Interiors

At the Kitchen Bar

by Shannon Rooney photos by Sue Pais

Is there anything like a fresh cup of coffee to start the day? Or a refreshing Aperol spritz on a summer’s evening? We think not.

And one way to make sure you always have the refreshment of your choice available is to add a themed kitchen bar.

The popularity of the kitchen bar—be it coffee bar, wine bar, or snack bar—has made adding one a cinch. Local shops and builders can help you choose the perfect set-up from countertop to refrigeration.

A little organization will put implements and ingredients at your fingertips. The built-in convenience means you’ll spend less time prepping your drink or snack of choice and have more time for enjoying it.

Here’s how.

Perk Up with a Coffee Bar

Coffee bars have become a major kitchen design trend, which means you’ll have lots of options when creating yours.

Whether adding a coffee bar to your current countertop, building another counter space in your kitchen, or adding a coffee cart, make sure there is enough storage to house the coffee makings you like.

Glass and plastic containers are especially helpful in allowing you to see all the options at hand. A mug tree keeps your vessels handy.

Stock your coffee bar with fun ingredients for you and your guests. Keep the basics handy: K-cups if you use them, stirrers, sugar cubes, and fun, flavored creamer options. Throw in chocolate or raspberry flavored sugar cubes, brown sugar, and cinnamon for added taste. If you have kiddos around, throw in hot chocolate makings—and don’t forget the marshmallows.

Wine Time All the Time

For a wine bar, as with all kitchen additions, think vertically. Can the wine rack be hung on the wall? Can you tuck the wine fridge below the countertop? How about hanging a wine glass rack from the ceiling?

Stock your wine bar with the requisite whites and reds. Always go with your favorites and may we recommend shopping at your local winery?

Because it’s summer, Moscato and rosé are most refreshing options. Stock ingredients for garnishes and spritzers, like club soda, flavored sparkling water, and fresh fruits. Lime, raspberries, and even pineapple will add the right kick depending on your recipe.

And don’t forget the kids. They’ll be delighted by an alcohol-free limoncello or fruitflavored soda stocked just for them.

Stellar Snack Bar

Who’s hungry at the lake? Everyone, always.

Stock a special snack bar so you and your guests can grab a bite whenever hunger strikes. A kitchen cart or shelving system will offer adequate storage space. Make the most of your countertop or cart top by adding a tiered lazy Susan. Antique shops and flea markets are great sources for decorative displays, racks, and stands.

Set up bins or baskets and fill with chips, cookies, nuts, and candy. Line up bottled water on one shelf. Add a kitschy napkin dispenser and reusable plastic plates for those who want them.

Want to wow your guests? Set up a minipopcorn maker and small popcorn boxes for a special treat around the evening fire.

Pick the Perfect Countertop

Our local experts, like Keystone GraniteWerks in Pierceton, D.B. Polishing Countertop Specialists in Fort Wayne, and Copper River Cabinet Company, also in Fort Wayne, can help you design a bar area that suits your needs.

Some basic tips will get you started:

» Measure for counter length, width and height. If you include barstools in your design, you’ll want a counter height of 35-37 inches. » Research the best material for you: butcherblock, granite, quartz, and even concrete may best fit your style and capacity for maintenance. » View the countertop in person before selecting. It’s hard to choose the right look and durability via photo.