What Factors Did the Chief Blonde consider
when Designing her Home Bar?
When my Husband and I were designing our Home Bar we looked at a ton of Home Bars to determine what Design Elements we wanted to incorporate into our own. Here’s a comprehensive list of the features we considered when determining the final design so you can use them when you design your home bar:
1.) Bar Configuration:
- Stand Alone
- Bar and Kitchen
- Hide-a-bar
- Kitchen with a bar cupboard
Decision: We determined that a Kitchen with a locked bar cupboard would be our best design at the time as we had 4 teenagers at home.
2) Counter Surface:
- Granite
- Polished Wood
- Concrete
- Stainless Steel
Decision: We opted for Granite due to its durability, wipeability, and added value in terms of resale
3. Size
- Seating for 4–single bar counter
- Seating for 6– U-shaped bar counter
- Seating for 8+–square bar with seating all around
Decision: We opted for a U-shaped bar with Seating for 7
4. Bar Material and Stain:
- Wood was pretty much our only consideration for bar material, but what kind of wood and what Stain?
Decision: We opted for Oak as we had found some huge paneled oak school doors that we were able to re-purpose for the sides of the bar. We decided on a rich deep mahogany stain to add that extra clubby feel.
5. Function:
- Wine Bar
- Buffet Area
- Kitchen Area
- Bar
Decision: We determined our Home Bar would basically function as a dual Buffet and Kitchen Area, essentially it’s purpose would be a place for gathering and having parties. In the upstairs of our home, we already had a wine cart, so we didn’t need wine storage. In the end with four teenagers, we decided that NO alcohol, even in a locked cabinet,would be housed in the lower level where the bar was to be built.
6. Seating
- Metal
- Wood
- Padded Seats
- Stools
- Chairs
- Stationary
- Swivel
Decision: We decided on metal bar chairs with padded seats that swivel. We carefully choose ones that would not scratch the floor or topple over on small children.
7. Look
- English Pub
- 50s diner
- Modern
- Traditional
Decision: We ended up with a modified English Pub design, I like to call the look Early Chicago with woods stained a reddish color, lots of paneling and wonderful trim details!
I am so jealous!! My husband is not thrilled that you posted this, because I immediately brought him over and was already bugging him to do something like this. LOL.
Gorgeous! And, yes, he did an amazing job!
Teehee, thanks Kritin!
The CHief BLonde
Wow! He is super talented! And I love your blog! I’m proud to be your newest follower! Hope you’ll check out my blog and consider following me too 🙂
xoxo Lauren
happylifeinnyc.blogspot.com
Welcome Lauren! So glad to have you!
Did you know our giveaways are ALWAYS over $50 and listed in the right hand sidebar? Here’s a low entry one which has 4 winners. It ends today!
https://stillblondeafteralltheseyears.com/2011/05/50-ecozip-giveaway-and-review-4-winners/
The Chief Blonde
Love those barstools, they have such a wrought iron look!
Thanks Kitty,
Amazingly enough..I got them new on ebay!
The Chief Blonde!