Cocktail hour

For passionate and frequent home entertainers, a bar is a requisite. When integrated into a kitchen, it can expand the uses of the space, and create an informal, fun atmosphere.

This bar was created by CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio as part of a kitchen renovation. The homeowners host many business functions and family gatherings, and required a bar that was conveniently close to the kitchen, but separate from it. The bar is built on an angled wall in space borrowed from the dining room, says designer Debra Bobo.

"As the bar is parallel to the raised bar seating in the kitchen, it is convenient for a buffet. The owners requested a Viking beverage center in the bar. This means children can help themselves to a soft drink when the parents are cooking, without getting in the way."

The bar also includes a second dishwasher and sink, to make cocktail mixing and clean-up easy. The cabinetry is European frameless cherry laminate, with stainless steel toekick and soffit detailing to reflect the shine of the refrigerator. The countertop is solid Giallo Veneziano granite to match the kitchen counters.

"Above the bar counter we placed glass cabinets to showcase fine crystal. A wine rack made from the same cherry material is installed between the cabinets," says Bobo.

This bar won the Best Bar Design award in 2008 in Hadco's Designs that Matter competition.

For more information on CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio, visit the company website: www.csikitchenandbath.com.

Story by: Trendsideas