Guest post by Eugene Moss
When choosing the design for a modern kitchen, you cannot ignore bar counters. Without them, a modern and functional kitchen cannot be complete. The presence of a bar counter in the kitchen makes it more stylish and convenient. At JS Deco, we understand the importance of a well-designed kitchen, and we offer a range of options to suit your needs.
Kitchen designs with a breakfast bar are becoming increasingly common today because they look stylish and compact and can replace a table or create additional workspace.
Let’s consider 10 interesting designs for a bar counter:
- The bar is a continuation of the kitchen table
Peninsular breakfast bar table has connections to the wall or cabinets. One of them can serve as an interesting finishing touch to a kitchen worktop, as well as bring a dynamic modern shape to your kitchen.
- “Letter” kitchen peninsulas
The most popular peninsulas are in the shape of the letters P, T, and L, as they are simply an extension of the main kitchen furniture.
- Island bar are convenient for storage
Some kitchen peninsulas are more convenient for storage than others. Most of them are equipped with cabinets, but you can choose drawers, cubes, or shelves instead.
- Island projects with sectional countertops
The kitchen island can also have a cantilevered, multi-layered, or sectional table top. This can be done to combine the kitchen and the bar counter, adding some length to the dining peninsula, or divide the space between the workers and food surfaces.
- Kitchen bar counter – table top
A countertop can be an alternative to an island in the kitchen, where you would normally install a sink.
- Dining island for the kitchen
A bar counter in the form of a dining peninsula can be simple and practical. You don’t need to buy a dining table with them.
- Bar kitchen counter for breakfast
If the dining room seems superfluous and uncomfortable to you, put a small bar table for breakfast.
- Bar counter in the form of a simple table
The table should not be convenient for storage. The simplest form may suit you. It can serve as a bar counter or a dining table, depending on the size.
- Small kitchen bar counters
Although small kitchens look better without upper cabinets or other visual obstacles, such as a peninsula or an island, it is possible to make the design very pleasant.
- Spacious kitchen peninsulas
Speaking of guests, you’ll need to plan a large peninsula if you want to serve them your homemade cocktails and favorite snacks.
Make use of an island wrap
A modern kitchen offers many breakfast bar ideas for the kitchen. It all depends on your preferences and, of course, on free space.
The breakfast bar in the kitchen can be both a separate “island” and part of the kitchen set. A separate bar counter is more suitable for a large kitchen. A very popular solution among bar counters in the kitchen is the windowsill counter, which helps to save space. In addition, it will turn out to be quite a cozy place for evening gatherings by the window. If you intend to use the bar counter in the kitchen as a dining table, then it is better to choose a wall-mounted bar counter, which will completely replace your table.
Choose A Contrasting Breakfast Bar Material
Breakfast bar materials are quite diverse. A bar made of natural wood is suitable for a classic kitchen or a kitchen in the style of Provence, which looks elegant and creates coziness. A more affordable option for a bar counter for the kitchen is a chipboard bar counter. The advantage of such a bar counter is a large selection of shapes and color palettes. Such a bar counter in the kitchen is easy to maintain, it is quite strong and will last for a long time.
Bar counters in the kitchen made of metal and acrylic are considered fashionable now. Metal bar counters, in addition to being expensive, can only be rectangular, while acrylic kitchen bar counters can be made in any version with any shape. The stone bar in the kitchen design looks no less interesting, which will become indispensable in the interior of the kitchen in the style of modern, techno, and high-tech.
Make a gray statement
If you love the atmosphere of calm, freshness, and sophistication in the house, then using a gray kitchen in the interior of the kitchen will be a win-win solution. While some find gray gloomy, oppressive, and too serious, professionals appreciate it for its neutrality, versatility, and amazing ability to reveal the beauty of companion colors – bright and restrained, “cold” and “warm”. The gray color of any shade goes well with wood, highlighting its warmth. Often it is gray and shades that are used to decorate the bar counter.
Make It Multi-Functional
Of course, bar counters have long been considered a hit for studio apartments and living rooms. The main reason is that they serve as a good method of zoning the space between the living room and the kitchen. Such an element separates two zones, while not weighing down the interior and is suitable for such purposes:
- section for cooking;
- dinner Zone;
- place to work and rest.
Crystal-clear glasses are hung on rails from above, and a vase of fruit is placed in the corner. The room looks cozy and spacious.
Fit A U-Shaped Layout
The planning of the kitchen set in the form of the letter U is not unique, but also very functional. Of particular interest are U-shaped kitchens with a bar counter: perhaps today, this is one of the most fashionable, stylish, and ergonomic options for kitchen furniture. Usually, the bar counter is located on one of the sides, replacing a separate table with chairs. It saves space and is convenient for a small family.
A U-shaped kitchen with a bar counter is best suited for spacious or small rooms, but of the correct shape, as close as possible to a square.
Thin out distractions
You can install a bar counter both in a tiny kitchen and in a spacious room with a large area. Therefore, if you don’t like to receive guests or constantly set the table, or 1-2 people are living in the house who are often absent for work and do not need a specially equipped dining room, a modern kitchen with a bar is ideal for you.
Look to longer lengths
Not every kitchen is large enough to install a regular bar counter, but even in this case, there is a solution. In small rooms, you can install a transformer bar.
The retractable bar rack is a special design that has a retractable mechanism, thanks to which the working surface is lengthened. Such devices have the height of ordinary workers and dining tables, as they are built into them for greater convenience.
Drawer out legroom
Bar stools are a natural addition to the bar, which give a certain charm, can surprise guests, and are a very comfortable and functional interior item in themselves.
For convenience, they are equipped with footrests, some with backrests. If earlier such chairs were used for cafes, now their modifications and sizes allow placing this piece of furniture in a house or apartment.
Thin out distractions
First of all, it is important that the bar stool harmoniously fits into the overall ensemble, complements the picture, and makes the interior cozy and special. Here you need to pay attention to the material – wood, metal, plastic, and color scheme. Such a chair can be hard or with soft upholstery.
Budget tips
If you’re on a budget, there are still ways to design a modern kitchen with a stylish and functional bar counter. Here are some budget tips and solutions:
- Choose a simple design: A bar counter in the form of a simple table or a wall-mounted bar counter can be a cost-effective solution.
- Use affordable materials: A chipboard bar counter can be a more affordable option, while still offering a wide selection of shapes and color palettes.
- Consider alternative materials: Instead of expensive metal or stone, consider acrylic, which can be made in any shape and version.
- DIY: If you have some DIY skills, you can try building your own bar counter using affordable materials like wood or plywood.
- Repurpose old furniture: If you have an old table or cabinet, you can repurpose it into a bar counter by adding a countertop and some stools.
- Look for sales and discounts: Check out local furniture stores for sales and discounts on bar counters, or consider buying secondhand.
Remember that a well-designed kitchen doesn’t have to break the bank. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can have a modern and functional kitchen with a stylish bar counter that suits your budget. Let the bar counter in your home be a successful interior solution. It will add style and functionality at the same time.
