1
Make it Moody
Sonya Sellers
This moody home bar, tucked effortlessly in an alcove, demands attention with its vintage-inspired wallpaper, antique artwork and deep green cabinets. Designer Amy Zee Haight completes the space with a beaded flush mount that draws the eye upwards.
Photo by: Sonya Sellers
2
Squeeze in a Bar Space
Marc Mauldin Photography
From awkward space to an entertainer’s dream, this home bar is defined by glass-paneled cabinetry, veined marble and green hardware that matches the adjacent kitchen cabinetry. “The open cabinets allow for visual breathing room in this small space,” says Elle Cantrell, owner and lead designer of Elle Du Monde.
Photo: Marc Mauldin Photography
3
Play With Pattern
Lance Gerber
Elevate a corner bar with blue geometric wallpaper, just as designer Michelle Boudreau does here. Woven accents, including the flush mount and the glassware, tie the space together.
Photo by: Lance Gerber Studio
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4
Try the “Unexpected Red” Theory
Margaret Rajic
5
Go Bold With Wallpaper
Molly Culver
Here, designer Shannon Eddings pairs earthy green cabinets, black marble countertops and gold hardware with intricate black-and-white wallpaper. A mirror behind the bar makes the tiny space feel larger.
Photo by: Molly Culver
6
Designate Space in the Dining Room
Sara Liggoria-Tramp
Ensure your cocktail essentials are nearby during your next dinner party when you set up a bar in the dining room. This rolling bar cabinet is elevated with a gold metal tray, chic candlestick holder and an ornate gold mirror hanging above.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
Photo by: Sara Liggoria-Tramp
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7
Create a Wine Cellar
Molly Culver
Wine drinkers will fall in love with this space-saving solution. Store hundreds of bottles with this floor-to-ceiling built-in, which Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design makes more convenient with a rolling ladder.
Photo by: Molly Culver
8
Allow Art to Make a Statement
Margaret Rajic
Draw attention to the space by hanging eye-catching art, just as designer Emily Winters does over these navy blue cabinets. Candlestick wall sconces on each side add another layer of sophistication.
Photo by: Margaret Rajic
9
Install a Daring Backsplash
Molly Culver
If you prefer a more neutral kitchen, let your home bar be the place for experimentation. These tiny black-and-white backsplash tiles add instant drama to this sleek home bar designed by Meredith Owen Interiors.
Photo by: Molly Culver
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10
Make the Most of Vertical Space
Avery Nicole Photography
Here, design firm Blueberry Jones Design goes for fluted wood cabinetry and a marble countertop that extends all the way to the ceiling. Floating wood shelves provide plenty of space for glassware, liquor bottles and framed artwork.
Photo by: Avery Nicole Photography
11
Add a Tropical Style
Lance Gerber
Make your home feel like a tropical oasis by designing a bar that’s reminiscent of vacation. Designer Michelle Boudreau opts for botanical wallpaper, blue cabinetry and wicker accents.
Photo by: Lance Gerber Studio
12
Try Two-Tone Cabinetry
Sonya Sellers
This dramatic home bar, by Giles Campbell Architects, features dark green cabinets up top and light blue down low. Glass-paneled cabinetry puts a large collection of glassware on display.
Photo by: Sonya Sellers
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13
Keep it Minimal
Sara Tramp-Ligorria
14
Paint Cabinets a Bright Blue
Margaret Rajic
Skip neutral cabinets and opt for a vibrant hue instead, which is exactly what designer Emily Winters does with this baby blue home bar. Neutral walls and a subway tile backsplash allow the cabinets to stand out against the rest of the interior.
Photo by: Margaret Rajic
15
Merge Coffee and Liquor Bar
Polina Pigulevsky Photography
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16
Maximize a Small Alcove
Shayna Fontana
Turn an awkward alcove into a functional home bar with built-in cabinetry, a mini fridge and a floating shelf to store glassware. The compact setup, in the home of Studio Ten 25’s Abbe Fenimore, is perfect for entertaining and adds a pop of personality to the room.
17
Choose Shiny Marble
Boxwood Avenue
Marble countertops with brown and gold veining are the star of the show in this mid-century modern kitchen. A gold shelving system is installed directly into the counter and ceiling, providing a convenient place to store bar must-haves.
See more at Boxwood Avenue »
18
Settle on Bright White
Veronica Crawford
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19
Introduce Geometric Shapes
Molly Culver
From the artistic chandelier to the herringbone backsplash, this home bar — designed by Meredith Owen Interiors — is full of personality. The geometric shapes create the illusion of movement and add visual interest.
Photo by: Molly Culver
20
Mount Wine Racks
Avery Nicole Photography
Rows of wine racks not only store your growing collection, but double as elegant wall decor in a spacious home bar. Here, Blueberry Jones Design keeps the vibe moody and industrial with dark finishes and a black ceiling.
Photo by: Avery Nicole Photography
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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