STYLING A DELUXE BAR CART
GET READY TO UP YOUR COCKTAIL GAME! You know we looove Happy Hour here at Design Bar, so why wouldn’t we love a well-styled bar cart?! We’ve selected our go-to bar cart styling pieces so you can build one of your own at home. Cocktail culture has returned (thank you, Mad Men, for starting the trend), and what better way to put your style on display and show off your favorite spirits than a chic, personalized bar cart!
It’s really not hard to make it both functional and festive. Summer cocktails, here we come! Simply follow our steps below ...
DESIGN BAR’S BAR CART INSPO PICS
#1 BAR CARTS & CABINETS
Whether you only have room for a freestanding cabinet or a small bar cart (or even just a smaller dresser or countertop area for setting up a bar), we love all the scenarios! Our advice is to use whichever works best for your space and gives you the look you want. Added bonus if it’s on wheels so you can place it near all the fun. Here are some of our favorite carts and cabinets right now.
PRO TIP: By adding a tray to a console table or sideboard in your dining room (or to a kitchen countertop), you automatically define the space as “Cocktail time!”
#2 STYLE WITH DECORATIVE ELEMENTS
We like to add decorative elements to the bar area, such as pretty trays for displaying your glassware and alcohol, or perhaps a pot with some fresh greenery or flowers -- not only does that create texture, but it also gives it a pop of color! Add a cute lamp if you have room; this soft lighting will create an inviting ambience for whipping up cocktails after the sun has gone down.
PRO TIP: Hand towels draped over a handle are the perfect compliment to the bottles and glasses, and are functional too! Cute vessels for sliced lemons & limes (or pretty bowls to hold the fruit) are also a good idea since they’re both useful and decorative.
#3 BAR TOOLS & GLASSWARE
Once you have a few decorative items, add the functional pieces next. This includes glassware and cocktail preparation tools (think shakers, strainers, bar spoons and a muddler). They should coordinate with the decorative elements -- for instance, for a brass and wood bar set, a brass ice bucket will complete the look. Show off your style preferences here -- pick materials you love!
To personalize it all, don’t forget color, pattern and texture … some colorful straws, pretty cocktail napkins and cool coasters add a small touch of interest and are useful too!
PRO TIP: You’ll want a variety of glasses and tools for making cocktails, as well as an eye-catching ice bucket with ice -- lots and lots of ice. The mixologists in your crowd will be in heaven!
D|B STYLE BOARD:
Nothing says sophisticated like a chic bar cart -- it’s the key to easy cocktails and successful entertaining. Follow us @designbarbend for more tips and ideas, and of course contact us if you’d like us to help you put it all together. We love fun projects!
