Inside a Cabinetry Project - A Pair of Bespoke Drinks Cabinets

There is something undeniably captivating about furniture that holds a secret. A cocktail bar concealed within a beautifully crafted cabinet offers more than functionality; it introduces theatre, anticipation and a moment of quiet indulgence within a space.

There’s a new layer to luxury in 2026: it’s not just what you see, but what’s beautifully concealed. In our latest journal post, we explore the craftsmanship, detailing, and considered design thinking behind a pair of bespoke drinks cabinets — designed to be admired whether closed or revealed.

A Legacy of Entertaining

The drinks cabinet has evolved from the 15th-century cellarette — portable, lockable chests for protecting prized spirits — into the elegant, functional pieces we recognise today. Across the centuries, it reflected changing tastes and design movements: from the mahogany and oak sideboards of the 18th and 19th centuries, to the bold, mirrored Art Deco cocktail cabinets of the 1920s and 30s, sometimes lined with metal to keep bottles cool, and occasionally disguised to hide spirits during Prohibition.

Typical features, from drop-down serving panels to specialised compartments and mirrored interiors, celebrated both utility and style, marking the drinks cabinet as a timeless symbol of sophistication and entertaining.

Modern drinks cabinets honour tradition while redefining luxury as something quieter, more deliberate. Combining practical storage with finely crafted bespoke joinery, these pieces reveal their beauty gradually — designed to be appreciated both at first glance and upon closer discovery.

From Concept to Creation

Taking inspiration from history, this pair of bespoke bar cabinets began, as all our furniture does, with a conversation—not simply about dimensions or storage requirements, but about atmosphere, touch, and experience. How should the doors open—slowly and ceremoniously, or effortlessly and fluidly? How should the materials look and feel? Should the exteriors sit in calm contrast to the interiors, or hint subtly at what lies within? Every decision was shaped by how the cabinets will be lived with, used, and enjoyed over time.

Consciously designed as stand-alone furniture rather than fitted joinery, they were envisioned as a complementary pair, each with a distinct purpose: one for spirits and cocktails, the other for wine and champagne.

The exterior was conceived with quiet restraint and luxurious simplicity. Pale grey eucalyptus veneer wraps the form, grounded on brushed bronze tapered legs. At the centre of each door front, a split bronze handle reinterprets classic oriental hardware with a contemporary twist. Its pared-back design concealing the complexity within, the bold flash of colour to the rear of the cabinet offering only a subtle hint of the surprise that awaits behind the doors.

A Hidden Interior

Open the doors and the experience shifts entirely to reveal a more expressive interior language. Illumination frames the interior, mirrored panels extend the perspective, and a series of considered spaces emerge.

A vivid orange is introduced not as a full lining, but as considered detailing — tracing the edge of the mirrored backdrop, lining the base of the pull-out preparation drawer, and adding a bold flash of colour to the rear of the cabinet.

Integrated lighting frames the interior architecture, illuminating the layered shelving and glass storage. Designed to be discovered slowly, it awakens a natural curiosity, a desire to see what sits beyond the next layer.

Inside, each cabinet has been tailored to its function:

• Dedicated bottle storage designed to accommodate both horizontal and upright presentation

• Aged bronze glass hangers, providing suspended storage for stemmed glasses

• Floating glass shelves with aged bronze edge detail, accommodating both tall and shorter glassware

• A central mirrored backdrop amplifying light and reflection

• Integrated back lighting enhancing depth and atmosphere

• A concealed drawer for bar tools and accessories

• A pull-out preparation surface

• Provision for a fridge and ice maker

• Fully retractable doors for seamless access

Closed, the cabinet reads as architectural, refind furniture — an expression of elegant, understated luxury. Open, it becomes immersive and playful; a social focal point designed to elevate everyday rituals into something more considered and convivial.

Craftsmanship & Detail

Like all bespoke projects, it is the smallest details that make the greatest difference. Shadow gaps are executed with precision. Shelving appears to float effortlessly, even the leg profile was carefully developed to complement the overall silhouette — grounding the units while still preserving their elegance.

Tailored to the interior, every dimension responds to real life. The Proportions were carefully balanced to ensure presence without overpowering the room, the depth accommodates specific glassware, and the layout supports the rituals of hosting, unwinding, and gathering. Nothing is arbitrary; everything has intention.

Integrated lighting provides clarity when mixing drinks and a gentle glow when the doors are open at dusk. Practical when needed, atmospheric when desired — the mood shifts with a simple movement.

Materials were chosen for depth, contrast, and quiet luxury: pale grey veneer brings calm, brushed bronze introduces warmth, and glass adds lightness. A restrained touch of colour provides personality without noise. Together, these layers create furniture that is tactile, enduring, and elegant.

Behind clean-lined doors, every element has its place. Bottles, tools, and glassware are organised with precision.

Designed and made entirely in England, each cabinet exemplifies meticulous joinery and refined detailing. More than storage and function, they engage, surprise, and invite a pause to appreciate their craftsmanship.

The Benefit of Going Bespoke

The finished drinks cabinets are more than just a beautiful pieces of furniture; they were designed around real life, quietly shaping how a home feels, moment by moment.

Open the doors in the evening, and the cabinets become part of the day — light spills across glass and bronze, drinks are poured, conversations gather. Closed again, they return to calm, almost disappearing into the architecture.

For interior designers, concealed bar furniture offers flexibility and elegance within open-plan spaces. It allows entertaining without disrupting the room’s rhythm and keeps the space feeling calm and composed once the evening is over.

For private clients, it introduces a deeply personal element — tailored to their glassware, collections, and hosting style. With bespoke furniture, no two pieces are identical; each reflects the individuality of its owner, the way they live, and the moments they want to create.

This exploration of craftsmanship and concealed design highlights the value of bespoke British-made furniture created with longevity in mind. Every detail, from joinery techniques to finishing processes, is executed with precision to ensure the piece not only looks exceptional but will perform beautifully for years to come.

If you have a bespoke project you would like us to help you with or would like to find out more about our bespoke service, do get in touch.