But enough with the circumlocution – the counter in your apartment is not a bar. Well, at least, until now. You are a graduate student who knows about complex theories and their ramifications, but who serves wine in mismatched mugs. It has to be changed instantly. After all, you definitely deserve to create a place that screams sophistication, considering the fact that your budget is modest.
At first, you have to throw away all the plastic furniture. There is no point whatsoever to go shopping at IKEA. You need a vintage mid-century credenza that you can find at Facebook Marketplace for less than one textbook. Sand it and stain it to dark walnut to mask all the inevitable ring stains in the future. That will become the foundation of your whole room.
And what about the glasses? Of course, you cannot create a decent bar without any glasses. The minimum number is one set of rocks glasses and a couple of coupe glasses. You can purchase them at West Elm or at the thrift stores of affluent neighborhoods. Glass crystal reflects the light in some peculiar way, and even inexpensive whiskey looks sophisticated. It is just a psychological trick, but it does work.
Choosing the beverages is the most challenging part of the whole process. Don’t even think of purchasing bottom-shelf vodka. Buy something better – middle ground gin, such as Beefeater and bourbon, such as Buffalo Trace. They look sophisticated at the shelf and combine rather well without being expensive. And you should definitely have a bottle of Angostura bitters.
Lighting sets the mood, and there is no need to keep those fluorescent lamps hanging overhead. All you need is a warm amber light to make everyone look ten percent more beautiful. A simple LED strip hidden under the bar or a vintage light fixture that you can find at a flea market will suffice. And add some plants in the corners, because there is nothing that tells people “I have my life together” more than flourishing ferns in your apartment. It will add some color among wooden shades.
Last but not least, you need a signature cocktail to serve to your guests who will visit your newly created lounge. You don’t need any complicated drink with fancy foams and infusions. Negroni or Whiskey Sour will be sufficient. Learn how to stir properly and remember to keep fresh citrus.
Thanks for reading this post! – MyPlugin