HOME BARS
E ntertaining is officially back on the social calendar. Yet, as the cost of living continues to pinch, many are finding joy in sharing a tipple or two from the comfort of their own abodes. Enter the home bar; no longer just a shelf of spirits gathering dust, a new wave of at-home mixology is combining practicality and indulgence to make it a statement area within your home. Whether you are designing a bespoke built-in bar or furnishing a corner of the room with a chic bar cart tastefully decked out with glassware and a few decorative accessories, this is a trend you can really have some fun with. From pouring prosecco for your nearest and dearest to shaking up a martini just for two, this is a sure-fire way to elevate your evening entertaining. “A home bar is a chance to create a statement that feels seamlessly connected to the rest of the interior, whether it’s part of a living/entertainment area or a kitchen,” notes Laura Hammett, creative director of her eponymous design studio and founder of luxury homeware brand, Laura Hammett Living. “The bar should draw people in, encourage conversation and add a sense of theatre to the room, while still reflecting the same cohesion as the wider scheme.” Raising the bar The trend for modern home bars was first stoked in the fires of the pandemic, as our love for at-home entertaining was reignited. But fast-forward to today, and rising costs and the prevailing aesthetics of aspirational cocktail culture – thanks to the likes of
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Instagram and Pinterest – mean that the preference for drinking in has lingered. “The home bar is fast becoming the hallmark of stylish entertaining,” says Philipp Nagel, director of Neatsmith, a London-based provider of bespoke wardrobes and clever layout solutions. “At Neatsmith, we’re seeing a surge in demand for bespoke bars that combine elegance with practicality, whether our clients are looking for a discreet addition or a striking centrepiece.” Such a strong revival of home bars on the interiors scene was last witnessed in the 70s – a heady era of faux wood cabinets and mirrored shelving – but now, subtle sophistication and flexibility are the order of the day. Think marble countertops, brass accents and sleek cabinetry, which blends seamlessly into open-plan living spaces. It’s less about showy displays and more about thoughtful design that reflects personal taste and lifestyle. “Unlike the 70s home bars, which were often tucked away or treated as novelties, today’s versions are far more considered and design-led. They are seamlessly
ALL THE RAGE Why not try a chic bar cart with some decorative accessories from Oliver Bonas (above) or add a touch of subtle sophistication with sleek cabinetry and metallic accents from Neatsmith (top right)
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