How To Decorate Your Bar Cart In Old Money Style For A Timeless Look

Trends are known to come and go, especially when it comes to interior design. Thanks to apps like Pinterest and TikTok, micro-trends aren't just a consequence of fast fashion. They also impact how quickly decor ideas fluctuate and eventually go out of style. Styling decisions as small as decorating a bar cart can significantly impact a space's overall appearance, potentially making it look tacky or dated. Replacing these items with more classically styled decorative pieces can last longer than a short-lived trend. That's why, whether you're embracing a more environmentally conscious lifestyle or want a more timeless look for this area of your home, you should consider learning how to decorate your bar cart using old money style decor as your style inspiration. 

But what exactly is the old money decor trend, and what makes it ageless in interior design? Simply put, old money refers to a style that embodies understated elegance, favoring timeless sophistication. This approach involves incorporating quality decor pieces and vintage heirlooms to create a mature and collected aesthetic in your space. A home bar is the perfect area to evoke this type of luxury, because, as old-money aesthetic expert and Instagram creator Kiki Astor puts it, "Old money doesn't hide its vices, it decorates with them." 

In other words, you incorporate classy decor pieces, using premium luxury spirits, and other elegant design details. Don't be mistaken, though — you can recreate this look on a budget. With these styling tips, you will be well on your way to transforming your home bar into a classic addition to your space.

Needless to say, using a vintage bar cart as a starting point for styling your home bar can instantly give it an old-money feel. Consider visiting local antique stores for a vintage and classy bar cart, such as those with wood or metal finishes. When looking for the latter, avoid carts that use cheap metal and opt instead for one with a patina that evokes an old, sophisticated, and timeless aesthetic. From there, you can start perfecting the styling of your home bar.

When it comes to deciding what kind of liquor to display in your bar cart, you'll want to avoid things that are cheap or low-quality. Kiki Astor explains that you should prioritize quality over quantity. Aim to deck your bar out with top-shelf spirits, such as fine gins and classic scotch, she suggests. You might also include aged rum and a classy aperitif. From there, you'll want to employ flavor essentials, including vermouth, bitters, tonic, and garnishes.

Layering your home bar's glassware is also essential. For example, consider fine coupe sets, rock glasses, snifters, and vintage aperitif glasses for an elegant touch. You also want to incorporate classy bar tools that add texture to your luxurious, old-money aesthetic. Think high-end vintage cocktail shakers or mixing glasses, jiggers, and a citrus peeler or juice press. Kiki Astor says that an old-money bar cart is essentially an "eccentric museum," so the details matter, like sword-shaped cocktail picks and silver accessories. Finally, you want to add old-money style decor. Consider adding a vintage cocktail recipe book, taxidermy, a family heirloom, or a bespoke vase to your bar cart for the finishing touch.