an extra feature.
For those working with a smaller area, the bar will need to be incorporated into another room. Proportions will be an important factor, so bear this in mind.
The home bar must be in balance with the rest of the room and compliment the décor, style and colours, as this will ensure a feeling of spaciousness. Using cleverly placed mirrors and lighting can also help.
When designing a home bar they should be well organised and look inviting. Some smart-looking glasses and somewhere handy to keep all the necessary bar equipment are essential. For making cocktails, there’ll need to be somewhere to store mixers and garnishes too.
The winter of 2020/ 2021 is certainly going to be a long one. If the second lockdown continues beyond 1 December, the option of having a home bar is a very appealing one.
The most famous cocktail book of them all, the iconic – Bartender’s Guide by Jerry Thomas (1862) is certainly going to be on lots of people’s Christmas lists this year!
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