1Get Creative With Your Backsplash
Courtesy of Hunter Carson Whether you go for geometric, mosaic or a simple style, a tile backsplash is a great way to create instant character. Here, Hunter Carson Design opted for a neutral gray hue with intricate details.
2Mix Cabinet Colors
Courtesy of Virtually Here Studios Adjacent to a modern breakfast nook, this moody bar area features a combination of white, black and wood cabinetry for depth and intrigue. Designers from A1000XBetter chose a black upper cabinet with glass doors to craft a space to display glassware.
3Add a Mirrored Backsplash
Molly Culver Not only does a mirrored backsplash help this bar area feel larger and brighter, it also gives the small space a bolder look. Here, interior designer Mary Patton adds clear tiered shelving and layers in gold accents for extra energy.
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4Don't Settle for One Statement Piece
R. BRAD KNIPSTEIN While you may typically stick to one focal point per space, the home bar is the place to let creativity run wild. Take a design risk with a striking backsplash, lighting, cabinet colors and whatever your heart desires. Here, interior designer Linda Sullivan does not shy away from attention-grabbing elements — most notably the geometric tiles in metallic antique gold.
5Inject Personality
Frances Bailey From the moody wallpaper and high-sheen metals to the artwork reminiscent of the 1920s, Rise Interiors gives this impressive bar area an Art Deco style.
6Install a Prep Sink
Madeline Tolle Whether used for making ice (essential if you love cocktails!) or washing glasses, a bar sink is highly functional. Here, interior designer Jaqui Seerman proves you don't need a ton of space to install a bar sink.
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7Draw Inspiration From Nature
Sarah Szwajkos Cherry wood cabinetry, fresh flowers, greenery and nature-inspired artwork define this traditional bar space, which Sarah and Sons thoughtfully tucks away in this light-filled home.
8Weave in Modern Bar Stools
Douglas Friedman Bar stools are more than seating, they're an essential design element in a home bar. To complement the modern lighting fixture and geometric bar design, interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard goes for a pair of elevated silver stools.
9Stick to Small Appliances
Sara Ligorria-Tramp Adjacent to this family's media room, this elegant wet bar has everything you need to craft delicious cocktails for movie night. There's a wine fridge, ice maker, sink and even a small dishwasher that makes clean-up a breeze.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
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10Add a TV
Sara Tramp-Ligorria Reminiscent of your favorite sports bar, this rich wood home bar is accompanied by a built-in storage against the wall. Interior designer Hayley English even designates a spot for the TV.
11Blend Indoor and Outdoor Living
Juan Pablo Castro While the large windows and surge of natural light help immensely, Alex Alonso of mr. alex TATE Design brings the outdoors in with two large indoor trees, terracotta floor tiles and raw wood slatted cabinetry.
12Bring in Gold Accents
Molly Culver From lighting and hardware to tabletop decor, gold elements add instant glitz and glam to any home bar. Take a note from Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN and try a gold-rimmed glassware, a gold ice bucket and a cutting board with gold accents to create a cohesive style.
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13Stay Simple With a Rolling Bar Cart
Lifestyle Production Group; Design by House of One If you don't have the space for a full bar, no worries: a bar cart can feel just as elegant and serve the same function. Fill it with cocktail-making essentials, glassware and your favorite liquor.
14Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Mel Willis, Design by Durbin Design Upper cabinets provide additional storage and make a small area feel larger by making use of vertical space. Another tip: Add a mirror backsplash to create the illusion of more space.
15Convert a Closest
Stacy Zarin Goldberg Install cabinetry, shelving and a lighting fixture in a closest and you'll have a functional home bar in no time. Although with a design this chic, you'll likely want to leave the doors open to showcase your setup.
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16Turn Glassware Into Decor
Meghan Bob Whether you go for colorful glassware or stick with clear glasses and white mugs, your collections can easily double as decor in a tiny space. Here, Caren Rideau of The Kitchen Design Group goes for glass cabinet doors to reveal a neat display.
17Build Bar Seating
Juan Pablo Castro, Design by Mr. alex TATE Design No counter space, no problem. Turn a slim table into a small bar counter, filling it with your favorite liquor and adding a few bar stools. For additional storage, keep a bar cabinet nearby.
18Lean Into Maximalism
Douglas Friedman A mirrored backsplash, five gold sconces, open shelving and purple velvet bar stools are only a few of the luxe design elements Martyn Lawrence Bullard brings into this arresting space.
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19Build Wine Bottle Storage
Max Burkhalter Red, white or rose, this built-in wine rack is the perfect way to store your collection. If that isn't enough, add a wine fridge down below.
20Blend Vintage With Modern
Emily Hart Tucked into a small alcove, this stylish bar space pairs earthy red oak wood cabinetry, a wicker shelf and vintage-inspired art with sleek appliances, glassware and hardware.
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Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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