Shane Warne: Home improvement trend inspired by Aussie cricketing great that’s taking over Australia – the home bar

Shane Warne was ahead of his time on the cricket field and he was ahead of the curve when it came to relaxing away from the game too.

Last year Aussies began drinking more than ever before according to an ANU study of post-pandemic drinking habits, but we weren’t doing it in bars.

With restrictions hampering much of our pre-pandemic social rituals, we stayed home instead, glass in hand, congregating in small groups and – at least for many of us – channelled our holiday funds into home improvement projects.

2020 saw a 25 per cent increase in spending on renovation and home improvement, according to an HIA report.

Shane Warne's slick basement bar at his former Brighton home. Picture: Instagram.

In addition to this, in the three months from July to September last year, a whopping 30,000 applications for private residential alterations or additions were approved – a 20 per cent increase on the year before and the highest number in a three-month period since records began.

So what do you get when you mix up a cocktail of increased alcohol consumption, Covid-19 lockdowns, restrictions on pubs and a boom in the home improvement space?

The resurgence of the home bar, a much-loved decor trend from eras gone by – though the 2021 version is as far removed as can be from its pine-panelled, dad-centric predecessor.

“There’s been a big rise in demand for built-in bars at home,” reveals Natalie Winter, director of Brisbane interior design business Chasing Winter Interiors.

Warnie was ahead of his time. Picture: Supplied

“It’s kind of been off the cards in interior design trends for a while, but it’s now coming back in a big way.”

The trend has also dovetailed into an increased interest in multipurpose areas.

“Since the pandemic began, people have wanted a space in their home for all the things they used to do outside of their home,” she explains.

“They want a room that can serve as a home office or gym, while also incorporating changing entertainment trends.”

In early 2020, late cricketing great, Shane Warne put his stunning Brighton mansion on the market. Photos of the home showed a A nightclub style basement now includes a wine-cellar and tasting room, as well as a gold class home theatre with a full wet bar.

Who needs the pub?

THREE WAYS TO ADD A HOME BAR AT YOUR PLACE

Custom luxe

At the moment the trend is to go for a luxe, custom style that blends with your existing decor,” says Natalie.

“Think brass fittings, beautiful marble bars, built-in plumbing and luxury accessories that make your bar more of a destination. There’s an increased focus on under-bar wine fridges or, space permitting, custom wine rooms.

“If you’re a real foodie who loves cooking and pairing wines, it makes sense for your in-home bar space to complement your kitchen. Alternatively, if you love to socialise at home but you’re less of a cook, a more formal bar incorporated into your dining or lounge space would really work.”

Great Gatsby-esque.

Take it outside

Like demand for the multipurpose room, an increased focus on using outdoor spaces has coloured design requests post-pandemic.

For many homeowners, an outdoor bar is the perfect way to squeeze maximum enjoyment out of their green spaces. Fire pits, or outdoor fireplaces, alongside comfortable outdoor lounge-style seating, fairy lights and dedicated barbecue areas on decks or even within cabanas are leading the charge.

An outdoor bar is the perfect way to squeeze maximum enjoyment out of a green spaces.

“A lot of clients are moving towards outdoor kitchen setups for their backyard bars,” says Natalie.

“Benchspace with plumbing and under-bench bar fridges mean you can cook your barbecue and make your cocktails without going back and forth into the house.”

The bar cart nook

If budget or space prohibit an immersive in-home bar design, there’s always the bar cart – a strengthening furniture trend that can be adapted to almost any style.

“Styling a moody corner with a beautiful bar cart, complete with some greenery and chic cut-crystal glasses and decanters can be just as effective for smaller spaces,” Natalie says.

Mobile bar. Picture: John Appleyard

“I love West Elm for pieces like this – and obviously you can pick and choose to suit your existing tastes. The rattan trend isn’t going anywhere, and there are some beautiful rattan bar carts around at the moment. Finish off the look with some accessories like coloured glassware and comfortable seating.”

For all your home updating and renovating ideas, visit At Home.

Originally published as Shane Warne: Home improvement trend inspired by Aussie cricketing great that’s taking over Australia – the home bar