The Brief
Our clients approached us after completing the redevelopment of their home, with one area left largely untouched—the dining room. Once a central gathering spot, it had become a bare, underutilised space. After a friendly recommendation led them to Hobson’s Choice, we provided the thoughtful solution they had been seeking to breathe new life into this important part of their home.
A key feature the Spratlings requested for their bar area was a wine wall. As avid collectors who frequently visit Bordeaux, they wanted to showcase some of their fine wine collection in their home rather than storing it all elsewhere. The goal was to create a space where they could both display and enjoy their wine.
The Design
To achieve this, we designed a double-depth display cabinet for long-term storage, alongside a smaller cooler that keeps bottles chilled for immediate use. This dual system ensures their extensive collection can be enjoyed in the moment, while also maintaining a reserve for future gatherings.
We integrated a ZINK worktop to mirror the zinc dining table, giving the space a consistent industrial aesthetic. The zinc is not only visually striking but also practical—its durability makes it easy to clean, safeguarding the oak elements from damage and providing a robust yet refined appearance.
To maintain continuity with the rest of the ground floor, which features a dark grey and anthracite colour scheme, we extended these tones into the bar area. The anthracite legs of the dining table, for example, are mirrored in other design elements to seamlessly blend the kitchen and bar areas. Slatted oak panelling, already used elsewhere in the house, was incorporated here to reinforce cohesion across spaces, while ensuring the bar area stands as its own distinct feature rather than feeling like an extension of the kitchen.
“The creativity that the guys at Hobsons Choice used to take some fairly simple ideas that we had and turn them into something magical was just brilliant.”
Originally, the plan was to have the end plinth of the bar visible, but after a suggestion from our designer, we opted to extend the wall. This not only enhanced the room’s architectural presence, but also provided a more private, intimate atmosphere when entering the home, making the bar feel like a unique statement space.
Key design details ensured the bar integrated smoothly with the rest of the home.
Grout lines and tiles were carefully matched to maintain consistency, while inside the wine display cabinet, rebated strip lights highlight the bottles with a soft, inviting glow.
The shelving was mounted in front of the oak panelling using the Rimadesio Zenit system, which creates a delicate, floating effect.
Subtle design touches, like the round finger pulls in the glass doors and tinted glass ensured a sleek and elegant finish.
Through the use of industrial materials, harmonious colours, and thoughtful design, the bar area successfully transformed the space into a functional and stylish feature—giving the clients a place to entertain, showcase their wine collection, and enjoy their home to the fullest.
Photography by Hobson’s Choice
The Details
Bar
ZINK Bespoke worktop & upstands
Schuller Lava black matt system
Rimadesio Zenit shelving
Glass doors - tinted grey
Backlit timber paneling
APPLIANCES
Miele wine cooler with tinted glass