RAISING THE BAR AND WINE CELLAR TO NEW HEIGHTS

A recent survey of home decorators, designers and fabricators found four facts and trends to consider when you want to install your own bar. What are the new technologies for

bars and wine cellars? The majority of designers brought up LED lighting, flexible lighting, appliance lighting and the addition of more lighting displays. “Bars and wine cellars will trend toward backlighting in the future with the increasing prevalence of LED lighting,” according to Paul Menninger, owner of Capitol Granite. “The options for LED come with reduced costs, longer life and lower heat generation.” What materials or appliances are trending? The hottest materials include ultracompact surfacing—commonly known as “thin” tile. These surfaces offer stain resistance and durability—you can have a marble look, for instance, without the worry about stains. Mixed textures were also a common answer. These are spaces designed to “stand out.” What are the future trends? Designers and fabricators anticipate the use of more glass, unique surface materials such as porcelain countertops, or looks such as a mitred drop edge. Cheryl Clendenon, owner of InDetail Design, states, “I would say unique wine storage in unusual places—we have proposed one in a large foyer. Sounds odd but it will be part of a built-in area with a bench and the wine will become drinkable art! Also, more clients want wine refrigeration.”

“Clients tend to want a bar or wine cellar that is a conversation piece,” states

Krista Lake, owner of Signature Interior Expressions. “They like for their bar/ wine cellar to have a unique look that stands out from the rest of the home.”

“The products we feel are currently trending are wine barrel and winepress furniture,” states Brad Burns, partner/ owner of Cutting Edge Countertops. What colours are in for bars and

wine cellars? Mostly whites and greys, automotive and industrial finishes. “Whites and greys with dark-colored woods contrasting in the wine cellars, like walnut and cherry,” are popular, adds Menninger.

The award-winning design team at Blanco foresaw the fusion of old-world influences and contemporary style in today’s kitchens and bars. Traditional finishes such as oil-rubbed bronze are making a comeback, even as modern design is surpassing traditional. The result is a transitional look with one foot in the past and another in the present. It can be the best of both worlds. (NAPS)