Elegant Bar and Wine Cellar – Naperville, IL
The Setup
Some long-time repeat Drury customers were ready to update their wine cellar and bar area. The right design would make the space more functional and relaxing while increasing viewable wine storage capacity.
The Remodel
The homeowners appreciate craftsmanship and dedication – it’s the difference between good and truly great whiskies and wines. A relaxing space to appreciate such mastery would need to reflect the same kind of care and attention to detail.
Design Objectives:
- Remove heavy posts and archway to open the bar to the basement entertainment area
- Add an undercounter ice maker
- Create a clean, open display for liquor and glassware
- Create a cabinet-matching rolling cart for transporting cases of wine from the area’s entryway to the wine cellar
- Add drama and improve lighting
- Expand the wine cellar and add ceiling-mounted cooling
- Add a concealed area in the wine cellar for wine case storage
- Update task and decorative lighting
Design Challenges:
-
- Complement the existing stained-cherry trim in the basement area
- Determine how to include a separate area for case storage accessible from the main wine cellar
- Create an updated look that integrates seamlessly with the upscale traditional Tudor home
- The curved staircase called for creativity in the floor tile layout
The Renewed Space
Design Solutions:
-
- For cabinetry, a rich smoky blue-grey paint was chosen to complement the cherry stain
- Gorgeous leather-finished Tiempo Cielo quartzite countertops pair beautifully with the flooring
- Elegant textured-glass tile creates an interesting backdrop to open shelving
- High Gloss veneer shelving elevates the space and feels more modern than the previous cabinetry
- Realistic wood-look porcelain tile in a light greige tone creates a durable surface for this high traffic area
- A custom rolling cart was included to move cases into the wine cellar with ease
- Fresh decorative lighting in the bar and wine cellar adds drama while updating the overlook look and feel
Removing the heavy posts and archway between the bar and the rest of the entertainment area made the entire space feel more welcoming and inviting. The steel blue finish on the cabinetry blends beautifully with the existing woodwork, giving the basement a fresh look. The homeowners are more than pleased with how their renewed bar and wine cellar elevates the experience of celebrating fine spirits and enjoying them with friends.
Cabinetry:
- Brand: Grabill
- Finish: Custom paint
Countertops:
- Type: Quartzite
- Color: Tiempo Cielo
Appliances:
- Sub-Zero undercounter refrigerator
- Scotsman undercounter ice maker
Size of Space:
- Bar and adjoining space – 21′ x 22′
- Wine cellar – 9′ x 16′
Special Features:
- Custom rolling storage cart
- High-gloss shelving with LED lighting
- Leather finish on counters makes the quartzite tops virtually worry-free
- Slider-mounted wine cellar racks that pull out
- Wine cellar racks with see-thru frames (high racks can be slid out and labels can be read from underneath)
- 360-degree rotating wine cellar corner racks that maximize storage capacity
- Ceiling-mounted cooling system for wine cellar
- Display rack at back of cellar doubles as a secret door to wine crate storage area
Before/After photos: