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Home Bar Designs are Popular Features in New Residential Construction

Home Bar Designs are Popular Features in New Residential Construction

Learn More About Entertainment Bars, Cocktail Bars, and Beverage Centers in Custom Homes

What’s a Home Entertainment Bar? A home entertainment bar is a small bar in a home - that’s a dedicated space for entertaining guests and enjoying drinks in a home setting. It's typically designed with a sink, refrigerator, and storage space for liquor, glasses, and other barware. The home entertainment bar could also include - a television, sound system, and gaming consoles. This allows guests to watch movies, and sports, or play games while they socialize. Some entertainment bars may have pool tables, foosball tables, or other games. The home bar may also include an ice maker, cocktail shaker, and bar seating such as stools or bar chairs so that guests can comfortably enjoy their drinks. Entertainment bars can be located in any room in the house, but they are most commonly found in the basement, garage, or near/in the kitchen. An entertainment bar typically includes a wet bar. See further information on wet bars and cocktail bars (below).

Wet Bars and Cocktail Bars - An entertainment bar usually includes a wet bar - that's also called a cocktail bar. A wet bar has a counter with a sink and faucet, as well as storage for liquor, wine, and beer. Wet bars are becoming increasingly popular features in luxury homes, because they provide a dedicated space for entertaining guests, and can be used to store and dispense alcoholic beverages - plus they can make it easy to prepare and serve drinks.


According to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders, 60% of luxury home buyers are interested in having a wet bar in their home. The popularity of wet bars is being driven by several factors, like The increased popularity of craft cocktails and mixology, and the desire to have a space for entertaining guests that is separate from the kitchen.

Beverage Centers are Trending Features in New Custom Homes

What’s a Home Beverage Center? A beverage center is a self-contained area that’s typically located near the kitchen or living room. It is designed to provide a convenient place to store and serve drinks and snacks to guests. Beverage centers and refreshment bars typically have a counter with stools or bar chairs, and they may also have a sink, refrigerator, and ice maker. They are usually well-stocked with a variety of drinks, such as soda, beer, wine, and liquor, as well as snacks, such as chips, nuts, and candy. They can be a great way to entertain guests and can also be a convenient place to keep drinks and snacks for family members to enjoy throughout the day.


Additional Features Found in Home Entertainment Bars and Beverage Centers

  • Wine Cooler or Refrigerator - It’s a great way to store wine at the perfect temperature.
  • Coffee Maker - A must-have for any home bar.
  • Well-stocked Bar - This includes a variety of soft drinks, fruit juices, liquors, wines, and beers.
  • Cigar Humidor - For storing and enjoying cigars.
  • TV - Is perfect for watching movies and playing games.
  • A Sound System - This will help to create a great atmosphere and mood for entertaining.
  • Comfortable Seating - This is important for guests to relax and enjoy themselves.
  • Popcorn Machine - You can make fresh popcorn for guests.
  • Photo Booth - For taking fun pictures of guests so they can remember their visit.

Home Exercise Bars and Juice Bars - These specialty home bars are dedicated spaces and niches that are located near the gym, exercise room, or yoga room in custom homes. Exercise bars typically include a sink and a small refrigerator for keeping water and fruit juices ice-cold, along with cabinets with extra storage space for towels and other workout gear - such as yoga mats, and workout gloves. Sometimes these home specialty bars that are personalized for homeowners' exercise will also include - a collection of protein bars, a blender for mixing smoothies, and a collection of exercise enhancement products.

Growing Popularity of Home Entertainment Bars and Beverage Centers

Entertainment bars and beverage centers are becoming increasingly popular in new luxury custom homes. There are three main reasons for this trend:

  1. People are entertaining more at home - with the rise of social media and the popularity of home renovation shows, people are interested in entertaining guests at home. A refreshment bar or entertainment bar is a great way to provide guests with drinks and snacks without having to run back and forth to the kitchen.
  2. Residents are looking for ways to relax, unwind, and spend leisure time at home - after a long day at work or school, people are looking for ways to relax and unwind at home. You can keep your favorite drinks and snacks stocked up.
  3. Homeowners are looking for ways to add value to their homes - when it comes time to sell their homes, homeowners who have refreshment and entertainment bars will likely be able to command a higher price. This is because these bars are seen as desirable luxury features by most buyers. Homebuyers are looking for homes that are move-in ready and that have all the extra amenities they need to fit their lifestyle. An entertainment bar and/or beverage center can show buyers that your home is the perfect place to entertain guests and relax after a long day.

Benefits of Entertainment Bars and Beverage Centers in New Homes

If you are considering building a new luxury custom home, you may want to consider adding a refreshment center or entertainment bar. It is a great way to entertain guests, relax and unwind, and add value to your home. Some additional benefits of having a home bar are - They can save you time and hassle with no more running back and forth to the kitchen to get drinks and snacks for your guests. The home bars can help you create a more inviting atmosphere plus a well-stocked refreshment bar or entertainment bar can make your home feel more like a party destination. Plus, home bars can also be a great way to show off your personality. Choose drinks and snacks that reflect your taste and interests. Home specialty bars can also be a cost savings. If you entertain guests at home often, a beverage center, wet bar, or entertainment bar can help you avoid having to go out to eat or order delivery.

Things to Consider - When Planning Luxury Home Bars

There are two main types of bars or stations in custom homes: wet bars and dry bars.


Wet bars have plumbing and can be used to dispense drinks, such as cocktails and beer. Dry bars do not have plumbing and are typically used to store snacks and beverages. When choosing a beverage center or entertainment bar for your home, there are a few factors to consider. You will need to decide what type of bar you want. If you plan on entertaining guests, you will probably need a wet bar. If you simply want a space to relax and unwind, a dry bar may be sufficient. Dry bars are most cost-effective because they don't require plumbing, so that's something to consider.

If you’re thinking about adding a home bar there are a few things to keep in mind: Size and location - Consider the size of your home and the amount of traffic you expect in the area - then where you want to place the bar. Budget - Beverage or refreshment centers and entertainment bars can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping so you don't overspend. Functionality - Think about what you want your bar to do. Do you want it to be primarily for entertaining guests, or do you also want it to be a place where you can relax and unwind after a long day? Do you want a “wet” bar or a “dry” bar? Choose features that will make the most sense for your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Design - The design of your home bar should complement the style of your home.

If you are considering building a new luxury custom home, you may want to consider adding an entertainment bar, or beverage center. It’s a great way to entertain guests, relax and unwind, and add value to your home

Alford Homes Personalizes their Custom Homes to Elevate their Homeowners’ Unique Lifestyles

If you are looking for a luxury home builder that's one of the best home builders in the Dallas Ft. Worth Metroplex, Alford Homes is a wise choice. The builder Greg Alford has a proven track record of home-building experience for over 40 years. Alford Homes can help you customize a new luxury home that’s the “home of your dreams”. Alford Homes’ new custom luxury residences start at $4 Million - $15 Million+.


For more information about Alford Homes in Dallas, Texas, please call the luxury homebuilder’s office at 972.429.1074 or visit AlfordHomes.com - to see their “available homes” that are for sale.







Note - all the photos in this post are of residences built by Alford Homes and located throughout the Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex.

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