Seven Home Bar Enhancements Adopted from Hotel Bars:
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Blast from the past, mini bars in hotels used to be a forbidden treasure trove. Heck, you'd risk the wrath of Mom and Dad for that sneaky $10 bag of M&Ms or pretzels. Fast-forward to today, and hotel mini bars have evolved into a designer's dream, packed with ideas to elevate your very own home bar. So, if you're aiming to level up your hosting game, here's a peek into some of the snazziest hotels to get your juices flowing for that long overdue home bar refresh.
Hide the Bar Inside a Cabinet
Fidelity Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio
When it comes to blending the bar discreetly into your living space, taking a cue from the Fidelity's Neoclassical jewel is the way to go. Tuck your home bar into a refined cabinet, and watch as it weaves effortlessly into your design scheme. Gone is the nasty counter clutter, and instead, you can showcase bronze serving trays, glassware, ice buckets or even a selection of eye-catching coffee table books. Keep the snacks in a low-profile drawer, and the coffee and booze supplies in another for easy access.
Line the Back with Wallpaper
Barnsley Resort, Adairsville, Georgia
Get inspired by the natural surroundings of this Blue Ridge Mountain resort when designing your accented mini bar wall. The resort's interior design team used a floral wallpaper that contrasts delightfully with the calmer, neutral shades. Sure, going all-in on this intricate pattern may dominate the space, but an accented wall at the bar's back offers sophistication and charm.
Designer Charlotte Lucas went above and beyond by combining bold patterns with delicate details that exude Southern charm. Adding natural elements, like plants, earth-toned ceramics, and wood accents seals the deal and creates an attractive, polished vibe.
Opt for a Mobile Cart
The Drake Oak Brook, Autograph Collection, Oak Brook, Illinois
Who said you needed a built-in wet bar to impress? Learn from this timeless hotel in the Chicago suburbs and set your bar goodies on display with a stylish bar cart.
"We wanted to reimagine the traditional mini bar to reflect The Drake Oak Brook's celebrated past where icons like Frank Sinatra, Rock Hudson, and King Charles have graced its walls," explains owner Jim Nagle. Impress your guests with a vintage, custom-made, Guadalajara-imported cart complete with glossy gold adornments. Talk about making a lasting impression!
Disguise the Bar with a Sliding Door
Hotel Saint Augustine, Houston, Texas
Inspired by the city's vibrant arts scene, this hotel mini bar is all about expressing personality. The quirky glassware demands attention, and the sliding pocket doors that hide the bar serve up an unexpected surprise for guests. With a simple slide, the mirror bar is exposed to reveal an expanding space that's simply irresistible.
"The pocket doors allow for the peaceful, quiet tones of the millwork to reveal the flamboyant, maximum-reflection mini bar within on full display, with sliding doors pushed back flush with the fascia," explains post company partner Jou-Yie Chou.
Invest in Eye-Catching Accessories
The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, Austin, Texas
If you're after a more understated, neutral aesthetic, adding eye-catching accessories can still make your bar the life of the party. In this Austin oasis, the design team opted for a dark stone, natural wood base to create the foundation, then amplified the vibe with a shimmering mirrored serving tray and an ice bucket that resembles a pineapple.
Add Fresh Citrus and Herbs
The Global Ambassador, Phoenix, Arizona
A well-stocked bar is customary, but this hotel goes above and beyond by offering primo cocktail options, fresh citrus, and herbs. Why not follow their lead and set out a small cutting board, paring knife, and a handful of lemons and limes for garnishing and spritzing purposes?
Install Floating Shelves
Fenway Hotel, Dunedin, Florida
We've seen floating shelves in various areas of the house, but who knew they'd be the perfect solution for a home bar? In this lovely little coastal hotel, shelves keep the counter free from clutter and also let you integrate a home bar into small spaces more efficiently. Place drinks, snacks, and glassware on the shelves for easy grab-and-go service. Since the bar becomes part of the room, displaying treasured bottles or local branded snacks adds a personal touch.
By taking a page from the book of swanky hotels, you'll be well on your way to creating a home bar that's not just functional but also a standout feature in your abode. So, go ahead and unleash your inner designer—it's time to impress!
- Hotel mini bars have evolved into a designer's dream, offering ideas to elevate your very own home bar, as seen in the Fidelity Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio, where the home bar is tucked discreetly into a refined cabinet.
- For a whimsical touch, take inspiration from Hotel Saint Augustine in Houston, Texas, where a quirky mini bar is disguised behind sliding pocket doors, revealing an expanding space that's a surprise for guests.
- If you're after a more understated, neutral aesthetic, add eye-catching accessories like a shimmering mirrored serving tray and an ice bucket that resembles a pineapple, as seen in The Loren at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas.
- Following the lead of The Global Ambassador in Phoenix, Arizona, set out a small cutting board, paring knife, and a handful of lemons and limes for fresh citrus and herbs for garnishing and spritzing purposes.
- To efficiently integrate a home bar into small spaces, consider installing floating shelves, as seen in the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin, Florida, where shelves keep the counter free from clutter and allow for easy grab-and-go service.
