Published, Better Homes and Gardens

LOCATION: A 130-year old house with tall ceilings which has an unused butler’s pantry adjacent to the main living and dining areas. The space is dark, closet-like and small – approximately 10 x 12 feet.

CHALLENGE: The owners enjoy entertaining and wine-tasting parties. They would like to convert the butler’s pantry into a wine cellar with additional storage for glassware and entertainment necessities.

SOLUTION: Instead of simply updating the pantry into a cellar, we suggested removing the wall of the pantry to blend it seamlessly into the living room, expanding the entertainment space and providing a source of visual interest. 

Floor-to-ceiling cabinets were installed across the rear wall of the alcove to provide storage for party supplies, making the space seem sleek and uncluttered. Glassware is stored on glass shelves in mirrored, glass fronted cabinets with accent lighting. The marble-topped wet bar adjacent to the wine storage provides a gathering place for wine tastings and conversation. General and accent lighting, which can be made brighter than the Living room, allows the wine bar to become a focal point for entertaining when in use.