How to create a luxe bar for elevated at-home entertaining

There’s one interior feature that genuinely defines grown-up entertaining. It’s not Bang & Olufsen speakers or even top-of-the-line Smeg appliances. It’s a luxury bar fully stocked with premium wine and spirits in an at-home entertaining area.

“A luxurious bar credentials a house or apartment,” says Sam Wilkinson of Kay & Burton Boroondara. “It’s highly desirable and adds entertaining prowess.”

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Even better if it dazzles with visual impact, says interior designer Shona McElroy, principal of Sydney-based Smac Studio.

“A well-designed bar is a point of pride for people who love hosting,” she says.

“It’s about the homeowners’ personality. They usually love to have a good time and they love having a great space, or a series of great spaces, to do that in.”

Cue soft, warm mood lighting such as an artistic sconce rather than hard, overhead downlights, and natural stone with interesting patterns for a bench beneath the bar shelves.

“Natural stone as a material is like an artwork and elevates the space,” says McElroy.

For a bar that’s a real showpiece, combine beautiful bottles, vintage decanters, glassware and styling elements like candles, vases and bowls, she says.

“If you want more rock ‘n’ roll, you can have lots of clusters of different bottles, making it cool and chaotic, like a party venue.”

You’ll find ever more artistic and quirky labels designed to appeal to a more discerning market on both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink choices, while a truly vintage wine has a label that speaks for itself.

McElroy suggests using warm LED lights on the underside of bar shelves to illuminate the bottles. This will make the space look even better, especially when combined with a mirrored backsplash, preferably antique.

The designer’s luxe bar list also includes individual boudoir-style seating, a plush pile rug and collectible barware.

As for other accessories, she finds record players and vinyl are increasingly popular.

“I think they go well together – listening to some music and having some type of drink in hand,” she says.

Beyond that, McElroy says many top-tier clients are avid travellers and use open bar shelving to display a personal collection of objects as a talking point.

Curation accomplished, master some classic cocktail recipes, and you’re ready to entertain in elevated style.

Find it here

SOLD - $9,200,000

3701/100 Lorimer Street, Docklands VIC 3008

5

5

9

View property

Price guide: $10 million-$11 million

Agent: Kay & Burton Boroondara, Sam Wilkinson 0400 169 148

A single-level house in the sky with one of the best 360-degree views of Melbourne, this home features a luxe bar, cinema and wine room.

“It is a dream entertainer,” says Wilkinson.