The custom home bar has become one of the most requested luxury upgrades for Atlanta homeowners — and it’s easy to see why. A well-designed bar turns your home into the preferred gathering spot, adds genuine lifestyle value, and creates a focal point that makes a strong impression.
Here’s everything you need to know about designing and building a custom home bar in Atlanta.
Types of Custom Home Bars
Dry Bar
The simplest option — no sink or plumbing. A dry bar typically includes:
- Custom cabinetry with display shelving above
- A solid surface countertop (quartz, marble, or wood)
- Glassware storage and wine display
- Under-counter refrigerator or wine cooler
- LED accent or under-cabinet lighting
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, bonus rooms. Anywhere you want a sophisticated bar presence without the complexity of plumbing.
Cost: $5,000–$15,000
Wet Bar
Adds a sink and plumbing to the dry bar setup. This is the full-featured home bar that allows for ice prep, glass rinsing, and proper bartending workflow.
What’s included:
- Everything in a dry bar, plus:
- Bar sink with hot/cold supply and drain
- Optional: dishwasher drawer for glassware
- Proper plumbing rough-in and connections
Best for: Basements, entertainment rooms, and dedicated bar spaces where you entertain regularly.
Cost: $12,000–$35,000
Basement Bar
The most comprehensive option — essentially a full room built around the bar experience. Atlanta homes with walkout or partially finished basements are ideal for this.
A full basement bar might include:
- Full wet bar with sink and appliances
- Custom cabinetry and back bar shelving
- A true bar top with overhang for bar seating
- Adjacent lounge area, home theater, or game room
- Dedicated electrical circuits for appliances and lighting
Cost: $25,000–$75,000+ for a full basement bar and entertainment space
Design Ideas for Atlanta Homes
The Dark Moody Bar
Trending heavily in Atlanta right now. Dark cabinetry (navy, forest green, black), unlacquered brass or matte black hardware, marble or quartzite countertops, and dramatic lighting.
Works beautifully in: formal dining rooms, basements, and studies.
The Light & Modern Bar
White or light gray cabinetry, quartz countertops, open glass shelving with LED strip lighting beneath. Clean, bright, contemporary.
Works beautifully in: open-plan living areas and kitchens with existing light cabinetry.
The Speakeasy / Vintage Bar
Reclaimed wood elements, subway tile backsplash, exposed brick (or brick-look tile), Edison bulb lighting, and warm brass fixtures. This aesthetic pairs well with Atlanta’s older craftsman and traditional home stock.
Works beautifully in: basements, dedicated bar rooms, converted spaces.
The Wine Wall
Instead of a traditional bar setup, a floor-to-ceiling wine wall with custom racking, a wine cooler, and accent lighting becomes the focal point. Often paired with a minimal wet bar on the side.
Cost: $8,000–$20,000+ depending on wine capacity and materials.
Key Design Decisions
Bar Height vs. Counter Height
- Standard counter height (36”): Works for bar stools at standard height. More versatile if the space doubles as prep area.
- Bar height (42”): Traditional bar stool height. Creates the “real bar” feel. Better for dedicated bar spaces.
Bar Top Material
- Quartz: Most popular choice. Durable, non-porous, consistent look. $50–$120/sq ft.
- Granite: Natural variation, very durable. $40–$100/sq ft.
- Marble/Quartzite: Luxury option, requires sealing. $80–$200+/sq ft.
- Butcher block: Warm, organic look. Works great in speakeasy-style bars. $30–$80/sq ft. Needs maintenance.
- Concrete: Industrial, unique, fully custom. $70–$150/sq ft.
Appliance Integration
The appliances to consider:
- Wine cooler: Under-counter units ($400–$2,000) or full-size columns ($2,000–$8,000)
- Beverage refrigerator: $400–$1,500
- Ice maker: $500–$2,000 for a quality under-counter unit
- Kegerator/draft system: $800–$3,000
- Dishwasher drawer: $700–$1,500 (Fisher & Paykel makes the best ones)
Lighting
Lighting makes or breaks a bar. A good bar lighting plan includes:
- Under-cabinet LEDs behind the bar shelving to showcase bottles
- Pendant lights above the bar top if there’s seating
- Accent lighting inside glass-front cabinet doors
- Dimmer controls — every bar should be on dimmers
Where in Your Atlanta Home?
Basement: The most popular location. Dedicated space away from main living areas. Can be larger and more elaborate.
Living room alcove: Convert an unused corner or built-in bookcase area into a dry or wet bar. Adds sophistication without a separate room.
Dining room: A bar wall or dry bar adjacent to the dining area makes for elegant entertaining.
Kitchen: A built-in bar station within or adjacent to the kitchen — great for coffee/breakfast stations or wine storage that integrates with the kitchen design.
Bonus room: A dedicated bar and entertainment room on the second floor or over the garage.
What Does a Custom Home Bar Add to Home Value?
A well-designed custom bar adds genuine value — but the amount depends on context:
- In luxury homes ($700k+) in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Alpharetta, a high-quality bar is an expected feature that helps rather than hurts at sale.
- In mid-range homes, a bar is a lifestyle upgrade that buyers appreciate but may not pay a direct premium for.
- Bars that are too personalized (heavy sports themes, very niche aesthetics) can narrow your buyer pool if resale is a concern.
The safest approach: design a bar that’s sophisticated and relatively neutral in aesthetic, with premium materials and quality appliances.
Ready to Design Your Atlanta Home Bar?
ArtScape Builders designs and builds custom bars throughout Atlanta, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Alpharetta, and the entire metro area. From a simple dry bar to a full basement entertainment complex, we handle design, cabinetry, countertops, plumbing, electrical, and all finishing work.
Schedule a free consultation — we’ll help you design a bar that fits your space, your style, and your budget.