Reserved

December 18, 2024

Words by Lisa Waterman Gray

Dedicated space for wine and whiskey bottles—showcased, hidden or tucked under—uncorks a premium lifestyle.

hen it comes to trends in wine rooms, our cups runneth over. New homes and renovated ones increasingly have one thing in common—premium wine and liquor storage areas. These niche areas—and perhaps an adjacent tasting space—appeal as a way to diversify and enhance a home.

“We have done seven [of these projects] in the last two years, and we’re under contract for another two,” says Andrew Tanner, co-owner and head administrator of KC Custom Wine Cellars and Anchor Remodeling.

An average project incorporates 100 square feet, storage racks and a cooling unit—and considerable expense. With a tasting counter, stone wall veneer and other upscale features, the cost could reach $60,000. However, Tanner and his team have also reclaimed unused space, such as beneath the stairs, for around $6,000-$8,000.

“The biggest issues when storing wine and spirits are light, temperature and vibration, so under-stair storage works best for clients who will consume their [collection] within about six months,” Tanner notes.

A wine and spirits room should have access to the edge of the house so that the cooling unit vents properly, with interior and exterior vapor barriers. Tanner recommends incorporating LED lighting, which creates the lowest level of UV light. Any tempered glass around the space must effectively keep cool air in, and wood racks should readily withstand cool temperatures while not promoting mold growth.

Natural wood and/or stone, tin ceilings, pendant lighting and cement countertops have become increasingly popular, Tanner says. Many people have installed the tops of wine delivery crates on the ceiling, while others prefer a finished look like copper tiles. And quartzite countertops often double as tasting tables.

Tanner always works to include a feature that is personal to the owner. “Their own stamp—whatever that might be,” he says. “We ask clients about their experiences, their tastes and why they are so passionate about wine, such as, ‘Where have you traveled? Did you have poignant memories that involved wine?’”

Kitchen Connection

At this Lenexa model home, builder DeWayne Spiess incorporated a wine room right into the kitchen. His team, along with NSPJ Architects, wanted to capture the attention of potential buyers looking for a different way to entertain. It suits a wide buyer pool—“if you’re into drinking wine or whiskey—and a different dimension to the kitchen,” he says.

During the last several years, Spiess Custom Homes has installed wine and spirit rooms into their floor plans—usually in basement bar areas.

“We try to put these rooms in every house, though they’re not always in the kitchen,” he notes. “It’s more convenient if you’re into drinking wine. And as people age, many who are buying these high-end houses like to do their living on the main floor.”

White oak flooring extends from this modern, upscale kitchen into the unrefrigerated space behind frameless, tempered glass. Spiess used unpolished Titanium granite for the countertops and black tile on the walls to emulate slate subway tile. The light fixtures they chose help to make this room a showpiece.

“We’ve got accent lighting inset into the tile, which is a nice touch, and it creates a nice ambiance at night,” he says. “We also have overhead lighting.”

He’s currently working on two more just like it.

“There is a growing trend to do something like this upstairs, but it’s the first time I’ve done an actual showpiece like this,” Spiess says. “It’s, by far, my favorite one I’ve created.”

Architect: NSPJ Architects, @nspjarchitects
Builder: Spiess Custom Homes, spiesscustomhomes.com

The Story of a Lifestyle

Photos by Matthew Anderson

Kristen Ridler, principal designer and owner of Kristen Ridler Interior Design, recently completed work on this enormous, beautiful wine room—and an equally gorgeous bar and dining area to enjoy a drink.

“This new home in Fairway also has a pool and putting green, so it really tells a story of lifestyle,” she says.

For almost every house she’s doing, clients want at least a wine display and sometimes liquors as well, plus bar areas with elevated displays. These clients are tequila and whiskey lovers and wanted a dedicated display space for those bottles, as well.

“The clients I have are staying home and entertaining more and more. They want to bring some of the experiences you have in a nice restaurant or bar to their home,” Ridler notes. “These clients would travel to Napa and think, ‘We can bring those experiences to our own home.’”

Wine collecting amped up during the pandemic, when wineries started offering virtual tastings. A TV in this space allows them to continue their tastings—this time with friends. A solid, live-edge table and dazzling light fixture elevate the experience.

“These clients really helped with the specific wine display,” Ridler adds.

Custom external glass walls separate the storage area from the tasting room and bar. Walnut wood cabinets with brass hardware and soothing charcoal-colored accents give the scene a modern vibe.

Interior Designer: Kristen Ridler Interior Design, @kristenridlerdesign

Builder: Starr Homes, @starrhomes

Where Bourbon Meets Golf

Photos by Josie Benefield

Among the many wow moments in Willis Custom Homes’ $3.2 million 2024 Artisan Home at Loch Lloyd is 121 square feet of space that you might not realize is there at first—a hidden bourbon room with a speakeasy vibe. Its entrance “disappears” into the surrounding wall when the door closes. That’s because the entire wall and door surface were crafted from dimensional limestone.

“The wall starts on the outside of the house and [extends] into the entry foyer,” says company owner and president, Patrick Willis. “Then a two-story limestone wall goes down into the lower level and trails back to the bourbon room wall. The door itself is very heavy, so we purchased rollers for the bottom that help it open and close.”

A moody color palette with dark-hued, crocodile-textured wallpaper and cozy club chairs invite you in for a taste. Display cabinets in the room are crafted from heavily stained walnut. Hundreds of feet of LED tape lighting illuminate each display compartment, while shiny black laminate backdrops amplify the ambiance.

“We’ve got 100 bottles displayed, with additional spaces for cigar boxes, drinking glasses and accessories,” Willis notes.

Encased in concrete on all sides, this space doubles as a safe room. It’s also situated near a golf simulator in a powerhouse entertainment space.

“The whole lower level has the theme of recreation, relaxing and entertainment, with music piped in, too,” Willis says. “This is in a golf course community, and we created a club-type vibe down there.”

Builder: Willis Custom Homes, @williscustomhomes

Interior Designer: Judd Designs, @judd.designs

Architect: Bickford & Company, @bickymon