wet bar in a living room

Design Notes

WHY HAVE A BEVERAGE CENTER?

Do you enjoy having friends and family over? Are you tired of running back and forth to the kitchen just to refill drinks? Do you wish you had one spot in the home where guests can quickly get their favorite beverage? If the answer is yes to one or all of these questions, it’s time you consider adding a beverage center to your home. Not only are they a functional and practical station in your home, but they also make hosting your next get-together a breeze. Beverage centers have grown in popularity over the past few years, with homeowners looking to add a little something extra to their space that blends with their lifestyle.  Let’s talk about some of the benefits of having this in your home, as well as some design tips.

What Is A Beverage Center

For those who may not be familiar with the function of a beverage center, it is a place to make and serve drinks, serve appetizers, and keep drinks cold through a small refrigerator. The purpose is to provide an area away from the kitchen where guests can mingle, and beverages can be stored without disrupting the cooking area. Whether you want to store wine, beer, or soda, having a beverage center means you can have it all neatly tucked away, ready for the next party.

beverage center with a wine fridge and coffee maker

How To Design A Beverage Center

There are many things to consider when planning a design for a beverage center, and some questions you should ask yourself, such as:

  • What type of drinks do I want to store?
  • Does it need to be directly by the kitchen?
  • Should I include a sink?
  • What else will I store there?

The answers to these questions will help your designer know how best to design your beverage center around your particular needs. Some things that should be included in the design are:

  • Roll-out trays provide easy access to items but minimize the need to bend down and dig through the cupboard. They also keep everything organized and in its place.
  • Refrigerator: This means you can store all your beverages right there and save space in the main refrigerator. It also means that all your drinks will be in one spot instead of having to gather them from various locations. They will also be the right temperature whenever you want to serve a guest or enjoy one yourself.
  • Shelves: When kept nearby, glasses will be within reach and ready to be used. Both floating and open built-ins are great options.
  • Lighting: Adding puck or LED lighting strips makes it easy to see everything in your beverage center while keeping the ambiance of the room perfect. No bright or sharp lights are needed for that second drink.
  • Sink: Having a sink makes cleaning up a breeze. If you have leftover ice, it can simply be dumped right there and left to drain overnight. If there is a spill, you can wipe and rinse easily. Sinks are a great asset to this space.
  • Storage: A beverage center is also a great place to store extra items, including party supplies like utensils, paper plates, and cups. Rather than taking up valuable space in the kitchen, these items can be stored right here.

The beverage center is a multifunctional area of the home and is perfect for gatherings with family and friends. Be sure to talk with your designer about your expectations and goals for this space so they can create a design that is suited to your needs.