The Art of the Home Bar

You don't need a dedicated bar—or even much space—to create a beautiful spot for cocktails at home.

A home bar is one of those little luxuries I love.

And while a fabulous built-in bar is wonderful if you have the space, you certainly don't need one. Some of the most interesting home bars I've seen have been created from a beautiful cabinet, an antique chest, a bar cart—or simply a well-styled tray.

The secret is making it feel intentional.

The Bar Cart

There's a reason the bar cart has become such a classic.

It's compact, movable, and gives you just enough room for the essentials without taking over a space.

I especially like one tucked into a living or dining room where it feels like part of the furniture rather than a separate entertaining zone.

Bar Cart

Turn a Cabinet Into a Bar

This may be my favorite solution.

An armoire, console or beautiful cabinet can hide everything away when you're not entertaining—and reveal a wonderful little bar when the doors open.

Even better if the inside has a little drama: mirrored backing, wallpaper, lacquer or beautiful hardware.

Cabinet turned into a bar

Find an Unexpected Piece

I love furniture that wasn't necessarily designed for its current purpose.

A vintage chest, secretary or interesting piece picked up while traveling can make a much more distinctive bar than something specifically labeled “bar furniture.”

The less obvious it is, the more interesting it can be.

An old armore turned into a bar

When All You Have Is a Tray

No room for another piece of furniture?

A beautiful tray can be enough.

A few bottles, pretty glassware and perhaps a small vase or bowl can turn the corner of a console into an instant bar.

And when you need the surface for something else, simply move it.

Make It Part of the Room

This is the part that matters most to me.

A home bar shouldn't look like a collection of bottles that needed somewhere to go.

Treat it as you would any other vignette in your home. Mix in something personal—a small piece of art, an interesting object, a beautiful bowl or something you've brought home from a trip.

The result should still feel like your home.

DIY Bar

MBellished Tips

Keep the bottles edited. You don't need to display everything you own.

Invest in beautiful glassware. It makes even the simplest drink feel special.

Add one unexpected detail. Interesting hardware, a vintage tray or a fabulous ice bucket can make the entire setup.

Think vertically. Shelves and wall-mounted storage can create a bar in surprisingly little space.

Style it—but don't over-style it. It still needs to function when someone actually wants a drink.