How to Design a Sophisticated and Functional Wine Room in Your Home
The main reason why wine cellars are in high demand is because collecting wine has become a luxury pastime that can be done while traveling and from the comfort of one’s home. People who have become aficionados not only want their own wine on hand to drink whenever they want a glass, but also want to choose the wine they consume.
Whether a household drinks 300 bottles of wine a year or 30, a uniformed design layout for a dedicated wine room represents luxury and can only enhance the value of a home.
Essential #1: Carefully Control the Room's Conditions
For home wine cellars, controlling the climate is key. Fine wine is very sensitive and is best preserved within a narrow margin of temperature (within 3 degrees of 55 Fahrenheit) and humidity (45-65%).
The location of the room is just as important as the climate system. Take into account adjacent windows, outdoor walls or a mechanical room nearby that might cause extra heat. There are several cooling systems out there. Keep in mind that the one in your friends’ cellar might not be right for yours due to different capacity factors or location in your house.
Essential #2: Thoughtfully Design the Room's Storage
There are endless ways to design your storage and racking systems. Consider how many bottles you will have in your collection. How many do you think you will drink in a month? This will dictate how big your showcase display will be vs. your storage.
A properly laid out space will give the illusion of depth even when you plucked 3 bottles for your dinner party. If space allows, install a counter for tasting and some shelves for glasses and decanters.
Essential #3: Select Materials for the Room's Durability & Practicality
Wood racking used to account for the majority of designs. However, with more and more wine cellars moving to the main living areas, we are seeing a consistent use of large glass windows, metal shelves and heavy LED lighting. The room itself is an artistic display.
The use of stone floors and walls will help keep the climate under control. Don’t be afraid to use a thin-veneer natural stone— it will save significantly on material and labor. Go dark on your floor— the last thing you want is to look at a permanent red wine stain!
Essential #4: Choose the Room's Decor Style and Amenities
Designing the wine cellar of your dreams can be an exciting adventure. Consider your overall aesthetic and style and bring it into your cellar. If you have a modern house, don't create a dungeon-looking wine room. Instead, opt for something sleek and contemporary. Same goes if your home is more traditional. Ask the experts for help. Avoid the risk of the wrong permanent space and don't do it alone!
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Cheers,
Lori