Beverage Centers That Make a Splash

"How to create a separate space for sipping away in style"

By Meryl Schoenbaum

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a place in your home where your favorite beverages were always waiting for you and you could sit back and admire its craftsmanship and design? If this concept whets your appetite, consider the latest interior design trend: beverage centers.

“Beverage centers have become increasingly popular for many reasons,” says Mary Gordon, vice president and director of marketing at InSite Builders & Remodeling. “One is that a beverage center draws guests away from the middle of a busy and congested kitchen into a second area that's perfect for conversation and gathering. They have become extremely popular, too, as coffee centers.”

We picked the best we’ve seen and asked the designers to share their tips and techniques on how to recreate each look.

Designer: Kori Keyser of Keyser Interiors, keyserinteriors.com Interview with Mary Gordon, vice president and director of marketing at InSite Builders & Remodeling, insiteremodeling.com

“The homeowners wanted their beverage center to be enjoyed when entertaining, as well as for themselves,” says Mary Gordon of InSite Builders & Remodeling. “The color choices were determined by the adjoining kitchen. The glass doors allow for storage and functionality and break up the cabinetry to achieve harmony and balance. The open shelving adds a decorative quality, allowing for displays while also providing more counter space for a work area.”

The beverage center was part of a kitchen renovation that updated the look and function of the space.

“The location of the beverage center fits seamlessly into the corner of the room and enhances the transitional look and organized feel of the new kitchen layout,” Mary points out. “White cabinetry was selected to keep the area light, bright, and clean. The countertop is Carrara marble, and the backsplash is glass. The combination of materials—wood, glass, and marble—was selected to create texture and depth, and the mosaic backsplash adds light and sheen to the space.”

• Pro tip #1: “When designing a beverage center, homeowners are choosing either glass cabinetry or open shelves with mirrors behind the shelving, as well as dramatic lighting, to display and showcase barware, unique bottles, and liquor collections,” Mary says.

• Pro tip #2: “Popular lighting choices are circular-shaped LED lights, tape lighting, and lighting strips that create a bright and attractive entertaining area.

• Pro tip #3: “Muted color palettes of white, blue, and gray are popular for beverage centers,” Mary says. “Quartz remains the most popular material for the countertops, and homeowners are increasingly opting for a beverage center with a refrigerator versus one with a sink.”