BOTTLE IT UP

While a home cellar might feel extravagant, making room for one can provide unexpected practicalities... and tickle the tastebuds

- WORDS BRITTANY SMITH

Dedicating an entire room in your home's floor plan to wine storage can feel luxurious, maybe even frivolous. Many homeowners believe they simply don't have the space, but there's a strong case to be made in defence of cellars and wine rooms. After all, what other type of room doesn't just make use of, but actually benefits from, being resigned to a small, dark corner?

For some, cellars are a lofty dream that feels out of reach while for others, they offer a way to maximise an awkward, unused space. You could create a large cocktail bar that's used for entertaining and beverage storage. Or you could keep it simple and size-conscious with basic shelving. Either way, we have the expert advice to help you create the ultimate wine room. All that's left to do? Toast to your fabulous new space.

PREP & PRIME

Even cellars used for storage can include prep zones. This climate-controlled space by Arent & Pyke (this page) has compact, wall-hung joinery with open shelving above, providing the perfect place to uncork and aerate wine, while the shelves stylishly display sculptural decanters. Practical and yet oh-so chic.