Home bar design with mixologists Michael and Zara Madrusan

Teleisha Thomas

March 2026

The built-in home bar is having a serious moment. At Jellis Craig, we're seeing high-end properties with beautifully considered bar spaces designed for entertaining, tucked seamlessly into kitchens, living and dining areas.

Zara Michael pp 513 — To find out how to bring world class cocktail making at home, we caught up with Michael and Zara Madrusan. The pair are the founders behind some of Melbourne's most beloved cocktail destinations – The Everleigh, Bar Margaux, and Heartbreaker Bar – as well as Bartender's Choice Consultancy, which has shaped the bar programs at the Ritz Carlton Melbourne and LB's Record Bar. Now, through their new book The Madrusan Cocktail Companion, they're bringing their expertise from the bar to the home. Here, they share their advice on creating your own elevated bar experience at home in your own residence.

58 Christmas Street, Northcote

1. Designing your space

Home bars can become a moment of unexpected delight in contemporary interiors, transforming underutilised spaces into design statements. Niches, walk-in pantries, or custom joinery can all be reimagined as intimate cocktail making corners. The Madrusans keep it simple. "Don't over clutter your space. Aesthetic trinkets demonstrate your style, but don't let them get in the way of functionality," they say. “The goal is a space that feels both beautiful and effortless to entertain in.”

At 58 Christmas Street, Northcote, a concealed home bar is seamlessly hidden within kitchen cabinetry. The doors open fully to reveal an illuminated entertaining centrepiece, delivering discreet everyday functionality and dramatic impact for when guests arrive.

Think of your home bar as a jewel box moment: a space where you can embrace vibrant colours, dramatic wallpaper, or eyecatching splashback that you might hesitate to use elsewhere. At 28 Mayfield Avenue, Malvern, designed by Flack Studio, this idea is taken to stunning effect. A full gold-leaf finish wraps the intimate space in warmth and richness, while floor-to-ceiling mirror and glass shelves create depth and light.

For those without built-in options, a bar cartoffers a flexible alternative. At 118 Canterbury Road, Middle Park, a simple yet elegant bar trolley displays a curated selection of spirits and glassware, anchored by a gallery wall full of personality.

114 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park

2. Setting the mood

Lighting transforms a functional bar into an inviting retreat. "Softwarm lights help people relax. Avoid spotlights and opt for lamps and candles," the pair advise. Decorative pendants or built-in cabinet lighting can highlight your glassware and bottles while maintaining a moody atmosphere.

At 114 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park, warm timber cabinetry conceals a sophisticated home bar that becomes a glowing focal point when revealed. A built-in wine fridge and generous storage completes the symmetrical design.

Display matters too. "Show off some of your favourite bottles, or products you intend to pour on the night, to give guests a flavour of what to expect. Some fresh cut garnishes or fruit are always a visual delight."

28 Mayfield 10 — 3. The essentials
Building your first proper home bar doesn't require breaking the bank. The Madrusans recommend starting with quality weighted shakers, a mixing glass, a stirring spoon, graduated jiggers, and cocktail strainers. "There's no need to buy into all the fancy tools, unless that's your preference. One of our most used tools behind the bar is a plastic chopstick," they reveal. "Basic tools for handling ice include a fork-tipped bar spoon and a three-tonged ice pick. For lovers of the Whiskey Sour and her associates, don't look past the wired egg separator for dividing the whites from their yolks."
Beyond that, it's about getting your glasses right. "A coupette or cocktail glass is essential for your citrus drinks – shaken and served up – Champagne cocktails, Martinis and Manhattans," they say. "A nice heavy set of quality rocks glasses will house your Negronis and Old Fashioneds, and a Highball or Collins glass can be used for mixed drinks and long refreshers like the Tom Collins and relatives. We love Riedel glassware, and the iconic whisky glass from Denver & Liely.”

RED CREST HOUSE

Curated by Interior Decorator Simone Haag, Red Crest House features textured whisky glasses and cocktail coupes from Maison Balzac. The miss matched pairing adds functional personality within this built-in bar.

4. Creating atmosphere

Beyond the physical space, the Madrusans emphasise the importance of presence. "Don't underestimate how important it is to be present when your guests arrive," they say, “Get them settled in with a drink in hand before you return to the kitchen.”

Ultimately, the energy of a great bar translates beautifully to home settings when approached with intention. "The core principles of hospitality remain, whether you're entertaining in a venue or at home, and that's knowing how to take care of people," the Madrusans explain. Whether you're investing in built-in cabinetry or starting with a simple bar cart, it's this commitment to the details that transforms a home bar from a design feature into a genuine entertaining asset.