Sale

Gifts

Tabletop

Accessories

Bedding

Lighting

Furniture

events

free design services

SHOwroom

our work

about

UPHOLSTERY

CASE GOODS

Chests

Beds

Tables

Benches + Ottomans

Consoles + Bar Carts

Chairs

Sofas

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM

Build the perfect space to unwind after a long day.

Make entertaining something to look forward to.

Sale

Gifts

Tabletop

Accessories

Bedding

Lighting

Furniture

events

free design services

SHOwroom

our work

about

Lamps

Chandeliers + Pendants

Sconces

LIGHTING

Bring artistic flair through lighting to elevate your space.

work with us

JOURNAL

SHOwroom

free design services

Furniture

Accessories

Lighting

Outdoor

Sale

Gifts

Bedding

our work

about

meet the team

our services

showroom

JOURNAL

work with us

JOURNAL

SHOwroom

free design services

Furniture

Accessories

Lighting

Outdoor

Sale

Gifts

Bedding

our work

about

residential

commercial

architectural

press

work with us

JOURNAL

SHOP

our work

about

Rediscovering the Romance of a Beautiful Home Bar

I believe what makes a home special is the welcoming atmosphere experienced as one steps through the front door. This is why Danny and I have a home bar in our entry hall. We find the simple gesture of offering a drink as our guests arrive sets a relaxed and festive tone, making everyone feel instantly at home in our space. With the approaching season of cooler evenings and special gatherings, I’d like to inspire you to turn a cozy corner of your home into a warm and welcoming home bar.

Accents of the South by Beverly Farrington - Huntsville Interior Design - AOTS-Home-Bar-Bar-Cart Rediscovering the Romance of a Beautiful Home Bar %

HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR YOUR BAR CART SETUP

When I design home bars for clients, I consider how the hosts and guests will move between entryways and entertaining spaces. I believe it is important to position the bar for ease of accessibility while allowing for the natural flow of movement. A home bar does not require a tremendous commitment of space. A handsome bar cart in a quiet corner or bar stools pulled up to a console table make for instant hospitality. I look for a nook, a span of unused wall, or a neglected corner that with a few creative touches can become a nice entertaining venue.

BAR CART INSPIRATION

Whether you’re a traditionalist or a modernist, here are a few of my favorite bar carts with classic lines that can slip into any environment with grace

Innovate

No need to call plumbers or electricians. With a couple of beautiful water pitchers and an attractive ice bucket, your dry bar is magically a “wet” one. I believe lighting is always important. A little attention to the use of light can change the emotional atmosphere. For a touch of drama, I might hang an attractive pendant over the bar area. And, I find installing LED task lighting under cabinets and shelves is not only practical for serving but warms a space and gives it purpose.

Accents of the South by Beverly Farrington - Huntsville Interior Design - AOTS-Home-Bar-Alison-1-7 Rediscovering the Romance of a Beautiful Home Bar %

CREATE A VENUE

Think of your favorite cocktail lounge and why you enjoy being there. Identify one or two ways to bring that feeling into your own space. In our case, Danny loves a good scotch, so a few crystal decanters on an antique French secretary became a whiskey bar for entertaining his gentleman friends. 

Accents of the South by Beverly Farrington - Huntsville Interior Design - AOTS-Home-Bar-Beverlys-Living-Room Rediscovering the Romance of a Beautiful Home Bar %

You might consider an interesting wall treatment, a special piece of art, or beautiful glassware in open shelving to create your own dream spot. It’s okay to be a little playful here since a home bar can stand alone as a piece of art in itself.

BAR SEATING INSPIRATION

In case your home bar calls for seating, I’ve pulled together this selection of stools that add personality to any space.

Consider a Cabinet

A bar cabinet is a clever way to tuck your bar inside a nice piece of furniture. Beautiful pieces designed for this purpose make storing and serving as easy as opening a cabinet door. You might have a special antique piece that could serve as a lovely home bar and wonderful conversation starter. 

Accents of the South by Beverly Farrington - Huntsville Interior Design - DSC_0019-3-768x510 Rediscovering the Romance of a Beautiful Home Bar %

I converted our chinoiserie armoire into a bar cabinet by installing interior lighting and adding mirror to the back. 

Accents of the South by Beverly Farrington - Huntsville Interior Design - Beverlys-Home-Bar-Cabinet-1-768x577 Rediscovering the Romance of a Beautiful Home Bar %

BAR CABINET INSPIRATION

Here are some of my cabinet picks for an instant home bar that can disappear when you’re ready to quiet the atmosphere.

DON’T FORGET BAR SNACKS

Every great cocktail bar serves good food to draw a crowd and make the drinks taste even better. Consider a few small bites you can offer your guests as you’re preparing drinks. I personally like to put out an assortment of nice olives, gourmet potato chips, nuts, and dried apricots in special little bowls. If I have time to prepare, I’ll serve deviled eggs on a beautiful dish. It’s helpful to have pretty serving pieces and linen cocktail napkins on hand to pull out for easy setup. 

One thing we’ve learned in all the recent craziness is that we are definitely made to be with each other, and we are brilliantly resilient. A little space, some creative adaptation, and a friendly invitation are all it takes to have a lovely home bar up and serving friends this Fall. 

Cheers!

~ Beverly Farrington
image of bar cart set up with orchid and drinks in front of window with curtains

IN-STORE & ONLINE

SHOP FURNISHINGS & ACCESSORIES

Now shop select pieces from the Accents of the South showroom online.

Accents of the South celebrates southern style and for us that’s about celebrating life with family and friends. Our interiors embrace this belief as we work to showcase it in each home we design.

Buy online and pickup in store.
Delivery available.

shop

get the latest

stay up to date...

Thanks, You'll be added to our newsletter

Instagram

follow us on