All That Sparkles — Luxury Wet Bars That Elevate Holiday Entertaining with Native Trails Sinks

Interior designer Ainsley Brookins Stewart reveals the materials, details, and design moves that make today’s luxury wet bars both functional and full of holiday sparkle.

Designer: Ainsley Brookins Design for Gardner/Fox Design-Build
Photographer: Brian Wetzel
Product: Redondo Chico in Brushed Nickel

As the holidays draw friends and family together, one design feature takes on an outsized role: the luxury wet bar. More than a place to pour a drink, it becomes a small-but-mighty destination—one that invites guests to linger, encourages effortless hosting, and adds a touch of glamour to everyday living. Philadelphia-based interior designer Ainsley Brookins Stewart, founder of Ainsley Brookins Design, has seen the category surge.

“I’m definitely doing a lot of wet bars right now,” she says. “Guests want to hang out in your kitchen no matter what—it’s the heart of the home—so having a dedicated spot for drinks helps so much. If you can have a separate little room, that’s amazing, but even just carving out a spot within the kitchen makes everyday living and entertaining easier.”

From material selections to layout moves and holiday styling, Stewart shares what makes today’s luxury wet bars both functional and festive.

Function – But Make It Glamorous

Stewart always begins with one question: Who will use this space—and how? From there, she defines whether the wet bar will function as an everyday family station or take on a more glamorous role during gatherings.

For families, the bar might serve multiple functions, such as as a coffee or beverage station, calling for durable finishes and practical storage. For serial entertainers, it becomes a place to turn up the drama.

“Clients are more adventurous with wet bars than kitchens,” she says. “Because they’re smaller spaces, people feel freer to make luxe selections—whether that’s a hammered copper sink, mirrored shelving, or bold tile.”

Material Alchemy: Mixing Metals for a Big Impact

One of Stewart’s signatures in luxury wet bars is her approach to metals—specifically, mixing them. Native Trails’ hand-hammered copper and brushed nickel sinks appear throughout her work because of the texture and sparkle they bring to small spaces.

She loves how the patina of hammered copper or soft glow of brushed nickel instantly elevates a room.

Stewart often pairs these sinks with polished nickel or unlacquered brass faucets to create a layered, collected-over-time look. And during parties? A Native Trails bar sink excels at serving double duty.

“I love using them as ice buckets. Fill them with ice, drop in champagne or wine bottles, and suddenly the sink becomes part of the celebration.”

Designer: Ainsley Brookins Design
Photographer: Brian Wetzel

Cohesion or Contrast? Designing Wet Bars Near the Kitchen

Should a wet bar match the kitchen it neighbors? Stewart says it depends on visibility.

“If the bar has its own nook, it can stand alone with bold finishes. But if it’s open to other areas, I keep cabinetry details consistent so it feels related.”

That balance—visual cohesion combined with personality—is one of the defining qualities of today’s best luxury wet bars.

Small Footprint, Big Impact in Luxury Wet Bars

Even the tightest spaces can become spectacular.

“One project of mine had a super narrow footprint, so we used mirrored shelving and a tiny hammered sink. It became a jewel box within the home.”

If space is limited, she recommends:

• Mirrored backsplashes
• Vertical layouts
• Compact sinks (hammered metal sinks shine—literally)
• Good lighting

The effect: an intimate, sparkling moment that feels intentional rather than improvised.

Designer: Ainsley Brookins Design
Product: Rincon in Brushed Nickel

Holiday Styling for Luxury Wet Bars

During the holidays, she keeps styling warm but restrained.

“Candlelight and natural greenery always work. Holiday colors can clash with interiors, so greenery feels timeless.”

Her go-to festive cocktail?
“Champagne with a splash of St-Germain…cranberries and rosemary…It’s festive, beautiful, and easy for guests to prepare themselves.”

She sets out recipe cards, mixers, and garnishes so guests can help themselves—plus whimsical herb- or berry-filled ice cubes for Pinterest-level garnish.

The Feeling of a Well-Designed Luxury Wet Bar

Ultimately, Stewart wants the wet bar to feel like a destination—scaled to the home, but spirited enough to stand alone.

“It should be inviting, ready for everyday living and celebrating, and make guests want to linger.”

This season, consider how luxury wet bars can elevate your home—whether you’re designing a full bar or carving out a compact corner with a hand-hammered sink and mirrored shelves.

Looking to bring more function and beauty into your home’s entertaining spaces? Explore additional materials, styles, and design inspiration through Native Trails’ artisan-crafted sinks and bar collections.