My latest project was an extra special one because my client was my mom! Every single project I have the privilege of working on is a joy, but I’ve got to say - there’s something really meaningful about creating a new space for my family’s homes. With all my clients, I want them to love their home more and feel inspired by the space they are in. To get started on a project for your home, connect with me to tell me what you’re dreaming about!
For this lower level dry bar project, I knew that both functionality and a beautiful design were really important. Once we had the vision, I was so excited to get started on this space!
Before
Previously, this space was empty in the lower level, but my client wanted to create a bar for entertaining, storage, and as a design statement. Oftentimes in lower levels, homeowners aren’t sure how to best use their space because there are so many elements you could include, but it can be hard to know what is best.
When I meet with clients, I love to understand what their vision is for the space. Do you want to entertain? Are you hoping to have more seating? Is this space going to be used for working out or maybe relaxing? However you would like to use your space really influences the design because I want your home to be designed specifically for you, not anyone else!
In this case, my client needed a multi-functional space, which we addressed during the design phase.
Design Phase
During the design phase of this dry bar, I really wanted to understand the storage needs, design style, and any other elements that would make the most use out of this space. My mom actually runs an in-home daycare, so when designing this space, I needed to think about it as a multi-functional space. She needed adequate storage for both food, baby supplies, and prep meals. Previously, she had a very small four-foot-wide baker’s rack that really wasn’t functional.
However, when someone says they want more storage, that could mean a variety of things - open shelving, closed cabinetry, or a number of different things. My job as the interior designer is to understand what my clients are looking for and design a space that truly matches their vision, even if they aren’t quite sure how best to explain it.
For this dry bar, we went with navy colored cabinetry for a classic, timeless look paired with gold hardware and wood floating shelves. When designing the shelves, I kept in mind that my client really wanted to keep the honey oak trim near the dry bar. To still create a cohesive design, I pulled the darker tones from the knots of the oak and used that finish for the floating shelves.
To really bring the design to life, we added a gorgeous wallpaper to complement the navy cabinetry, while showcasing my client’s personality. Trust me, wallpaper is always a good choice!
In Progress
By looking back at the photos in progress of this project, it’s obvious how much each selection truly makes an impact. Without the countertops, you can see how this space lacks cohesion and functionality.
Once the cabinetry was all installed, floating shelves were hung, and the countertops were in, this space was starting to come together. However, by comparing the photo below with the final reveal, it’s obvious how much of an impact wallpaper truly has. It adds color, texture, and so much personality to a space for a relatively low cost.
Here’s my tip - work with a designer who pushes you to go a little outside of your comfort zone because the pieces you might be holding back on usually turn out to be your favorite!
The Reveal
I’m thrilled with the end result of this dry bar, especially because I know I’ll get to visit and see how my mom uses this bar in her home! The combination of the wallpaper with the navy cabinetry created a stunning look throughout the entire bar space.
The storage, both with closed cabinetry, the wine bottle storage, and open shelving provides ample room to store a variety of serving dishes, glasses, items for daycare, and so much more. Plus, the counter space is great for mixing up drinks, prepping food, and displaying fun barware.
Check out all the details of this dry bar in the photos below!
I’m obsessed with how the wallpaper turned out in this space, especially paired with the navy cabinetry and wood shelving. I’m so excited for my client to have all this space to make drinks and prepare food for entertaining, while still having plenty of storage for items used in her at-home daycare.
How fun would it be to mix up drinks in this space? It’s awesome to have the mini fridge readily available, along with glasses, bar tools, and bottles ready to mix up your favorite drink (or your guest’s favorite!).
Thanks for reading about my latest design project! Stay tuned for more project reveals coming soon!
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