Creating The Well Stocked And Styled Bar Cart, Bar-case, Bar-moire and More!
You don’t have to have a “home bar” to have a bar in your home. Adding an attractive and enticing bar set up can instantly transform almost any piece of furniture in a room into a luxurious looking and useful space! One of our signature design moves is adding the “Barmoire” into our projects. As Danielle always jokes, she likes an armoire but she likes a bar MORE!
A vintage Angelo Donghia rush and mahogany “barmoire” became the anchor point for Danielle Rollins’ “Cocoa Lounge” prominently featured in this years Kips Bay Designer Showhouse in Palm Beach (2023)
1. Choose your location
The options for your bar are practically endless. Danielle Rollins' signature "Barmoire" is a classic example of how to transform everyday spaces into entertainment places. Anything from a bar-cart, a bookcase, a designated spot on a counter top to an armoire can become your home bar.
2. Include your favorites... and then embellish!
This is your opportunity to find interesting and unique liquors, beautiful glassware, and craft mixers that match your bar's aesthetic! Always be sure to include all your favorites and plenty of options for your guests, and keep in mind that just because this is a functional space that doesn't mean can't be pretty! Color, pattern, and texture all come into play at this point, so consider about adding a few bottles with different textures, colors and styles for dramatic effect. We like to add colorful bottles of sparkling and still waters, pretty bottles or mini cans of tonic and club soda, and things with unique flavors. Some of our favorites are the mixers from Betty Buzz, Navy Hill, Avec, Fever Tree and don’t forget the Texas favorite, Topo-Chico. To keep your bar cart from looking cluttered, arrange your spirits, bar tools, and glassware neatly on your bar cart.
Little Tip: Shopping local can be a great option for finding pretty packaging that better match the atmosphere, as well as providing something new for your guests to enjoy!
3. Decorate with bar tools
Don’t overlook bar tools when stocking your bar cart. Not only are bar tools necessary for shaking, stirring, and straining, but they also provide a fantastic opportunity to decorate this space. Tools can be used to add more texture and color, whether modern and new to vintage with a story.
Colorful straws and coasters add style and function. Even smaller touches like cloth cocktail napkins can go a long way. Vintage bar accessories such as shot glasses, cocktail stirs or picks are also a charming addition.
4. Always have a few cocktail glasses handy
What's a cocktail without a glass? Providing sophisticated cocktail glasses for your guests by the bar for different types of drinks will help complete the bar. Including rocks, highball, martini, champagne stems and coupes and more provide the bar with a sense of purpose and provide different options for your guests!
5. Think green!
Fresh flowers and plants are always a great addition to any space, and a bar is no exception! Add a small bouquet for parties or make room for a permanent plant or herb, such as rosemary, mint, or basil. Additionally, including a bowl of limes and lemons is essential. Not only will this create more texture and color to your space, but you’ll also have fresh ingredients for cocktails right at hand.
