You’ve probably heard it said before that a kitchen is like the heart of your home because it serves as a central hub for various activities that are integral to daily life and family bonding.
From being a natural gathering spot for your family to share meals together, to being a focal point for guests when hosting parties or gatherings, to doing homework with your kiddos, or being the spot where you bake special holiday treats and make everlasting memories, a kitchen is truly so much more than just another room in a home.
It’s for this reason that I find so many people putting an emphasis on making their kitchen a space that they deeply love and find joy as soon as they step foot into the room.
As an interior designer in Buffalo, NY, I love helping people make their kitchen dreams come true, whether it’s through a complete kitchen remodel or simply adding a stylish and functional element to your existing space.
In this post, I’m sharing five innovative and modern kitchen bar design ideas that will inspire your kitchen redesign, blending practicality with aesthetic appeal to create a welcoming and efficient dining space for the heart of your home.
5 Kitchen Bar Design Ideas to Inspire Your Kitchen Redesign
1. Install a Breakfast Nook
A super popular kitchen bar idea is a unique breakfast bar or nook that adds a casual dining aspect to your kitchen that’s perfect for quick meals, morning coffee, or even an evening snack.
A breakfast nook is typically totally separate from the dining area that you would eat dinner at and is often positioned along a counter or is installed as an extension of your kitchen island.
In my opinion, breakfast nooks or bars can add the perfect amount of cozy to a kitchen as they often feature comfy seating, such as booths or pillows, and really encourage family to gather together in the mornings or afternoons to enjoy small meals together and casual conversation.
2. Include a Kitchen Island
As an interior designer, I believe that no kitchen is complete without a proper kitchen island! A custom kitchen island serves as a multifunctional centerpiece that enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen.
It offers extra counter space for meal prep and, depending on the design, additional storage with cabinets or shelves.
Depending on your specific needs, you can customize your island to be everything you need it to be and can include features like a built-in sink, stovetop, or wine fridge. While many homes nowadays are often built with built-in kitchen islands, if your home is among the few that doesn’t have one, you can easily DIY one to get the job done and maximize your space.
Some popular DIY kitchen islands ideas include:
- Old Dresser or Sideboard
- Bookshelves or Cabinets
- Rolling Utility or Bar Carts
- Butcher Block Top attached to a sturdy base
- Freestanding Butcher Block
3. Use Modern Kitchen Bar Seating
For kitchens with built in bars, an easy way to elevate the look and create a focal point in your home is by choosing statement bar stools that reflect your personal style.
Whether you opt for sleek, modern designs, rustic wooden stools, or vibrant, upholstered seats, the right bar stools can really change the overall design of your kitchen.
When choosing your statement bar stools, consider factors like height, comfort, and material to ensure they are both functional and visually appealing. While you of course want to choose pieces that look nice and catch the eye, you also want your kitchen seating to remain as comfortable and functional as possible so that your kitchen remains that heart of your home that people love to gather in!
Consider adding pendant lights above your bar seating area for additional ambiance.
4. Add a Pop of Color
Similar to adding statement bar stools or other statement pieces throughout the kitchen, introducing a pop of color to your kitchen bar area can instantly liven up the space and create a more inviting atmosphere.
You can achieve this by painting the bar itself, choosing colorful bar stools like mentioned above, or incorporating vibrant accessories such as placemats, dishes, or decor items.
When choosing your pop of color for your kitchen, you of course want to consider the overall theme or vibe of your home to ensure cohesiveness throughout.
For example, if your living room sports an earthy feel and you start adding bright and bold colors to your kitchen, you may end up with a mismatched look that isn’t super appealing to the eye.
While each room of your home can of course have its own design, maintaining some sort of consistency throughout is encouraged! But as always, remember that your design choices should most importantly reflect your personality.
It can be so tempting to replicate what you see others doing online and while I’m all for using Pinterest or other social media outlets to gather inspiration, I ultimately want you to incorporate design pieces that are unique to YOU!
5. Incorporate Backsplash or Tile with Wall Mounted Features
Lastly, incorporating a backsplash or tile into your kitchen bar area not only adds a decorative element, but also protects your walls from potential spills and splashes. For backsplash or tile, I always prefer to use materials such as ceramic, glass, or stone, and select patterns and colors that complement the overall kitchen design.
For those looking to maximize space, I often recommend incorporating wall-mounted features like floating shelves or hanging pot racks alongside your backsplash. These vertical storage solutions not only add functionality but can become beautiful design elements that complement your tile work.
Just like adding a pop of color can create a visual anchor, a striking backsplash can do the same, tying together different elements of your kitchen and adding texture and interest. Whether you opt for a classic subway tile, a bold mosaic, or a sleek, modern design, a well-chosen backsplash can elevate the style and functionality of your kitchen bar overall.
Things to Consider When Adding an Eat-in Breakfast Bar to Your Kitchen
From the list above, adding an eat-in breakfast bar to your kitchen is one of the most common requests I receive during kitchen renovations in Western New York. I truly think it’s a fantastic way to make your kitchen more inviting!
But adding something like this is definitely a project that you want to highly consider and make sure that you go about it strategically. With that in mind, there’s a few things I would encourage you to consider before adding an eat-in breakfast bar:
- Budget
Before making any big project decisions, I always encourage people to start by setting a clear budget so that you know exactly what you can spend and how to allocate your funds accordingly. When planning your budget, you’ll want to take into account the cost of materials, labor, and any additional features that you may need to invest in, such as decor, accessories, etc. to complete the look. This is also the time where you will want to decide whether you can build and install the breakfast bar yourself or if you need to hire a professional.
- Space and Layout
Once you’ve set your budget, it’s time to start the actual project planning! For an eat-in breakfast bar, you’ll want to ensure that your kitchen has the appropriate amount of space in order to achieve what you’re really hoping for. Measure your kitchen to determine where the breakfast bar will fit without obstructing traffic flow or workspace and when doing so, consider the proximity to other kitchen elements like the stove, refrigerator, and sink.
- Functionality
A crucial part of a breakfast bar is that it serves a real function in your kitchen and isn’t something that you install just for looks! Before kicking off the project, it’s important to determine how exactly the space will be used.
Will it be solely for dining? Will it serve as a prep area? Homework station? Workspace?
Once you have a better understanding of the overall purpose of your breakfast bar, it’s wise to then determine the number of seats you need and ensure there’s enough space for each person to sit comfortably. Additionally, consider any potential storage solutions that you may need such as shelves, cabinets, or drawers under the breakfast bar for added functionality.
Common Questions About Adding a Breakfast Bar to Your Kitchen
Are eat-in breakfast bars still in style?
As an interior designer, I still see eat-in breakfast bars as a common area throughout peoples homes. They are valued for their functionality and ability to create a casual dining and social space within the kitchen. Modern designs incorporate a range of materials, styles, and configurations, making them a versatile addition that can complement any kitchen decor.
What are the benefits of adding a kitchen bar?
Adding a kitchen bar offers numerous benefits, including additional countertop space for meal prep, a casual dining area, and a place for socializing and entertaining guests. It can also provide extra storage options and help define the kitchen area in open floor plans. Overall, it enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of the kitchen.
Can I add a breakfast bar to my small kitchen?
If you have a kitchen that’s on the smaller side, you might wonder if you have the space needed for a kitchen breakfast bar – and the answer is yes! When designing your eat-in breakfast bar, you’ll simply need to opt for space-saving designs, such as a narrow countertop extension, a fold-down bar, or a movable island with bar seating.
Does adding a breakfast bar to my kitchen add to my home value?
Adding a breakfast bar can increase your home’s value by enhancing the kitchen’s functionality and appeal. A well-designed breakfast bar can make your kitchen more attractive to potential buyers, especially those looking for modern, versatile spaces. The specific increase in value, however, will depend on your local real estate market, along with the overall design and quality of the breakfast bar and how well it integrates with the overall kitchen design.
Additional Resources For Your Interior Design Needs
Overall, incorporating a kitchen bar into your redesign can transform your space by adding functionality, style, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you choose to create a cozy breakfast bar, install a versatile kitchen island, use eye-catching bar stools, add a pop of color, or incorporate a stunning backsplash, these ideas can inspire and elevate your kitchen. When planning your kitchen redesign, remember to consider your space, style, and practical needs to create a kitchen bar that seamlessly integrates with your home. With thoughtful planning and design, your kitchen bar can ensure that your kitchen remains the heart of your home, providing a perfect spot for meals, socializing, and making lasting memories. If you’re in search of additional interior design resources, you’re in the right place! Click here to browse the blog for more interior design ideas and inspiration OR if you’re local to Buffalo, NY and are looking to work with an interior designer, click here to view my services to see which best matches your needs.
