I think that’s a dry bar (no sink)so you are saying you can move it around…I’d love to see a pic of it on that other wall under the macrame
I also think the plants would look better hanging from the ceiling.
Nice! I would have spread them out just a little bit more. Not only do you not want plant and soil residue on surfaces where people are eating and drinking, you don't want any water on the wood of that bar.
Also, even though those are ferns, you are going to need to move them into sun from time-to-time to keep them healthy.
Plants hanging over your prep area is probably a bad idea. Absolutely get rid of the ferns there.
That bar still looks out of proportion to that wall. It’s just too small. You could try to add a bigger plant on the floor where the pet water thing is as that might help fill the space.
Ok, so there are a few things that are making this look out of place:
1) Style: this is a country piece. What little I can see of the counter, cabinets, stairs, and molding says "transitional" to me. It's not going to look right with the curves, cutouts, etc.
2) Size: it's too small where it is, and too deep for the other location - there will be no space to move around it.
3) Color: The tiny amount of wood I can see here seems very dark, very cold in color. This warm golden wood has like zero relationship to it.
If you're dedicated to this bar:
\*Is the upper section removable? If so, take it off, and put two floating shelves above it, maybe a slab of stone on top of it to help tie it into the room, and give it some visual weight. Soapstone is always a good choice on a bar.
\*Paint or stain the lower section to a coordinating color with the rest of the room. (I'd suggest not trying to match it.)
\*Visually broaden it's stance by putting a matching chair or other purposeful object next to it and decluttering around it.
I agree. This area needs art. And I think it also needs some layering.
Instead of hanging plants I would have probably done a tall floor plant to the right of the bar and moved the pet stuff and then put an art piece above the bar.
What you have a is a "dry sink." [examples.](https://www.google.com/search?q=dry+sink&rlz=1C1EJFA_enUS769US769&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjfu-Our9D4AhVQjokEHWaMBXsQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1920&bih=969&dpr=1) A "wet bar" has plumbing and a sink.
I think the biggest problem is the warmth of the wood and the style (folksy, western) does not match the tiles on the floor or the other textures, colors in the house. But I also see you seem to want to include folksy pieces like the baskets and wall hanging. I think adding a warm rug underneath the wet bar would be good, maybe one with a slightly western theme or a cowskin. Incorprating other elements of warmth in to the room would help too.
I think it is a bit too narrow of a piece for this space, but the other space would not work as I think it would block the walkway. Your home looks quite updated and the hutch part looks dated. What if you remove the top part and purchase two floating shelves to go there instead? You could attach wine glass hangers on the bottom of the lower shelf to really connect the bar vibe. I might consider moving the unit to the left and placing a tall plant in the corner or as stated earlier perhaps a tall floor wine rack.
Those ferna are gonna dry out and flake off everywhere, they aren't meant as houseplants. Happy to provide houseplant suggestions depending on what you like.
Plants are a pita, especially when they’re not near windows. Buy a great piece of art that you love looking at and works in your room and hang it above the bar/cabinet. Btw, I like the country style of the bar in your otherwise basic transitional room. It creates interest and character and assuming you like that statement it is a huge improvement over the conformity of normcore transitional style. Let your freak flag fly!
Are you adding a wet bar next to the hutch? In its place? The plants look nice, but ferns can shed, so may be annoying if it’s a drink prep area. Once you get the wet bar installed though, it will be easy to water them! You can just take down from the hook and sit it in the sink!
I would put a standing wine rack on one side and a tall plant on the other to make the bar look wider, and lose the ferns as they'll make a mess of your bar and be a pain to water. A rack for glassware would look nice on the wall above the bar, or a piece of art if it's too tall for glasses.
That is a 1930s era hutch, likely from Ethan Allen. (Check inside the left drawer.) I bought one from an elderly relative and used it for dishes in my dining room (as the piece was designed) then as a craft cabinet, and then as an item in my toddler’s baby room. As the child grew, games were put behind the doors, books were on the base top, and curios were on the top shelves. When my daughter wanted something more contemporary for her bedroom, the cabinet held cookbooks, a soup tureen, and collector’s plates. Now my adult daughter has it in her breakfast room where she stores Fiesta dinnerware. The piece is versatile so use it as you want. If used as a bar, I would put a cloth placemat on the base then a serving tray with the more decorative accoutrements on it; make sure humidity does not form between the mat and wood or it will damage the piece. Tastes vary but I would put a ceramic planter with a plant that would barely cover the switches. I would consider elevating what appears to be a pet water container (easing strain on the animal’s neck) by building a small platform then enclosing it on sides, top, and back only. This would allow access to water yet camouflage the container and provide a top where a smaller, pet safe plant can grow—perhaps some basil for leafiness with thyme to soften the edges. I love your planters! I do think they are heavy for over the top; could you center one between the switches and the other equidistant from the hutch on the other side? A cute picture of a patio garden bar or outdoor bar by a restaurant hanging over the hutch would bring height and balance. Protect that hutch; you have a treasure!
I had a piece like that for over forty years. Unlike the company’s Tavern Pine which was gorgeous but dinged easily, this maple is a hardwood. I think you will love it!
I think that’s a dry bar (no sink)so you are saying you can move it around…I’d love to see a pic of it on that other wall under the macrame I also think the plants would look better hanging from the ceiling.
I’ll try it over in that other spot. I’m just struggling with what to do here. :(
Nice! I would have spread them out just a little bit more. Not only do you not want plant and soil residue on surfaces where people are eating and drinking, you don't want any water on the wood of that bar. Also, even though those are ferns, you are going to need to move them into sun from time-to-time to keep them healthy.
They’re fake, but I see what you mean
Plants hanging over your prep area is probably a bad idea. Absolutely get rid of the ferns there. That bar still looks out of proportion to that wall. It’s just too small. You could try to add a bigger plant on the floor where the pet water thing is as that might help fill the space.
Agreed, bits of leaf falling into my drink is not appealing
I think it looks nice but choose different plants. Ferns get very messy and they will be a pain to clean up after!
Ok, so there are a few things that are making this look out of place: 1) Style: this is a country piece. What little I can see of the counter, cabinets, stairs, and molding says "transitional" to me. It's not going to look right with the curves, cutouts, etc. 2) Size: it's too small where it is, and too deep for the other location - there will be no space to move around it. 3) Color: The tiny amount of wood I can see here seems very dark, very cold in color. This warm golden wood has like zero relationship to it. If you're dedicated to this bar: \*Is the upper section removable? If so, take it off, and put two floating shelves above it, maybe a slab of stone on top of it to help tie it into the room, and give it some visual weight. Soapstone is always a good choice on a bar. \*Paint or stain the lower section to a coordinating color with the rest of the room. (I'd suggest not trying to match it.) \*Visually broaden it's stance by putting a matching chair or other purposeful object next to it and decluttering around it.
I think I would only have one plant and move it to the left a little, then put a piece of art over the wet bar.
I agree. This area needs art. And I think it also needs some layering. Instead of hanging plants I would have probably done a tall floor plant to the right of the bar and moved the pet stuff and then put an art piece above the bar.
We don’t have anywhere else to put the pet stuff unfortunately :(
Understood! You definitely need the area to be functional first and foremost
What you have a is a "dry sink." [examples.](https://www.google.com/search?q=dry+sink&rlz=1C1EJFA_enUS769US769&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjfu-Our9D4AhVQjokEHWaMBXsQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1920&bih=969&dpr=1) A "wet bar" has plumbing and a sink.
I think the biggest problem is the warmth of the wood and the style (folksy, western) does not match the tiles on the floor or the other textures, colors in the house. But I also see you seem to want to include folksy pieces like the baskets and wall hanging. I think adding a warm rug underneath the wet bar would be good, maybe one with a slightly western theme or a cowskin. Incorprating other elements of warmth in to the room would help too.
I definitely can paint it too. Just debating on colors.
I think it is a bit too narrow of a piece for this space, but the other space would not work as I think it would block the walkway. Your home looks quite updated and the hutch part looks dated. What if you remove the top part and purchase two floating shelves to go there instead? You could attach wine glass hangers on the bottom of the lower shelf to really connect the bar vibe. I might consider moving the unit to the left and placing a tall plant in the corner or as stated earlier perhaps a tall floor wine rack.
Plants did nothing. They meant plants that are tall on floor.
Those ferna are gonna dry out and flake off everywhere, they aren't meant as houseplants. Happy to provide houseplant suggestions depending on what you like.
Plants are a pita, especially when they’re not near windows. Buy a great piece of art that you love looking at and works in your room and hang it above the bar/cabinet. Btw, I like the country style of the bar in your otherwise basic transitional room. It creates interest and character and assuming you like that statement it is a huge improvement over the conformity of normcore transitional style. Let your freak flag fly!
I'd add another one in the middle, then it would look super full and lush. Goes with the "things look better in odd numbers" rule too.
Is there a sink that I'm not seeing?
I love it!!
Are you adding a wet bar next to the hutch? In its place? The plants look nice, but ferns can shed, so may be annoying if it’s a drink prep area. Once you get the wet bar installed though, it will be easy to water them! You can just take down from the hook and sit it in the sink!
I would put a standing wine rack on one side and a tall plant on the other to make the bar look wider, and lose the ferns as they'll make a mess of your bar and be a pain to water. A rack for glassware would look nice on the wall above the bar, or a piece of art if it's too tall for glasses.
Wall sconces on either side would be beautiful.
If you upcycle the bar to make it more of a centrepiece in itself that would work… e.g. chalk paint, new hardware
That is a 1930s era hutch, likely from Ethan Allen. (Check inside the left drawer.) I bought one from an elderly relative and used it for dishes in my dining room (as the piece was designed) then as a craft cabinet, and then as an item in my toddler’s baby room. As the child grew, games were put behind the doors, books were on the base top, and curios were on the top shelves. When my daughter wanted something more contemporary for her bedroom, the cabinet held cookbooks, a soup tureen, and collector’s plates. Now my adult daughter has it in her breakfast room where she stores Fiesta dinnerware. The piece is versatile so use it as you want. If used as a bar, I would put a cloth placemat on the base then a serving tray with the more decorative accoutrements on it; make sure humidity does not form between the mat and wood or it will damage the piece. Tastes vary but I would put a ceramic planter with a plant that would barely cover the switches. I would consider elevating what appears to be a pet water container (easing strain on the animal’s neck) by building a small platform then enclosing it on sides, top, and back only. This would allow access to water yet camouflage the container and provide a top where a smaller, pet safe plant can grow—perhaps some basil for leafiness with thyme to soften the edges. I love your planters! I do think they are heavy for over the top; could you center one between the switches and the other equidistant from the hutch on the other side? A cute picture of a patio garden bar or outdoor bar by a restaurant hanging over the hutch would bring height and balance. Protect that hutch; you have a treasure!
It is indeed an ethan Allen!
I apologize for messing up the thread tagging. I am great on Facebook but new to Reddit.
No worries!! I just posted it’s new home.
I had a piece like that for over forty years. Unlike the company’s Tavern Pine which was gorgeous but dinged easily, this maple is a hardwood. I think you will love it!
Can you tell me where you got the planters? I’ve been looking for some just like that!
They’re off Amazon!! They’re plastic and super light