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5 home bar ideas for a luxurious home

In recent years, home bars have surged in popularity and are becoming a must-have feature in luxury homes. These stylish yet functional spaces offer the perfect blend of a social and private retreat where home-owners can host gatherings and entertain guests, or unwind with a quiet drink in the comfort of their own home.


Adding a home bar into a design project not only adds sophistication to any space, but also meets the growing demands for in-home entertainment areas.


Whether it's a sleek modern set-up or a cosy nook, home bars present numerous opportunities to create inviting environments that enhance the overall living experience.


Modern home bar with brick walls, wooden island, green stools, and a matt black HydroTap cube model.

Join us as we explore the latest trends, design tips, and inspiration for creating the ultimate home bar that will impress your clients and elevate their homes.


What is the best layout for a home bar?


When planning a luxury home bar, it's important to consider the best layout options to suit different spaces and entertaining needs.


An L-shaped bar typically provides ample space for both the person making the drinks and those enjoying their beverages on the other side, making it a practical and stylish choice for any home.


Trendy home bar with shelves of liquor bottles and glassware against white tiled wall and a gold kitchen tap.

Placing a bar in an open-plan kitchen is ideal for creating a social hub where friends and family can gather and enjoy each other's company. This setup will create a lively atmosphere for the perfect home cocktail bar.


On the other hand, setting up a bar in a separate room from the main kitchen offers a different experience. It's perfect for transitioning guests from the dining room to a more intimate space after a dinner party, allowing for a cosy and relaxed environment where conversations can continue in a quieter setting – over a cocktail, or three.


For example, a basement bar can utilise underground space that might otherwise go unused, providing an atmospheric bar for entertaining.


Keep things clutter-free with a hidden bar


For those who prefer a more discreet option, consider a hidden drinks cabinet. This clever design choice maintains a clutter-free space while still providing easy access to beverages. The hidden bar can seamlessly blend with the overall decor, offering a sleek and minimalist look that doesn't sacrifice functionality.


Glass doors can be a good design choice here, to display glassware behind. Alternatively, concealing the hydration station with kitchen cabinet doors will create a pleasant surprise when opened.


Modern kitchen with dark cabinets and white countertops. Open cabinet reveals a hidden matt black HydroTap over a font.
Image credit: @renovating_number_51

But what could a beautiful home bar look like? We've pulled together 5 of our favourite home bar ideas for creating a luxurious home.


1. Experiment with colours and patterns


Marble alcove with shelves of glassware, a gold HydroTap over a sink, and purple cabinets.
Image credit: @lanasheez @stephanie_rooney

With a home bar typically being a small space, it is the ideal place to experiment with different patterns and colours, tailoring it to your clients' unique tastes.


This presents an opportunity to collaborate closely with the client, exploring their preferences and incorporating unique elements that reflect their interior style.


From vibrant statement patterns to calming neutral tones, the design possibilities are endless.


If the client is looking for a contemporary home bar, opting for a black and white finish with clean lines is best.


Simple lighting and furniture can be added to keep the space clutter-free and bright.


A different type of home bar that will certainly provide the wow factor will be opting for a dark colour palette paired with moody lighting to replicate the atmosphere of your client's favourite cocktail bar, in the comfort of their own home.


2. Remain clutter-free by installing a tap over a font


Keep the space beautifully organised by choosing a tap over a font. This strategic decision not only helps maintain a clutter-free environment but also promotes a more streamlined and efficient layout.


Without the bulk of a traditional sink, you create more space that can be utilised for other purposes, enhancing both the visual appeal and functionality of the home bar.


Gold Zip Water HydroTap with a matching gold font on a countertop beside a pink cocktail in a glass with a lime wedge.

With the absence of a sink, there's room to explore other design elements, such as stylish shelving or a sleek countertop, further elevating the overall look and feel of the home bar.


The Zip HydroTap can be installed over a font, seamlessly integrating with your client's luxury home bar set-up. With its sleek look and advanced technology, HydroTap is the perfect addition to any luxury home bar you design.


And it doesn't just look the part. Your clients will appreciate the convenience of instant filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling water at their fingertips, ensuring their home bar meets every need.


For the ultimate luxury finish, why not choose a brushed gold tap for your client's new home bar? Its timeless charm can be paired with many interior styles, making it the perfect choice for many luxury homes.


Modern kitchen with white cabinets, gold fixtures, glass shelves with bottles, and neutral tones.
Image credit: @katenixon_official

3. Create a welcoming atmosphere using lighting


When designing a home bar within a larger room, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere is essential. Incorporating ambient and warm lighting can instantly transform the bar area, making it feel welcoming and comfortable. Utilising accent lighting, such as strategically placed signs or subtle spotlights, adds character and charm, enhancing the overall ambiance.


Neon bar sign on wooden shelf with liquor bottles and shaker, set against a red brick wall.

Additionally, incorporating lamps can provide soft, diffused lighting, perfect for intimate seating areas or for highlighting specific features of the bar. By carefully selecting and layering various lighting elements, you can create a home bar that not only looks stylish but also feels inviting.


4. Make the most of the space you have


Maximising the space available is essential when designing a home bar. Given the limited surface area, optimising vertical space is key. A drinks cabinet or shelving along the walls can efficiently store home bar accessories and display bottles, keeping them easily accessible and neatly organised.


Combining open shelving with closed storage not only offers ample storage but also provides an attractive display for decorative items while discreetly concealing essentials.


Home bar with a sleek espresso machine, shelves of assorted liquor bottles, and a stunning matt black HydroTap.
Image credit: @oliviasongdesign @olivia_song @william.jess.laird

Expanding the space within a room can also be achieved through clever design tactics. By incorporating a mirrored backsplash on the wall behind the cocktail bar, you not only introduce brightness but also evoke the illusion of a significantly larger environment. Mirrored surfaces have the ability to visually expand a space, making them a strategic addition to any compact area.


5. Choose comfortable, thought-out seating


Promoting social interaction in the space can be achieved by design choices. A well-designed home bar should offer ample room for movement, making breakfast bar stools an ideal choice as they can be conveniently tucked away when not in use.


The key lies in striking a balance between style and comfort: ensuring that the chosen bar stools not only complement the home bar design, but also provide a comfortable seating experience.


In larger home bar areas where versatility is key, we'd recommend exploring alternative seating options. Low seating areas like bench seating or sofas, offer an intimate setting for friends to share conversations within smaller groups. These cosy nooks provide a retreat-like atmosphere, allowing guests to relax and connect in a more private setting away from the main bar area.


Modern basement with grey sofas, yellow pillows, and a wooden coffee table.

By incorporating comfortable seating arrangements tailored to various social interactions, home bars can effectively cater to the diverse needs and preferences of guests, ultimately enhancing their overall enjoyment and relaxation experience within the space – and providing the perfect space to unwind – cheers!


No matter your client's needs, you can find the perfect design style for their home bar. For even more home bar ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out our Pinterest board.


If you're interested in specifying HydroTap over a font for a home bar, get in touch today.



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