Teresa Staley: Murals & Faux By Design
October 19, 2010Setting Up Your Guest Bed and Bath For The Holidays
November 9, 2010Some say that big things come in small packages. We say, make a big statement with your small spaces. Your wet bar is the ideal area of your home to get creative and make a big impact with your design choices. New storage solutions combined with luxury materials make your wet bar functional and stylish. Whether you want to integrate the wet bar into the existing look of your home or feature it as a showpiece, there are some timeless elements you should include.
Wine Storage: Built-in refrigerated wine storage is all the rage. Storing wine at the ideal temperature and humidity increases its lifespan and your ultimate enjoyment of it. While some collectors may want a full-size, 100 bottle or more unit, most homeowners find an under-counter unit preferable. Sub-Zero wine storage units have dual-zone refrigeration to keep reds and whites at their respective ideal temperatures. However, if your space is even more limited, Sub-Zero has come out with a compact, single-zone wine refrigerator that will fit almost anywhere.
Glass and Bottle Storage: While some homeowners still like the look of their glasses and bottles on floating glass shelves, most are opting for the dust-free convenience of cabinetry. With glass front inserts, you can show off your finest crystal without having to wash it before use. Additional storage options allow you to organize your bar for maximum serviceability while keeping unsightly items hidden from view. When extended all the way to the ceiling, the additional cabinet space can be used to store seasonal or special occasion dishes and glassware. Some homeowners have even used the extra space to mask speakers and other audio-visual equipment.
Back Splashes and Wall Coverings: Fully mirrored bars have long been popular for smaller spaces. However, the newest trend is color coated glass. Dauphin Sales, Inc. has introduced this new product to the Houston area. You can choose any color to match or complement your existing wall color or decor.
Counter Tops: This is where you can go all out with your wet bar. Since you will likely only need a few square feet of material, you can afford to use the best on the market. The Prexury Collection from Cosentino, the makers of Silestone, is exactly that. They are slabs made from semiprecious materials, fused with high quality epoxy resin, then calibrated and polished. Some of the materials can be back-light to enhance the features of the natural stones used. Prexury slabs are made from amethyst, angel jasper, carnelian, classic quartz, labradorite, petrified wood, red jasper, tiger iron, rose quartz, smokey quartz, and wild agate. Each slab comes with a semiprecious stone certificate of authenticity. These unique, distinctive countertops will make your bar a stunning showpiece in your home.