HOME BARS
Stockists
Glasswells glasswells.co.uk
Laura Hammett laurahammett.com
Neatsmith neatsmith.co.uk
Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com
Swoon Editions swooneditions.com
Tom Howley tomhowley.co.uk
Whether a stand-alone bar or integrated area, cohesion is vital
to be clever with how you use the space. A beautifully crafted drinks cabinet, a slim wall-mounted unit – even a compact nook with open shelving and mirror-backed display with integrated lighting – can instantly elevate a room, transforming it into a functional and bespoke home bar.” For bar installations within the kitchen, Tom advises starting the design process by considering how the bar will function within the flow of your kitchen-dining space. “Ideally, it should sit between the kitchen’s main prep area and the dining or social zone – close enough for easy access but slightly removed from the cooking hub, so it is a destination for guests rather than a distraction for the cook,” he shares. “In terms of size, a compact bar can work beautifully at around 1.2-1.5m wide, while a more generous set-up with seating and storage might extend to 2.4- 3m. Allow at least one metre of circulation space around the bar to let people move comfortably, serve drinks or perch on stools without feeling cramped.” Whether it’s for a post-work catch-up cocktail or a full-blown home soiree, with a well-organised and thoughtfully designed modern bar set-up you’ll have cause for celebration on tap. Cheers to that!
with a glassware collection that’s calling out to be shown off. The key is balancing aesthetics and function – your home bar should feel like a seamless extension of the kitchen, yet special enough to stand on its own.” As Laura echoes, “The most rewarding home bars are all about atmosphere. I love working with tactile materials, subtle reflections and layered lighting to create a mood that is both decadent and inviting.” Whether a stand-alone bar or integrated area, cohesion is vital. “It’s crucial to design it with the same amount of thought you give any other part of the home, steering away from anything overly styled or purely decorative. The most memorable bars feel effortless yet refined,” she continues. Raise a glass With Christmas waiting in the wings – a season for sharing a convivial tipple or two – there’s no better time to bring your home bar to life. Regardless of budget, space and layout constrictions, you can guarantee there’s a solution out there. As Philipp says, “Not everyone has the space for a fully built-in bar, but it’s still possible to capture that same sense of occasion on a smaller scale. The key is
ON THE ROCKS Tom Howley (top left, top right and above) recommends a small under-counter space or dual-zone wine cooler, an ice maker and deep drawers for barware and cocktail tools
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK DECEMBER 2025 85
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