We’ve seen an interesting trend in recent years that dates back to something I remember from my grandparent’s 1970s home: a wet bar in a living room area. Not every modern living room has a wet bar, or a dry one for that matter, but there is no doubt that designers are incorporating this entertainment element into primary family living spaces more frequently than in the past.
Why are homeowners installing these wet bars in family rooms instead of traditional basement bar areas?
Newer floor plans create more open spaces where kitchens flow to open dining rooms and living rooms, making the placement of a wet bar for gathering purposes more strategic. It tends to be a separate space from the kitchen so guests can spread out in party environments, keeping the liquor cabinet away from the congested kitchen area, but close to common areas where guests are likely to gather.
From our perspective, wet bars and dry bars are relatively interchangeable and the choice comes down to the decision of whether a client wants a sink and running water. While there are pros and cons to each approach, we believe the key element of a nice home bar is creating a place to serve drinks away from the kitchen with, at a minimum, an undercounter bar refrigerator. If designed properly, these spaces will enhance the value of your home when it becomes time to sell down the road.
Other popular features in the bar areas include wine storage, beverage drawers and decorative elements that add visual interest to the existing space. There are new technology features, like wine chillers, that can be installed with a completely built-in look into the countertop.
Mancaves in basements with elaborate wet bar areas will likely never go away, nor will the outdoor kitchens that provide for great summer outdoor entertainment spaces. When considering your next home improvement project, if you entertain often and think your space might allow, feel free to reach out and see if there are any living room wet bar design ideas that we might be able to assist with in your home. And remember, not every bar has a sink. While obviously key to installing a wet bar, the running water aspect is personal preference based on how you wish to use your space.
If anything you read in this blog generates a question you would like to have answered, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. We are happy to share our knowledge with you, especially if it helps enhance the entertainment value of your home. If you’re ready to start a living room wet bar project with a contractor who will help you every step of the way, consider The Lifestyle Group. We’d love to talk through your vision and build a beautiful, functional entertainment space that adds value to your home.