A $1,154 Makeover Transformed This Empty, Awkward Nook into the Perfect Hosting Spot
Buying a house for the first time is a rewarding experience — as is tackling your first big project in your place, whether you own or not. Both were true for Brooke Innaimo and her husband. Their built-in bar was the very first project they completed in their new house; Brooke says it was the “project that eased us into the world of home ownership.”
When Brooke and Nick (her husband) moved into the house, the niche for the bar was empty. The previous homeowners had opened up the wall under the stairs.
“It was a blank slate with so much potential to become something stylish, fun, and functional,” Brooke says. “We love to host, so we wanted this nook to serve a real purpose: a spot we’d use daily for morning espresso, evening martinis, or a glass of wine with friends.”
There are new cabinets and a countertop.
The under-stairs area became a bar area with a mix of professional and DIY work. The couple had cabinets and quartz countertops installed — plus a wine fridge from Best Buy. “If your project involves tricky angles or tight spots — and budget allows — it’s worth consulting a professional to ensure you get it right the first time,” Brooke suggests.
One way they saved money was by shopping on Amazon for the cabinet pulls.
Wallpaper and statement lighting were the biggest difference-makers.
The biggest difference-maker in this space was wallpaper, Brooke says. She picked the pattern from Wallshoppe; it’s by the artist Carly Beck from her “Carly Beck x The Carlyle” line, but is now discontinued. Brooke says the hardest part was adding the wallpaper to the angled parts of the ceiling, and she enlisted a bit of pro help.
She and Nick also realized this nook was the perfect spot to hang the neon sign they had made for their wedding. They used screw covers from Amazon to help it blend in.
Accessories make the hosting setup feel personal.
Of course, a bar (or coffee bar) setup feels truly personal once you add your collection of drinkware. Brooke’s wine glasses are from Anthropologie, her martini glasses are from Crate & Barrel, and she has cocktail recipe books, too.
Inspired? Submit your own project here.