Home bars, once emblematic of postwar martini culture and later associated with kitschy 1970s social scenes, are experiencing a notable resurgence in residential design. This revival is occurring even amid declining alcohol consumption, reflecting a broader shift in how people engage with these spaces.
Samantha Steele, a recently retired school superintendent, drew inspiration for her Palm Springs home renovation from memories of her late aunt’s California residence, which featured a kidney-shaped pool, a pool house casita, and a signature wet bar. Honoring that legacy, Steele installed three distinct bars on her property: an outdoor bar by the pool, an indoor spot for aperitifs, and a versatile drinks nook adjacent to her bedroom and gym. The upstairs bar serves multiple functions, transforming from a coffee station in the morning into a bar via custom sliding metal screens. Interestingly, Steele notes that while alcohol consumption has declined, the bars remain central to her home’s social dynamic, with the fridge stocked only half with alcohol and the rest with protein drinks.
Architect Bill Georgis of Georgis & Mirgorodsky in New York reports a 25 percent rise in requests for home bars compared to a decade ago. This trend is echoed by Adam Kamens, chief executive of Philadelphia-based Amunéal Manufacturing, who says the company now receives about a dozen bespoke bar inquiries monthly—comparable to an entire pre-pandemic year. Kamens highlights recent projects including a dual-purpose wet bar and DJ booth in a Tribeca apartment, crafted from marble, bronze, and ebonized walnut, costing over $65,000. Another Tribeca family, with regular guests from the UK, incorporated a curved bronze bar in a room serving as both guest bedroom and home office, allocating $90,000 for the installation, which features concealed shelving for a collection of bitters.
Design experts suggest home bars today serve as multifunctional pleasure zones, reflecting changes in technology and lifestyle. Brian Smith, design director at hospitality interiors firm Avroko, links the current trend to past eras of home entertaining when furniture layouts encouraged social interaction away from television screens. In contrast, modern bars coexist with the omnipresence of personal digital devices, offering a space for curated enjoyment and socializing.
Innovative formats are also gaining traction. Paritosh Mehta, co-founder of the Jaipur-based Trunks Company, specializes in hidden bars built into upholstered trunks. Priced around $70,000 and sometimes higher based on materials, these portable bars unfold to reveal fully equipped drink stations, including crystal glassware, refrigerators, and cocktail tools. Some owners move their trunks outdoors, integrating the bar experience with garden settings.
Steele’s upstairs bar also serves as a unique home for her two small dogs, Starsky and Taco. The custom cabinet is designed with dual compartments, combining liquor storage above with pet beds below, visible through metal screens. This integration reflects Steele’s desire for a practical, used space rather than an ornamental fixture that gathers dust.
While the contemporary home bar market embraces luxury and personalization, the underlying appeal remains consistent: providing intimate, carefully crafted environments for socializing and enjoyment beyond mere alcohol consumption.