Basement bar reveal
Created in Partnership with the Home Depot
I’ve been working around the clock the past few months to create this speakeasy inspired basement bar. This bar and half kitchen are part of an entire basement project I’ve been working on for a friend this past year, and it’s been exciting to see all of the tireless hours of planning pan out. It’s also the first time I’ve taken on an entire home remodel that includes new construction, so the process has been quite the learning curve to say the least.
I had no idea how many setbacks and challenges I would encounter during this project. My novice beginner optimism concluded we would be finished in a matter of weeks, but as it turns out when dealing with multiple contractors, the delays piled one upon the other, and weeks turned into months as the completion of this project stretched on and on. On the bright side, this makes the reveal that much sweeter as this project has been such a labor of love! Yesterday after the kitchen was fully put together, I laid out a charcuterie board and invited my design partner Courtney, who has helped me every step of the way, along with her family to come celebrate the completion of such a massive project.
But let’s get in and talk about the design of this space. My client wanted an old world vintage Speakeasy-inspired basement kitchen and bar where he could effortlessly host friends and family. The bar area sits adjacent to the media room which hosts multiple movie nights and teenage hangouts throughout the week so the design and functionality needed to tie into that adjoining space as well.
My goal for this space was to create a kitchen and bar that gave off a cool glamorous vintage vibe, but also felt accessible and not too uptight so to match the everyday family life of my client. I accomplished this by choosing structural elements in timeless materials such as marble and stone, and cabinetry in a classic shaker style in a warm wood tone, then adding in elements that were practical and family friendly for every day use.
To outfit the bar I sat down with my computer and made a beeline to homedepot.com/decor Many people don’t realize the vast scope of products that The Home Depot carries, so they are often surprised when I share with them the products I find at The Home Depot, especially online. I love utilizing The Home Depot’s website when creating a space because they are truly a one stop shopping experience. In one afternoon I am able to source everything for my space, from furniture to lighting, to kitchenware and art, and have it delivered straight to my door in a matter of days. Everything I used to furnish and decorate this kitchen I found at The Home Depot.
I found these navy vegan barstools which are perfect for the space which needed a stool with a narrow base that could fit easily on the narrow tiled space under the bar. The stools are a full swivel which is perfect for anyone sitting at the bar to be able to turn around and see what is playing on the big screen directly behind them.
I found these beautiful vintage inspired pendant lights at The Home Depot. I loved how the white pops against the dark of the wall, and that the profile is slim enough not to obstruct the TV behind the bar not too much.
I’m a sucker for fluted stemware so when I found some on The Home Depot’s website I bought both the coupe and the champagne glasses for the basement bar. I was able to source all of the barware for the bar from The Home Depot, as well as sleek black dinnerware, stemware, and even a set of bone-inlayed bottle openers which I thought were beautiful and reminiscent of the homeowner’s trips to Kenya, a country very dear to his heart.
No kitchen bar is complete without its tools, so I also added in a mixer set, wine opener, cutting boards, and a sturdy knife set for the basement.
Once the basics were covered, I peppered in small details such as serving boards and floral vases to create more character to the space while also allowing for easy and stylish hosting in a flash.
The homeowner is a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan so it was fun to surprise him with a nod to his Cowboys with these coasters I found online at The Home Depot (I’m telling you guys, The Home Depot has everything!).
I think everyone’s favorite part of this kitchen though, is the vintage inspired popcorn machine I surprised the family with. It perfectly to adds more old school style to the space in the basement, and it legit makes the best popcorn! This popcorn maker is used on the regular.
I am so pleased with how this basement kitchen bar turned out! It is glamorous while also feeling accessible and fun, and perfectly fits the bill as a moody speakeasy inspired kitchen design. I’ve linked all of the items I used for this space below, so you can check them out and get inspired to create your own dream space.
Dishes Serving Ware Decanter Whiskey Glasses Coupe Glasses
Mango Platter Bar Set Champagne Glasses Charcoal Glasses Beer Glasses
Vador Glasses Bar Stool Popcorn Machine White Pendant Bottle Opener