We all know the feeling. It’s midway through party season and all that carousing has suddenly caught up. Even the thought of yet another night out is tiring and the temptation to stay in is strong – but what if the party could come to you? Cue the at-home bespoke bar. Take inspiration from these homes that deliver party-ready vibes, or just a spot for a quiet solo aperitivo, all year round.
Disco days and nights in London
With its fur-covered circular sofa, underground swimming pool, moiré and gold leaf walls, everything about this home, designed by Trilbey Gordon, screams opulence. It has not one but two bars; in a corner of one of the living rooms is a stylish spot for a quiet solo drink, while downstairs, beneath a giant oculus, is a bespoke bar topped in Patagonia marble paired with stools by Studio Arricale.
The Islington home that renovated upwards
A bar seat with a view is always a hot ticket, and these lucky London homeowners will never have to wait for a table. Situated on the upper floor of an Islington home, the bar is like a miniature version of the main kitchen downstairs, both of which were designed by Blax Kitchens. It’s perfect for when the family entertains – there’s a wine fridge, a coffee maker and a Quooker tap. ‘Once we’re up here, we’re up here!’ laughs homeowner Jacquie O’Donnell.
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The bold brass bar in Melbourne
This home is a study in contrasts. It is, according to architect Dominic Pandolfini, ‘a house of extremes: soft and hard, precise and loose, sleek and tactile.’ The bar area is luxurious mix of warm- and cool-hued materials. Interior decorator Simone Haag paired ‘Inga’ stools by Thomas Hayes with the handsome marble-and-brass island, while the ceramics on the counter are from Maunsell Wickes Gallery.
The London home that’s pretty in pink
Designers Sophie Scott and Georgina Key of Studio Skey created this bespoke bar in pink onyx and bronze, and collaborated with Costantini Design on customising the ‘London’ bar stools in pink mohair velvet. The mini ‘Shiitake’ lamp is from Collier Webb and the glasses are from Soho Home.
The art deco bar in east London
‘Our hospitality background taught us how to make social spaces run seamlessly,’ says architect Alex Forbes. Along with interior designer Zoë Starreveld, he converted this former warehouse in east London into a glamorous home. This art deco-inspired bar, complete with original bar stools, was shipped from Hollywood. ‘It’s a show-stopping playful piece that anchors the entertainment space,’ Zoë notes.
The Berlin home designed for big nights in
The walnut island at the centre of this convivial space does double duty as a bar, with ‘Herrenberger’ stools from Atelier Haussmann providing a spot for guests to chat to the cook over a drink. The worktops are Verde Borgogna marble, which contrasts with the brass cupboard fronts and ‘Ego’ spotlights by Axolight. Designer Fabian Freytag used Farrow & Ball’s soft ‘Green Smoke’ paint to provide a subtle grounding for the metallic elements throughout the apartment.
A hidden wine room in London
‘They’ve been having parties ever since,’ says designer Linda Boronkay of the fun-loving homeowners of this west London Victorian property she designed. This wine room, hidden behind a secret door, gives speakeasy vibes and is clad in zellige tiles, Black Fossil marble countertops and smoked-oak joinery.
The bar with rooftop views of Paris
Designer Romain Chancel took advantage of this Parisian apartment’s sweeping views and roof terrace when designing this winter-garden room. By installing a bespoke steel bar with a Patagonia marble top, the room is transformed into an entertaining space that’s perfect for when night falls on the terrace.
A bar for a brutalist in Melbourne
This incredible brutalist home in Melbourne is a lesson in restraint, and the sleek bar area is no exception. Architect and homeowner Adam Kay has adorned the space with the bare essentials – his collection of Australian and New Zealand gins – while the space is illuminated by hidden LED lighting.
The London home with a bespoke bar upstairs
With routed timber and curved edges, this bespoke bar turns this stylish living room into a very glamorous pub snug – pair of baby blue ‘Utrecht’ armchairs by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld are the perfect place to kick back and relax with a digestif.
