5 Must-Have's For A Refined Home Bar
An Interior Designer’s Guide To The Style & Utility of Luxury Barware
As a design professional, it is my goal to marry form and function to bring a client’s dream into reality. Good design should touch every corner of a home, and the bar is no exception. With more time at home, the importance of a well-stocked bar was crucial in getting through 2020. Looking forward to in the next year, the lush roaring twenties are sure to make a comeback, and with so much to celebrate, your home bar must be ready! I’ve curated a few of my essential selections for a polished home bar below to aid you in styling a bar that looks and feels luxurious.
1. Crystal Coupe Glasses
The vintage glass that no doubt held a place at your grandmother’s holiday celebration is back in style The round shape makes it a favorite for ease and cleanliness than a Martini glass or other cocktail glasses. Traditionally used for Champagne, these pieces are best for Martinis, Manhattans, or fine spirits. Adding these to your collection will ensure that come happy hour, you will feel like you belong in an episode of Mad Men. If you want to have a more modern vibe of glassware, go for a minimal or classic crystal style rather than an etched glass-which will have more of a vintage feel to it.
Williams Sonoma, $67.95
2. Sleek Double Jigger
Just as no kitchen is complete without measuring cups, no bar is complete without a jigger. This simple device will allow you to craft masterfully balanced drinks. If you want to take your cocktails to a higher level, a jigger is what will get you there. The hourglass shape and two-sided measurements open your cocktails up to a new world of flavor possibilities. Stir an Aperol Spritz inspired by your escape to Milan or toast your next big deal with a classic Manhattan.
Georg Jensen, $179
3. Bold Cocktail Picks
What began as a practical toothpick for garnishes has now evolved into the statement jewelry of your drink. By adding a sophisticated cocktail pick set to your bar, you create a style moment to let your personality shine through your glass. Collect several sets to highlight seasonal tablescapes, delineate whose drink is whose at a party, or add some sparkle to your evening. Enjoy your decadent garnishes while keeping your fingers clean and your drink elegantly accessorized.
Joanna Buchanan, $88
4. Sophisticated Decanter
While you can never go wrong with a classic crystal decanter, there are countless selections available to turn your decanter into a focal point that brings your home bar to life. There is no need to compromise on style for the sake of utility any longer. Play with vintage pieces for more of a mod aesthetic, or toy with the scale of an oversized statement piece. A quality decanter will not only look stunning but will also give your red wine a deeper flavor by softening tannins. Selecting an air-tight decanter will preserve your scotch or whiskey until you have sealed the deal.
Kathy Kuo, $123
5. A Decorative Wine Cooler
When you’re entertaining, the last thing you need to be worrying about is if your bottle of wine is staying perfectly chilled, particularly if you don’t have room in your grand tablescape for an ice bucket. A wine chiller will help maintain the optimal temperature of your bottle without any ice. Opting for a chic cooler, such as the ones below, will also add an architectural pop to your space, while still benefitting you functionally.
Eichholtz, $325
Nambe, $150