We just got some exciting news! Radford Woodworks was featured in a Redfin article about home dry bars. Got to say, it’s pretty cool to share our ideas with homeowners across the country who are looking to add something special to their entertaining spaces.
What Redfin Had to Say About Us
The folks at Redfin reached out to us for expert advice on their article “Home Dry Bar 101: 12 Dry Bar Ideas.” They wanted real tips from professionals who work with these spaces every day. In the article, we talked about how adding a wine fridge to your dry bar setup can make a big difference for both practical reasons and the overall look.
As I mentioned in the article: “Consider incorporating a wine fridge or beverage cooler to keep drinks chilled and within reach.” It’s a simple addition that makes entertaining so much easier. Since dry bars don’t have sinks for ice, a wine fridge gives you that convenience factor for keeping drinks cold, whether you’re just enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting friends.
Why Home Dry Bars Are Taking Off
More and more of our clients are asking about custom dry bars for their homes. Makes sense – who doesn’t want a dedicated spot for making drinks and entertaining? A dry bar doesn’t need plumbing, so you can put one almost anywhere. Could be a corner of your living room, a space in your basement, or even that awkward nook in your dining area you never knew what to do with.
The beauty of a custom dry bar is that it fits exactly what you need. Some folks want something simple, just a nice countertop with some storage underneath and maybe some shelving above. Others want the works – wine storage, glass racks hanging from the ceiling, custom lighting, the whole nine yards.
Making Your Dry Bar Stand Out
What I’ve noticed working with clients is that the best dry bars have personality. Yeah, function matters. You need space for bottles, glasses, and tools. But the bars people love most have something extra that makes them unique.
Maybe it’s using wood with character for the shelving. Could be adding some custom metalwork or special hardware. Might even be something as simple as installing the right lighting to show off your collection of bottles and glassware. It’s those little touches that make a space feel finished and personal.
One thing that really makes a difference? The counter surface. We’ve done some with live edge wood tops that give a warm, natural feel. Some clients prefer stone for a more luxurious look. The material you pick sets the tone for the whole space.
The Wine Fridge Game-Changer
Let’s talk more about wine fridges, since that was our contribution to the Redfin article. Adding one to your dry bar setup is just smart. First off, it keeps your wines at the right temperature way better than just leaving bottles sitting out. But beyond that, it adds this built-in, finished look that elevates the whole space.
You’ve got options too. There are slim models that fit under counters without taking up much room. There are dual-zone fridges if you want different temperatures for red and white wines. Some even have glass doors so you can see what’s inside, which looks pretty sharp when it’s all lit up.
And it’s not just for wine drinkers. These fridges work great for craft beers, sodas, mixers, or whatever drinks you like to keep cold. The point is, having cold drinks right there at your fingertips makes entertaining so much easier.
The Process of Creating a Custom Dry Bar
When we work with clients on custom dry bars, we start by figuring out how they’ll actually use the space. Someone who collects whiskey needs different storage than someone who’s into wine. A cocktail enthusiast needs counter space for mixing drinks. It all comes down to making the space work for you.
We look at the surrounding room too. Your dry bar shouldn’t feel dropped in from nowhere. It should feel like it belongs in your home. That might mean matching existing cabinetry, complementing your furniture, or creating a purposeful contrast that adds interest to the room.
The best part of working with wood is how versatile it is. We can do modern, traditional, rustic, industrial whatever style fits your home and we can mix in other materials too like glass, metal, or stone to create something that’s uniquely yours.
Why a Dry Bar Might Be Right for Your Home
If you enjoy entertaining or just appreciate having a dedicated space for drinks, a dry bar could be perfect. Unlike wet bars, they don’t require plumbing, so they’re simpler to install and typically less expensive. You can put them almost anywhere that unused wall in your living room, a corner of your basement, or even transform a closet.
And let’s be honest, there’s something special about having a proper spot for making and serving drinks. It makes your home feel more complete, more thoughtfully designed. It says you care about the experience your guests have when they visit. And it gives you a spot that’s just for enjoying one of life’s simple pleasures.
Want to see what’s possible for your space? Give us a call at (317) 739-8555 or visit our contact page. We’d be happy to talk through some ideas and see if a custom dry bar would work in your home. And don’t forget to check out the full article we were featured in on Redfin’s blog for even more inspiration!
