Wet Bar Design Inspiration to Up Your Holiday Entertaining Game

The best living spaces are made up of well curated luxuries. For many of us, this includes a wet bar; a dedicated area that can help to make entertaining a breeze. Here, we’re highlighting well-designed wet bars – where the Native Trails sink is the crown jewel.

So, go ahead. Have a party. Some of our favorite designers will show you how a wet bar can help you to do it.

A MONOCHROMATIC, SPEAKEASY STYLE WET BAR

The best bars manage to be both sophisticated – and cozy. In this basement bar in Fort Collins, Colorado, designers Natalie Lynch and Ashlin Pickle of Pure Indigo Interiors accomplished that balance with textured tiles, statement lighting, plenty of seating for guests and a concrete bar sink, the NativeStone Olivos in Slate.

Tell us about your Native Trails bar sink: “The overall aesthetic of the space was inspired by a modern-day speakeasy,” says Pickle. “We wanted a fairly monochromatic bar, and the sink was a cool way to add a fun element to the space. The material of this sink is just beautiful!  [It’s] so smooth and flawless but can provide an industrial look if needed.

We love the shape, too, and how it can be used as a drop in or undermount. Native Trails sinks provide a small, unexpected statement to a space.”

Advice for designing a welcoming home wet bar: “We love creating wet bars that in themselves make guests feel welcome. This space accomplishes that with the warm wood tones and a dark, cozy color pallet. The basement is primarily used for watching sports games and hosting friends, so ample options for seating was very important.”

Signature holiday cocktail: “We would love to have a chocolate martini at this wet bar — one of our favorite holiday cocktails.”

THE MAKINGS OF A GLAMOROUS WET BAR WITH GILLIAN GILLIES

Clear communication with guests before your holiday party is key to making sure they arrive feeling comfortable, says Gillian Gillies, a Toronto-based interior designer. And when it comes to designing an at-home bar that’s sure to dazzle, Native Trails’ hammered bar sinks are Gillies top pick for adding instant glamour.

Best way to make guests feel welcome at a holiday party: “Be clear on what they should expect, what the dress code is, and if you have a hard stop for when the party ends,” says Gillies. If you are not going to be feeding people, then let them know to eat in advance. Guests feel happy when they understand what is happening and when!”

Considerations to make when selecting a wet bar sink: “A bar sink should be practical, but it can also add an unexpected touch of glamour to a wet bar. We love the hammered finishes on the Native Trails bar sinks; they add a layer of refinement, and they are easy to keep clean and maintain.”

Signature holiday cocktail: “I’d love to be able to recreate a hibiscus mocktail I had at Casa Silencio, in Oaxaca, Mexico, recently. It was so delicious I converted many of the others with me to switch to this gorgeous drink, which was the perfect holiday color. If you can’t get to Casa Silencio then you can make something similar using chilled hibiscus tea as a base with lemon juice and a simple syrup, add some rosemary, a slice of lemon and some pomegranate for the perfect holiday garnish!”

ARTFUL WET BAR ACCESORIZING WITH MY MODERN RUSTIC LIVING

We came across Camila Pejnovic, the home décor enthusiast behind Instagram’s MyRusticModernLiving, when she tagged us in this Reel, which shows her styling her home’s coffee station. She wrote, “This gorgeous hammered bar sink is from Native Trails. If you haven’t yet, go check them out. Their sinks are the most beautiful ones out there!”

She’s referring to our Mojito sink in Polished Nickel, which shines bright amongst all her lovely accessories. When it comes to making her houseguests feel welcome in this beautiful space, Camila had some tips to share.

Holiday entertaining advice: “Acknowledge your guests,” advises Pejnovic. “Dedicate at least five minutes of your time to each guest so they feel special, and a fun cocktail always brings some joy to them.”

Advice for designing a home wet bar: “A home wet bar brings a whole new level of fun and sophistication that elevates your space when hosting gatherings. The key to a great wet bar design is selecting a bar sink that will be functional, but also a beautiful accent to your space. Enough counter space, a wine and beer cooler, fun accessories and open shelves and lighting are a must to complete the look.” 

Signature holiday cocktail: A bubbly rose with a Christmas tree-shaped ice cube with pomegranate and rosemary in it. It’s so festive and delicious! 

A BAR THAT PUTS FUNCTION FIRST WITH EYE FOR PRETTY

We know, we know. This bar is missing one very important element: a sink. But it was just too good NOT to include in our holiday roundup.

Nicole Salceda of Eye For Pretty specializes in California casual interior design — and in making her guests feel welcome year ’round. She does this both at her brick and mortar shop in Danville, California, and within her own beautiful home.

That’s why we’ve included her thoughts on wet bar design, here.

Wet bar design considerations: “You want to think in terms of function,” says Salceda. “Even though wet bars don’t need to be large, they need to be super functional, so you ideally want a small beverage fridge or wine fridge with a sink and some storage — either open shelving or closed storage on top for glassware.”

Best way to make guests feel welcome at a holiday party: “During the holiday season, I like to focus on keeping your house warm and cozy. By that I mean lighting a nice candle, setting your ambiance with lighting, making sure you have food and drinks to offer. That’s what I focus on all the time – making a welcome environment and making [guests] feel as comfortable as possible when they’re in our home.”

Signature holiday cocktail: “I’m a grapefruit girl, so whether it’s a greyhound, which is just vodka and grapefruit, or a paloma, with some good tequila and grapefruit juice, that’s what I love to serve.”

See 10 more wow-worthy wet bars with Native Trails sinks.