Happy hours have never been like this before. Thanks to the coronavirus global pandemic, dropping by at your favorite bar to relax with a couple of whisky or wine seem impossible to happen anytime soon.
By who needs the nearby speakeasy when you can easily take the party at the comforts of your home? Setting up your own home bar is not just convenient but also safe, considering the risk of getting COVID-19 in an indoor setup.
No, you don't need a separate room or a dedicated wine cellar to start your DIY home bar; all you need is a little space, a mix of imagination, and a homemade version of your go-to cocktail.
According to Contour Interior Design designer Nina Magon, a designated bar will not only make the happy hour feel more special but will allow you to make time for it more often.
Below are some professional tips on how to get your home bar up and running asap.
Find the Right Spot
There is no rule as to where to place the home bar. Whether you put it under the stairs, beside the kitchen counter, or near the living room is really up to your taste and convenience.
Texas-based interior designer Kim Lewis said that homeowners should consider their own "unwind area" when placing the home bar. Some of these spaces could be the upstairs porch or the living room near the TV.
"I've also integrated a home bar in the primary suite for a jump-start on coffee in the morning," Lewis said.
If you have space, you can build an ultimate home bar by taking it outside and level up your outdoor bar game.
"I love integrating a bar into the outdoor experience. It satisfies that craving we all have these days to get out of the house," says Phoenix-based architect and designer Daniel Germani.
Choose Masculine Colors
You can never go wrong with dark and masculine colors for a home bar. The pop of bold colors sets the relaxing happy hour mood of the space.
"Using moody, masculine colors and a bronzed mirror brings to mind the feeling of a classic cocktail bar," Magon said.
Using dark colors for the home bar is also an excellent way to separate the area from the rest of the room.
Complete Bar Tools
Level up your home bar game by getting the right tools and accessories for your wine and other liquors. Unleash your inner master mixologist by embracing bar accessories such as decanters, wine racks, cocktail shakers, and more.
Complete bar tools will also inspire you to mix cocktails not just for yourself but also for family and friends.
Seat is the Key
Have you ever seen a bar without a stool? Nope. So better invest in a sleek yet comfortable chair as it also helps set the tone of your home bar. Go for black leather bar stools or a counter stool for laid back wine nights.
Bar Cart on the Go
No space for a DIY home bar? No problem! Just grab a sophisticated cart, and your good to go. A bar cart is a more versatile, convenient, and budget-friendly way of having a home cart. You can easily pull it while lounging in the living room, garden, or even on your bedside.
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