There is no question that “the bar is back” when it comes to kitchen design and what clients are looking for in their updated spaces.  These dedicated areas offer the convenience of a secondary space that is away from the busy work zone.

At Bentwood Luxury Kitchens, we are excited to showcase some well-designed projects including bar and beverage areas that illustrate how even small spaces can offer large rewards, both in function and design. Since it is the holiday season, we are also sharing some of our favorite festive beverage recipes, just in time for home entertaining.

The Perfect Gentleman’s Bar

In this open floor plan, handsome black, painted cabinetry and matching floating shelves define a bar space perfect for pouring a glass of scotch or wine.  The open shelving provides a decorative element as well as a space to house glassware.  We love this old-world charm and sophisticated style that James Thomas Interiors created.

From our friends at Bourbon Barrel Foods, we are sharing a Woodford Reserve™ Old Fashioned recipe that offers a little something extra to this beloved classic cocktail.

Customized Wine Storage and Bar

For this large entertaining kitchen, designed by Richard Mogas Architecture and Interior Designer Allison Redepenning, the bar and wine storage areas each offer a unique design that culminates into a breathtaking space overall.  The glass-doored wine storage is modern yet functional, just steps away from the kitchen island and work zone.

For the bar, painted cabinetry in the color “Naval” was selected, along with decorative brushed stainless screens on the upper cabinets.  We love the color and lively personality of this space, including the neon signage and custom metal base table.

Best of all, these personalized kitchen areas are all on one level and perfectly set up for the homeowners’ entertaining.

Shaking up a Pomegranate Martini in this bar would dazzle as a festive drink that is both colorful and refreshing!

Integrated Contemporary Bar

This bar is a great example of how integrating millwork into the overall design created an architectural feature while offering much-needed entertaining support.  Interior Architect Scott Himmel selected rift-cut, white oak in a dark stain for custom millwork that also matched the Bentwood kitchen cabinetry.  The bar, located between the kitchen and formal dining room, provides valuable landing space and additional refrigeration.

A Subzero wine tower and under-counter refrigeration/freezer unit are an excellent combination for this well-appointed space.  Now that is something to cheer about—a Moscow Mule in a frosty copper mug is always a tasty festive choice!  

Luxurious Butler’s Pantry Bar

As an extension to this kitchen, a dedicated butler’s pantry offers additional space and function, perfect for catering and entertaining support.  A Wolf integrated coffee maker, Microwave, and Subzero Undercounter beverage and refrigeration drawers, are a nice suite of luxury appliances for this workspace.

As for the custom cabinetry, Interior Designer Jill Hart of Brass Tacks selected a rift-cut white oak with a custom stain that complements the brass hardware and decorative brass mesh screens.

All we can say is wow! Let’s toast to this beautiful space with Tyler Florence’s Cranberry Champagne Cocktail.

The Statement Bar

Here is a fun space that makes a statement but serves a serious purpose.

Interior Designer Mark Williams of MWD designed this Modern Bar as part of the kitchen for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach earlier this year.  The arched structural element defines the space, and the focal Fireclay tile allows the beauty of Bentwood’s custom cabinetry in the “Seagrass” finish to shine through.

This compact space provides high style and high function including a Kohler bar sink and 2 Monogram refrigeration drawers.

The bar conveniently supports the kitchen and patio outdoor living areas, creating the perfect social hub for your next big gathering.

A Gift For You

To close out the year, we’ve asked Corporate Chef Jon Liddell of Monogram to share one of his favorite holiday cocktail recipes (a new take on the Hot Toddy) that will have you looking like a pro at your next get-together.

The Hot Blitzen

1.5 oz Glenmorangie X scotch
0.5 oz Honey
3 oz Boiling Water
1 Jasmine teabag

1 Cinnamon Stick
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

Mix honey and teabag with boiling water, add Glenmorangie Original, lemon juice, and cloves. Stir and garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice

See You Next Year!

From your friends at Bentwood Luxury Kitchens, we wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and Joyful New Year!

Inspired to update your own space? Click here to set up a personal consultation and explore the possibilities for your home. Not close to Chicago? Click here to find your closest authorized Bentwood dealer. We’ll connect you with a designer in your area and get started with your vision right away!

Not quite ready to begin a project? Look through our gallery to find inspiration and discover the beauty of Bentwood.