RAISING THE BAR
As the old adage goes, ‘a man’s home is his castle’. Combining the fact that the events of last year have seen many of us spend more time confined within the walls of our home than ever before, and with a love of a good drink deeply ingrained within Aussie culture and society, it is no wonder that many Australians are seeking to incorporate a home bar into their humble abode. Here, Emma Warner Allen meets with Jasmine Christoforou, managing director of Cobbitty Grove Kitchens to discuss how to ensure you install the perfect home bar setup.
Written by Emma Warner Allen.
Whether you are seeking to elevate your status as an entertainer, or to satiate the demands of your inner mixologist, a home bar is an excellent addition to increase your home’s appeal. With unlimited options available, installing a bar in your abode can be as simple as a rolling drinks cart, or as elaborate as a tiki bar next to your swimming pool in the garden – so it is no wonder that this humble addition has surged in popularity in recent years. Attesting to this, Christoforou affirms, “we have seen an increase in clients adding bars. I think it’s part of the entertaining at home lifestyle we are now living due to COVID, but also it’s the Aussie way to entertain with friends.”
SUBLIME DESIGN
Before you can begin designing your dream home bar setup, you must first address a number of questions that will enable you get the most of your drinks counter. “It is so important to consider what the design brief is”, Christoforou stresses. “This will decide what bench space is needed. Is a sink necessary? How many bottles are needed to be displayed? Do we want to have glassware visible? Are people going to sit around the bar? Once the design is met we can start discussing theme and materials.”
The bar itself doesn’t need a designated room, unless of course, that is the look you are wanting to achieve. Many “people are incorporating bars into their kitchen renovation where before they may have added a matching buffet unit, they now opt to do a bar”, Christoforou explains. Equally as popular is a designated ‘bar area’ within the living room where sideboards have been converted to house a wet or dry bar area with a few additional shelves added to host a selection of the finest spirits. Additionally, the availability of small drinks fridges has enabled the home bar to evolve so that now they can be placed almost anywhere within the house.
One aspect of bars that has contributed to their popularity is their aesthetic versatility. A bar can conjure images of dark wooden bookcases filled with leather-bound books, plush armchairs and a crackling fireplace in the background, or of a thatched roof hut nestled among white sand beaches and twinkling aquamarine waters. When asked about design, Christoforou confesses, “I love the use of gold wire mesh inserts in doors to show off the bar vibe. [I also love] a touch of masculinity with bold handle choices and dark cabinetry for that smoky cigar room feel.” Whatever your style, ultimately if you are seeking to incorporate a bar into an existing space you should draw inspiration from the surrounding area to create a clean, seamless look.
THE BEER NECESSETIES
Whether you are considering building a new home bar or renovating an existing space, each presents its own challenges. When renovating you have to carefully consider the existing floorplan to ensure that the bar you build will look appealing and be functional. Conversely, starting from scratch means you are not constrained by an established structure, however, when faced with a clean slate the freedom can become overwhelming. When confronted with this issue, Christoforou admits, “it is always easier to incorporate [a home bar] in a new build when you can pre-plan spaces but it’s not really an issue with a renovation other than space constraints.”
In order to determine how best to utilise the space, you should first consider whether you want a wet bar or a dry bar. For those unfamiliar with the terms, a wet bar includes a sink with running water while a dry bar does not. Functionally, the two are very similar but the installation of running water can pose problems when planning, particularly if you are renovating. Wet bars enable ease of cleaning glassware and any spills that may happen while you whip up marvellous creations, making it an excellent choice for entertainers. Additionally, “with a wet bar the materials considered need to be able to withstand outside elements”, advises Christoforou, so there may be additional expenses encountered aside from the obvious costs incurred when purchasing and installing a sink with running water.
However, technical terms aside, something as simple as a well-stocked drinks cart can make an excellent home bar. Even a simple modification to allow the trolley to double in function as a countertop means that you can create beautiful drinks and have the added benefit of it being portable. Therefore, to reap the benefits of a smooth installation process it is best to consider exactly what function you would like the bar to serve. When considering installing a home bar, it is always best to consult the professionals. They will be able to offer industry advice and guidance to ensure you create a space that is perfectly suited to your requirements, so that you can achieve your dream bar.
