Open & Closed: Home Bar Trends : Interior Design Blog

Have you ever noticed that the bar is a magnet at just about any after-hours social event? As we gear up for the holiday season, Robb & Stucky poses (and answers) the question, “What can we get you from the bar?” with an intoxicating new breed of bar designs.

Today’s most inspired furniture designers are doing their best work at the bar. The looks are fresh, fun, functional and, of course, super swanky. Whether you prefer shaken or stirred, or craft beer over a fine cabernet, there are two home bar trends dominating today’s decorating scene.


First, the reveal-all open bar. Here lovely fifths of special batch liquors, crystal and glassware of all varieties, and gleaming chrome bar accouterments are staged as objets d’art at the bar. It’s five o’clock somewhere. These bars are always open and ready to serve. You may be sipping a morning latte (unspiked, of course) from across the room – the bar is lovely to behold anytime of day.


Marble-top Marquis from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Now at Robb & Stucky.

Next on the bar design scene there’s what Robb & Stucky calls the barmoire. Here the straight-up bar concept mixes with the compelling features of an armoire, or cabinet.

The barmoire is party central with amazing functionality hidden behind closed doors. Look for built-in wine and stemware storage, drawers for small sundries and adjustable shelving. Oftentimes cabinet interiors are mirrored and lit. After all, the bar is a workstation, friends!


Fabulous LaSalle barmoire style from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, now at Robb & Stucky.

Barmoire exteriors are a pleasure to behold, masquerading as gorgeous armoires when not called to duty during your soirée. The design wizards at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, for example, have created some brilliant barmoire styles. I admire the Lawson barmoire on the Robb & Stucky showroom floor every day as I head to office.


Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Lawson barmoire with white lacquered wood-and-bronze mirrored doors.

We all know drinking alone is never recommended. With the right bar – whether you prefer out-in-the-open or behind-closed-doors barmoire styling – you’ll always have good company, and be ready for company. Cheers!

ABOUT MARK STUART: Robb & Stucky Creative Director Mark Stuart is responsible for the floor plan and visual display of all Robb & Stucky stores. In his spare time, he also shops the world for accessories and engages with our amazing buying team to ensure that Robb & Stucky stores enchant as a unified, beautiful experience.