Making An Unique And Inexpensive Home Bar

Having a stylish home bar is all the rage.  With the debut of Mad Men, home bars have made a comeback.  Gone are those basement bars covered with harvest gold shag carpeting.  Now, a more simple and elegant bar that could fit in the smallest of spaces are en vogue.

Because of it's popularity, vintage bar accessories are becoming more difficult to find; however, don't be discouraged.  Keep your eyes peeled, and an open mind, and you'll find those unique pieces that would make your bar dazzle with unrequited glamour for an affordable price.  Here are a few tips to give your bar a little pizzazz.

A home bar made from an antique table in House Beautiful.

An simple cart is used as a bar.

Tip 1: Almost anything can be transformed into a cool bar.  You can use a slim desk, an antique cabinet, or even a dresser.  As you see on the left, a simple, inexpensive, utilitarian cart is transformed into a bar cart by just adding vintage glasses and unique accessories.  Make sure the item is close to bar height and use a protective surface (if it's not original to the piece) in order not to damage a wooden top.  This can be done by adding a mirror, using antique silver trays, or adding a piece of glass to any vintage piece.

Tip 2:  Where do I hunt?  You can look for your bar and accessories at thrift shops, garage sales, bargain home stores, and even in grandma's attic.  You should first look around the house or even in your basement for hidden treasures.  Just remember to keep an open mind.  Look at pieces by re-imagining them painted, with added casters (for height), or even with a mirror on top.

Tip 3: Inexpensive items can jazz-up your bar.  Simple jars of infused liquors can add color, height, and interests to any bar.  Look as far as your kitchen for unique shaped jars.  If the jars do not have a seal, try adding clear rubber bands to the mouth of stoppers.  This has worked for me on a jar of red currant vodka for the last two years.

Below is a picture of infused liquors I made for a friend during the holidays.  One jar was rum with pineapple and ginger.  The other was bourbon with cherries (for excellent Manhattans).  She loved them and they looked great on her bar.  Needless to say, they did not make it passed the holidays.

Store holiday party

Tip 4: It's okay to mix different period glassware and accessories.  You don't have to stick with pieces from the same period.  For example, mid-century modern glassware can be pair with an ice bucket from a different age.  You can pair beautiful etched glasses from the 1920's along with Dorothy Thorpe glassware from the 60's.  Just use various heights and keep it simple.

Vintage George Briard Lion glasses

Tip 5:  Finally, don't forget to add a personal touch.  Remember to use family glassware, personal photos, vintage items, or quirky bar accessories to make a bar of interest.  It's a good idea to pull out grandma's silver tray that has been in storage for decades.

Just remember to have fun.  Enjoy putting your home bar together and don't forget to send us plenty of pictures. 

Edamame Shrimp Pasta

While shopping at Whole Foods this week, hungry and needing something quick for dinner, I came across a package of edamame that were shelled and vacuum-packed in the refrigerated section.  I instantly knew what to make for dinner.  

It's pretty darn good if I say so myself.  

You'll need:                

12 oz edamame

3 large garlic cloves

2 TBS lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

2 TBS chopped parsley

2 TBS blanched almonds

1/2 cups good olive oil, plus 2 tsps

1 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 cup grated Asiago or Romano cheese
1/4 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
1/2 pound of bow tie pasta
salt & pepper to taste

Cook 1/2 pound of bow-tie pasta according to package directions, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain well.

Meanwhile, make the pesto by using a food processor.  Use the food processor to grind the cheese.  Add the the cheese to a small bowl and set aside.  Then add edamame, 2 garlic cloves, lemon juice, zest, parsley, almonds, olive oil, half of the pasta water, cayenne, salt and pepper.

Blend until smooth.  Add cheese and pulse.  

Mince remaining garlic clove and add 2 tsp of olive oil in a skillet.  Add shrimp and salt and pepper to taste.  Sautee' until pink and curled.    

In a large bowl add pesto, hot pasta, and shrimp.  Toss.  Add additional pasta water if needed.  

Garnish with parsley stems and additional grated cheese.  Enjoy. 

Humble Food

I am a horrible insomniac and happened upon these videos at about 3 a.m. last year.  They are so comforting to watch and often put me to sleep.

This one is my favorite.  I hope you like it too.  Oh! By the way, if you make this cake, be sure to save me a piece.

Repurposed + Modern = Cool Home

So many of our items are in this home.  I first met the owner, Jessica, as a customer in the store.  She had just purchased this ranch with a strong mid century lines and wanted it to reflect her style and personality.  Through the use of repurposed items, estate sales, and gin and tonics, this home has been transformed into one that reflects her lifestyle and taste.

Stunning signed print in studded frame by famous artist Mr. Brainwash pairs well with French country chairs.

The walls are filled with a wide range of artwork from different genres and pedigrees.  She likes what she likes with no apologies.  The trick was how to make all of this fit together.  It was simple.  By using soft gray walls and coordinating fabrics, all of her favorite things were able to find a home.

A refurbished table by The Humble Home with a marble top.  

  

Jess has very eclectic taste.  She loves everything from modern to French country and has no hesitations of mixing the two.  She is not the kind of person that would sacrifice clean and contemporary in lieu of having sentimental items around her.  

Jess' personal items find a comfortable home

Vintage Barcelona chairs make a comfortable nook.

After a late night of moving furniture, Jess and I came up with this cozy nook that turned out to be the epicenter of every party.  This is also one of her favorite places in the home where she curls up with a favorite book.  The cowhide helps to define the space and vintage Barcelona chairs add a modern touch.  Vintage posters, oil paintings, and contemporary artists form a gallery and interest to this nook.

The lesson here is that you should always listen to your heart. What speaks to you? What feels like home? Don't focus so much on having the "right" items. Pick what's right for you.

Humor Filled Homes

I have been noticing more humor and color in home decor.  There seems to be more of a "tongue in cheek" approach to interiors lately.  For example, below are two unique bathrooms with quite a sense of humor.

Love the toilet paper holder by Peter S. Balsam Ass.

Talk about waterworks. Andre Rothblatt Arch.

You may have noticed the use of vibrant colors such as Moroccan blue, chartreuse, and garnet red. Not ever being one who likes pink, I recently found myself having a magenta moment...going gaga over a bright pink side table I saw while vacationing.

Pictured below is a bright yellow sofa that is the centerpiece of the room.  It seems to say, " Hey, we're having fun here.  Come, sit, and relax!"

        

Humorous and fun pieces are popping up in even our most serious design magazines.  Framed pieces with funky quotes and quirky pieces adorning serious interiors seem to be all the rage.  Busts of both animals and humans alike...some painted in bright, funky colors.  These statement pieces remind us not to take ourselves too seriously.

Colorful bust to display necklaces from Fry Sauce and Grits

Today a customer came in the store that admired our Moroccan blue dining room table, but said she could never put it in her home.  The color was "a bit too bright."  Well, I have just one thing to say,  "Lighten up!"

Cuckoo For JuJu

Black, white, and awesome all over.  These awesome hats bring an unexpected and exciting touch to any room no matter what style.

Newly arrived JuJu hat in the store

I know that Juju hats may be a pass trend, but I still and will always have an affinity for them.  They add an unexpected touch and texture to a room while pushing the glamour factor.  They're a bold statement yet soft from the texture of the ethereal feathers.  Not to mention their ceremonious purpose and craftsmanship, makes me pine for them all the more.

Originally, these hat were worn by Cameroonian dignitaries during tribal ceremonies.  Now they have become the rage in interior design.  These African beauties can be a little pricey going between $250 to $600, but their workmanship and stunning nature makes them a great interior design investment.    

Stylist, Thea Beasley, Atlanta Home & Lifestyles

The picture above has two Juju hats flanking each side of the room.  The light color palette, textures, and light makes the room appear very feminine and airy.  The curve of the sofa and chairs also adds to this feeling.  Instead of a large artwork, these Juju hats take center stage.

Cotton commercial featuring Hayden Panettiere 

Every time this commercial comes on I am mesmerized by this closet.  The one prominent feature on is the Juju hat on the upper right.  It makes the room.

Yelp, this little beauties make me quite cuckoo for the Juju.

Cosmopolitans For A Crowd

Around the holidays, we make a pitcher of these. Just pour them in a shaker with plenty of crushed ice and you've got an instant party.

1 1/2 cups Vodka
1 1/2 cups Bacardi Limon
1/2 cup Cointreau
3 cups Cranberry Juice
1/2 cup fresh Lime Juice

For an added touch, you can sugar the rim and add a garnish of lime, orange, or cranberry.  Enjoy!