How HGTV's Nate Berkus Transformed A Dusty Armoire Into A Stunning Wet Bar

HGTV's Nate Berkus is a huge proponent of upgrading furniture with unique DIYs. One of his most stunning transformations involved turning an antique armoire into a miniature wet bar. He wrote, via Instagram, "We transformed this antique armoire into a highly functional bar cabinet, complete with a sink. I love adding elements of surprise and unexpected details like this to a space." This is a stunning example of Berkus' obsession with vintage style. Find out more about why he is so passionate about preserving classic pieces in this article where Berkus explains architectural salvage and how to use it in a home.

The wet bar pictured on his Instagram has several stylish details that make it stand out. What it lacks in size it makes up for in style. A mirrored backsplash creates an illusion of enhanced depth, and the marble countertop adds a modern touch. The blend of vintage and contemporary details is consistent throughout. Timeless gold hardware balances a sleek cabinet design. To get the look, consider this Gotonovo Antique Brass Faucet Set. You can borrow inspiration from Berkus' sleek design and transform your own secondhand furniture piece – even if you don't have access to the same materials.

An important qualification for installing a wet bar is having direct access to plumbing. In addition to connecting your sink to running water, you may have to hire a professional to reroute the drain line. As a slightly simpler alternative, you or your contractor could create an above-floor water-catching system that reroutes and pumps the water to an existing drain line. Regardless of the method you choose, keep in mind that you will likely have to remove the back panel of your antique armoire to connect the pipes. 

A beautiful at-home bar doesn't have to include a sink at all. Turning an old armoire or sideboard into a dry bar is a simple and stylish alternative. All you need are floating shelves, a wine cooler or bar fridge, and cabinets for additional liquor and glasses. All of this should be fitted inside your furniture piece. A compact fridge like this Ca'Lefort 15-inch Wine Cooler would be ideal. Cabinets can be tricky to measure and install yourself, so open shelving is a simpler option if your armoire already has doors. If you don't have a piece of antique furniture that is suitable for a bar transformation, consider the top trend of repurposing your closet into a DIY bar instead. Learn the difference between a wet bar and a dry bar to determine which is best for your home.