Bring the bar to you

While the relaxing of social distancing rules around some parts of the country have allowed us to return to our favourite drinking holes, headcount caps mean that many of us will still be enjoying our cocktails from home. If you haven't already created a cosy hub for happy hour at home, here are some styling ideas to get you started. Choose from a glamorous cocktail lounge; a modern sunny pavilion; an old-world cigar bar, and a moody industrial loft.

Californian cool
Take your design cue from Sydney's Maybe Sammy. This bar, which was the only Australian venue to make it into the World's 50 Best Bars list last year, is the epitome of 1950s Hollywood with a dash of Palm Springs. Think martinis shaken by bartenders in white dinner jackets, marble counters and tiles, and pink velvet banquettes with matching tropical wallpaper. Work this look into your own home with Palm Springs wall art, pink velvet armchairs, round velvet ottomans, white marble side tables and a brass 6 light pendant. 


Image via Maybe Sammy

Retro Aussie summer
Prefer an aesthetic that's closer to home? The design and interiors for Blacksmith Provedore at Lake Mulwala on the NSW/Vic border took its inspiration from the region's nostalgic Aussie summer holiday vibe. In fact, the modern minimalist building won Best Bar Design at last year's Eat Drink Design Awards. You may not be able to recreate its arched windows, textured tiles and walnut timbers, but you can still capture its sleek resort-style decor with gold pendant lights, white wire barstools, plenty of plants, and low and deep outdoor lounge chairs, preferably adorned with white or natural cowhide rugs.


Image via Blacksmith Provedore

Old-world charm
Love the vintage feel of a cigar lounge? Perhaps mimic the style of the iconic Brisbane pub The Gresham. Housed within the heritage-listed National Australia Bank, this landmark is renowned as much for its historic credentials, as its extensive whisky and rum menu. Bring some of its old-world elegance into your home with chandeliers, cushy leather chesterfield sofas, ornate gilt mirrors and red-hued Persian rugs. If you have an original fireplace, then you're already halfway there.


Image via The Gresham

Industrial warehouse
Fancy the rugged look of a New York loft. Donny's Bar in Sydney's Manly is just that, with a few hints of country Australia. This two-storey bar is a moody space of exposed brick, black steel, concrete floors and dark timber. Create this masculine look at home with wide leather armchairs, industrial coffee tables (particularly this railway sleeper coffee table), industrial wooden barstools and filament pendant lights. 

 
Image via Donny's Bar

​Banner image via Blacksmith Provedore