Photo: Michael Patch
Home addition amplifies entertainment possibilities
During social events, guests love to hover around the food and drinks. Savvy hosts know that it’s wise to separate snacks from libations to encourage mingling and to make it easier for everyone to reach whatever they’re looking for – whether that be another canapé or a refill of their preferred beverage.
If you’re looking for a permanent home for beverages, a bar cart or liquor cabinet will gather bottles, mixers, bar tools, an ice bucket and glassware in whatever space is most often used for parties. But if you really want to up your hosting game, add a built-in wet bar that can handle both casual and fancy drink service. With thoughtful planning, you can serve all your guests – whether they want soda or something with a little kick – and your workspace can double as an attractive focal point for the room.
Creating convenience
By definition, a wet bar has running water. While a bar sink is considerably smaller than what’s typically found in a kitchen, this little sink – 12″-18″ wide and no more than 7″-8″ deep – is incredibly practical. Filled with ice, the sink serves as a makeshift Champagne bucket. Or it functions traditionally, as a place to dump half-melted ice, wet a towel to manage a spill, and wash mixers and shakers. If you have the space, consider adding a small dishwasher, and you won’t even have to carry glasses elsewhere for proper cleaning.
Built-in wet bars also have refrigerators. Again, if space allows – and you’re a proud oenophile – incorporate a wine chiller alongside the traditional unit. Ideally, wines should be kept at 50-59 degrees for short-term storage, and 53-57 degrees for long-term storage. By contrast, the refrigerator holding bottles and cans of beer, soda and seltzer should be below 40 degrees.
Other options, depending on priorities, include an icemaker (separate from the refrigerator) and beer on tap. The icemaker eliminates running back and forth to the kitchen freezer and ensures there’s plenty of ice available throughout the party. Beer on tap is somewhat more involved, as the counter will need to accommodate the taps and a drip tray. Underneath, you’ll need ample room for the canisters and lines, which require periodic removal and cleaning.
Photos: Michael Patch
Designing your bar
Looking beyond the “wet” aspect of the bar, countertop, backsplash, shelving and cabinets are also an integral part of the design. Think about the countertop material: it can be simple butcher block, which is useful when slicing fruit for garnishes, or it can be tile, granite, marble, stainless steel or even poured concrete. Consider a dramatic – or high-end – counter material, as not much is needed.
Photos: Michael Patch
To plan shelving and cabinets, ponder what you want to contain or display. Open shelving is useful for fancy glassware and serving pieces. Some wet bars have shelves designed specifically to display a wine collection. And some hosts want to keep their liquor bottles within easy reach, which makes serving easier.
Before fixing shelves in place, measure the height of the tallest bottle currently in your liquor cabinet and make sure there’s a place where that bottle will fit. Also consider adding a lock to the cabinet or shelves where alcohol is stored. Today’s toddlers are tomorrow’s teens, so plan accordingly.
Photo: James River Media
Lighting comes next. Under-shelf lighting provides ambiance and the right amount of glow, while brighter task lights are essential for crafting that perfect beverage. Depending on the moment, the bar can become a welcoming focal point, with lighting to draw a visitors’ eyes, or blending seamlessly into the overall ambiance of the surrounding room. It’s always possible to add lighting later, but electrical work is more easily done during the construction phase.
Constructing your bar
If a built-in wet bar sounds like a miniature second kitchen, that’s because it is. Just as in your main kitchen, a wet bar involves plumbing, electrical and carpentry. Unless you have the skill set to safely install what’s needed, call a professional. Because a wet bar is a relatively small project, a handyman – rather than a large home renovation firm – can likely handle the task. Always check to ensure your contractor is bonded and insured.
The person you hire should know if your locality requires a work permit for this type of project, but it’s wise to contact your local building department just to be certain. Usually, permits are required for projects that involve adding or removing walls or other structural elements of a home. Adding cabinets, electrical outlets and plumbing likely isn’t sufficient to warrant a permit, but it’s always better to check before work begins.
A wet bar might not increase your home’s value enough for it to be considered a high return on investment, but it’s an opportunity to add more personality to your living space. Cheers to your wet bar and to time with friends and family! ✦