Mellow as a good wine

For decades, bars and dens have been defined by their traditional masculine ambiance. But with these rooms frequently used by the entire family, sometimes a new design expression is called for.

Designer Sandy LaMendola of Twist Interior Design translated the cliched concept of a man's room into something more relevant for this den and bar.

"The family uses this area for relaxing after dinner, and also for entertaining, so it needed to be an informal yet inviting room, with full bar facilities," she says. "The sense of masculine space is not lost rather, it is reflected in the integrity of the materials, such as the heavy wood beams and metal strapping."

Rift-cut oak cabinets, including an integrated wine refrigerator, enhance the room's substantial, rugged look.

"We wanted to make it gutsy and full of character, but it was important not overdo it," LaMendola says.

The bar features a 3in-deep walnut plank countertop that provides plenty of space for serving drinks and food. A rear countertop in Asterix granite adds visual depth, but avoids a dressy look, says LaMendola.

In addition to the wine storage, there is an integrated Double DishDrawer dishwasher, standard refrigerator and sink.

A hand-painted ceiling above the bar features a subtle, yet intricate patterning that echoes the color of the wood and helps create a more intimate ambiance.

Other customized elements in the den include a handcrafted oak television cabinet and a fire screen with matching irons.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Brian Droege