Dallas-based Javier Burkle designed a sophisticated home bar that debuted at this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show as part of Kohler’s House Party campaign. Here, he shares with KBB practical ideas – from bar sink essentials and lighting to the current trends shaping entertaining spaces – that can help designers create stylish home bar for their clients.
Home Bar Essentials
Photo: Kohler
A well-designed home bar should feel as thoughtful as it is effortless to use. We always start with storage, layering in both the practical and the beautiful. Hidden storage is key for anything that isn’t visually appealing, while open shelving or counter space allows for a more curated display of glassware, bottles and collected objects. It keeps the bar feeling polished without sacrificing function.
From a functionality standpoint, a small prep sink makes a significant difference. We love incorporating a workstation-style sink, such as Kohler’s Synthos Sink at the back of the bar so garnishes, ice and cleanup can happen seamlessly without interrupting the flow of hosting. It allows you to stay engaged with guests while still having a dedicated place for the work behind the scenes.
When it comes to surfaces, we gravitate toward natural materials that age beautifully over time. A double slab marble, like those from Ann Sacks, is especially compelling in a bar setting. It develops character with use, and we think that’s part of the charm. Much like wine, it only gets better with time. If clients are concerned about wear, sealing is always an option, but we tend to embrace the patina. A bar should feel like it has a history.
Seating and layout are equally important. The goal is to create an environment where guests feel comfortable lingering, not just passing through. We like to design in multiple zones, whether that’s bar seating, a nearby lounge chair, or a small table, so conversations can happen naturally in different pockets of the space.
Home Bar Location and Layout
A bar works best when it lives where people naturally gather. Whether that’s just off the kitchen, tucked between a living and dining space, or opening to an outdoor terrace, proximity matters. You want it close enough that hosting feels effortless, not like you’re stepping away from the moment to make a drink.
The layout should follow the architecture of the home and the way you entertain. A straight run is clean and efficient for tighter footprints or pass-through spaces. An L-shape gives you a bit more surface area and can help define the bar as its own moment within an open plan. A U-shape feels more immersive, ideal if you have the room and want guests to linger, perch and interact while you’re working behind the scenes. No matter the configuration, the goal is flow. It should feel intuitive to move through, never crowded or cut off.
Most importantly, a bar shouldn’t be reserved for evening entertaining. It can be a true all-day space. Morning coffee, an afternoon reset, a place to gather even when no one is drinking. When designed well, it becomes a natural extension of the home, not just a destination for cocktails.
Setting the Mood With Lighting and Color
Lighting is everything when it comes to setting the tone for entertaining. During the day, it’s about letting natural light take the lead. Open up the space, let it breathe, and allow daylight to wash over surfaces in a way that feels effortless and inviting.
As the evening sets in, the mood should shift. Layered lighting, soft sconces, under-cabinet glow and dimmable fixtures create a warmer, more intimate atmosphere. You want a gentle, ambient light that flatters both the space and the people in it, never harsh or overly bright.
Neutrals play a quiet but powerful role in this. They reflect and diffuse light beautifully, allowing both daylight and evening glow to feel softer and more dimensional. A neutral palette also creates a sense of ease and sophistication, letting the atmosphere carry the experience rather than competing with it.
What’s Trending
Photo: Kohler
There’s a real return to depth and restraint right now that feels exciting. We’re seeing a shift away from overly bright tones and pastels, and back toward richer, more grounded palettes. Think warm browns, layered neutrals and deeper, almost jewel-like tones that feel timeless rather than trend-driven. These colors tend to age beautifully. They don’t feel tied to a moment, which makes a space feel more enduring and lived-in over time.
We’re also seeing a continued appreciation for antiques and vintage pieces, something we’ve always believed in. Mixing in pieces with history adds soul and authenticity, and even incorporating elements that feel vintage helps a space feel collected rather than decorated.
Ultimately, the best home bars balance beauty and utility. They’re designed for hosting, but they also tell a story the longer you live with them.
—Javier Burkle is founder and principal of Burkle Creative, a boutique interior design firm in Dallas
