I've recently developed an interest in bars. I think they are absolutely beautiful. I can sit and look at all the gorgeous bottles in their varying sizes and hues, dressed in their fascinating labels for hours. Setting up a home bar seems to have become as commonplace as decorating a mantel. Home bars are not only functional, but serve as works of art in their own right - an extension of the home-owner's sense of taste and style. They have become focal points worthy of our time and attention. In setting up these bars, the designers have left out no detail. They've created magical vignettes that seem to tell a story, perhaps of the homeowner,  perhaps to the guests. Bar carts seem to be leading the trend in this area. They are relatively small and therefore easy to work with to create the proper mood while promising to be accessible and user-friendly. But the bar cart isn't the only way to set up a home bar, especially if you have a lot of liquor you would like to display or serve. We're seeing clever uses of old secretaries, television carts, suitcases, steamer trunks, tables, dressers, desks, cabinets, closets, armoirs and bookshelves.

Admittedly my liquor bottles, the few that I do have, are stashed up high above the fridge or in the freezer, With three young and curious children a beautiful home bar is something that won't be part of my immediate future. But as I am always looking ahead, down the horizon, to the dream house I would love to design and build one day, I must absolutely consider my bar area!

I am going to share with you some of my favorite home bars I pinned on Pinterest to my board called Raising the Bar. My favorite is the last photograph. It holds a spot near and dear to my heart. I'll explain why at the end of this piece.

via La Dolce Vita

via Tumblr

via Town & Country

via Tumblr

via And George

via Bijou and Boheme

original source unknown, via Pinterest

via Rue Magazine

via Brabourne Family

via Keika Reichart Inspirations

Property of Jessica Gordon Ryan and The Entertaining House

My apologies for the poor quality of this picture. I shot it from the September 1996 issue of Country Life Magazine with a terribly cracked iPhone that's on her last leg! This bar was created by my grandmother in her Oxfordshire home in her sitting room. A simple closet has been fitted with glass shelves, a small counter, and mirrors and turned into a fun, whimsical and efficient bar. Although I was a teenager when I spent most of my time in this house, I remember loving this bar!


 Cheers! I hope this inspires you... have a great weekend!