As the season of sequins, soirées and cork-popping indulgence approaches, our homes begin to take on a new kind of purpose. We shift from deadlines and early starts towards the idea of sharing our spaces with friends and family, embracing the cooler weather by creating a natural warmth indoors.
December invites us not only to decorate, but also curate: we have the opportunity to shape rooms into stages for experiences – beautiful places for our guests to share in the magic of a great party, to make special memories. If you’re planning casual shindigs or something more elegant this year, then nowhere in the home is this more evident than in the growing allure of the home bar: a pocket of luxury that transforms an ordinary evening into something with a little more sparkle.
And in the capital – where our homes range from sleek apartments to sprawling townhouses – we expect every square foot to work hard. A well-designed drinks area has become the new marker of urban sophistication; it can be a compact luxury that transforms even the smallest footprint into a space geared up for effortless entertaining. We’ve moved far beyond the gin shed in the garden.
Henge’s extraordinary designs – such as this Air Bar crafted from Siberian stone – encourage conversation.
A drinks destination
Creating a bar inside your home that strikes the right balance between style, practicality and atmosphere is an art form. Few understand that better than Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio, whose extraordinary living spaces and luxurious kitchens are known for their timeless beauty and quietly decadent detailing. Smallbone offers a compelling case for creating home bars that feel as indulgent as your private club room, yet are still integrated into everyday life. “A great home bar isn’t just a place to pour drinks,” Smallbone says, “It’s where atmosphere meets functionality. It should feel like a little destination within your home.”
Think of this space as a micro-environment where guests can gravitate toward spaces that feel convivial and open. The first consideration, Smallbone insists, is location. Proximity to the home’s natural entertaining zones is essential: the dining room, reception spaces, even a media room if your festive gatherings lean toward cosy and cinematic. The drinks area should sit close enough to the action to feel purposeful, but not so central that it interrupts flow or becomes the sole focus. Here, it’s an anchor for your festivities: a stage, but not the show.
Ledbury Studio offers beautifully crafted home bar design.
Where form surpasses function
Part of creating a beautiful bar is selecting the right fixtures and palette of materials. Solid timber, patinated metals like brass or copper and soft illumination are key to creating a considered and tasteful addition. A mirrored splashback can add a glamorous glimmer if used carefully, as can glazed cabinets and glass storage. Don’t always show your bottles as they can feel cluttered – and more like the local pub – not least as they can also ruin the taste of the liquid inside if exposed to sunlight.
If your focus is on the grape, take a look at Eurocave – the esteemed leader in wine storage. It’s created the stunning Harmonie range for wine preservation and presentation, marrying style with practicality. Reds and whites can both be brought up to optimal temperature in a single space. Yet this is not just a wine fridge, it’s a handsome piece of furniture – in light oak, pure white or smoked brown – with customisable niches, metalwork and engraving for a bespoke finish.
The pieces give a curated-yet-uncluttered feel to your social spaces. And for the tech geeks, there’s an app for remote access to ensure your wines will be the right temperature for serving. If you’re serious about collecting and serving great wines, it really is perfect for the budding oenologist.
EuroCave’s furniture slides seamlessly into most spaces.
All that glitters
Aim to imbibe in style with some beautiful barware, and very few can boast better barware than Cumbria Crystal on that count. They have a satisfying weight, and are completely handblown and cut, lending some serious gravitas to your margaritas. Good luck trying to pick a favourite pattern from the classic Georgian to Mid-Century-influenced designs.
Crystal decanters are a must for any bar set-up, elevating your pour while expressing subtle good taste. Add some matching tumblers, some chic coupes and a sturdy highball, and all will sit beautifully when illuminated from the rear for a glistening display. Cumbia Crystal have provided glasses for Bond films, British Embassies and state dinners. If it’s good enough for 007 and the King, it’s sure to raise the bar for you.
Cumbria Crystal's festive glassware.
Modern sensibility
The difference between a sophisticated drinks area and somewhere overly showy is surprisingly fine. Christmas décor can push interiors dangerously close to glitter overload; if the thought of all those embellishments puts you off, perhaps consider something even more sleek.
Henge has some exquisite and minimalist designs. The Air Bar is beautifully crafted from Siberian Rain stone. Backlit with natural tonal variation, it’s a warm but contemporary way to create a destination for your festive drinks. Ultimately though, a home bar should feel like an extension of the home’s wider aesthetic.
By the time the first bottle is uncorked, a well-designed bar has already done its job: drawing people in, setting the mood and adding a flash of theatre to the evening. Designed thoughtfully, it becomes the silent co-conspirator of every great gathering, elevating the season with equal parts style and soul.
For more information and inspiration, head to henge07.com; cumbriacrystal.com; and ledburystudio.com
