Would you like a twist with that?

Designing a bar is like creating a stage set. Bartenders become actors on stage in front of a proscenium of jewel-toned illuminated bottles. Customers also become the actors on stage, so lighting is critical to be as flattering as possible.

I start bar design with the best slab of stone available. This sets the backdrop and provides an atmosphere of quality. For the bars at the Calgary Petroleum Club designed while I was Design Director at TDI, finalist of the Southern Alberta AWMAC millwork awards, over 20 slabs of white onyx were rejected before the right pattern and color were found. I’ll provide the stone vendor with an image of the desired pattern and color so there is less confusion about my expectations.

Premium bottles are attractive on their own, but when underlit, the jewel tones of the liquor create a colorful composition. I like to only use 3 or 4 stepped levels, each carefully sized so labels are easily viewed and accessed. The vertical faces of these levels should match the backdrop stone, and the horizontal etched glass surface is underlit with LED strip lighting. Always request a mock-up as the detail is very complicated and helps the multiple trades understand how it goes together! I always recess TVs, so edges are never visible.

Work closely with the bar equipment supplier to locate all equipment below the surface of the bar counter. Even draft beer pulls should be as low as possible, so sightlines are unobstructed. I prefer the material of the bar top to continue into the drink rail, so a clean horizontal is maintained.

Bars can be multi-functional and provide differnt serving functions throughout the day. This sports bar has counter-weighted wood panels that slide closed when breakfast buffet is served.

Bars are the gathering place of an establishment and should be the most interesting feature. Although complicated to design and detail, the rewards are worth toasting. Wow, that was a bad pun!