Goodbye Traditional Kitchens: The Space-Saving Trend That Has Taken Over In 2026

Imagine this: you come home from a long day at work, head straight to your bar, and make yourself a delicious cocktail. Carving out a dedicated place to prepare drinks in your home feels indulgent, but it doesn't have to be disruptive to the overall flow of your living area. We're here to introduce you to a practical and oh-so-playful home bar idea. It's a melding of the home bar and pantry — or, lovingly coined, the bantry. This space-saving design feature perfectly incorporates a dash of unique style and fun into a space without disrupting the functionality of your kitchen and dining room areas.

"A full bar felt like the wrong gesture for how this family actually lives," Autumn Oser, co-founder of Haldon House, shared with Homes & Gardens about a recent project she worked on, "The space sits just off the kitchen, so it's really in the flow of everyday life — the glass of wine you pour while something's cooking, the bottle you grab on the way to the table. Making it a walk-through lets it earn its keep every day rather than waiting on a big dinner party. It's generous without being grand."

Instead of having an entire space dedicated to cocktails in your home, the bantry aims to foster a space that can serve as storage for other kitchen necessities while also doubling as your own personal bar. The goal isn't to create a trendy design you'll get tired of in a year or so–it's to craft an enduring extension of your home you can get plenty of use out of. This is a permanent update meant to stand the test of time. Make sure to take your time planning and executing this space.

Originally, butler's pantries were designed to store silverware, glassware, and china. This small off-shoot of your dining room or living room was meant to offer convenience and functionality while still remaining out of the way. The bantry takes this original ethos and applies it to the home bar. It's a dedicated area to prepare drinks so you won't take up elbow space in the kitchen just to make a cocktail. This is invaluable on hectic hosting occasions like Thanksgiving.

When designing this space, consider all the elements necessary for a functional home bar and pantry. Storage and counter space are top priorities. Installing built-ins to cultivate a more cozy, intentional feel. Stock the space with home bar essentials like shakers, jiggers, bar spoons, strainers, and, of course, an array of glasses. Also, consider other kitchen functions you'd like to offload to this area. For example, it can also be a great place to keep your KitchenAid to prep dessert. It might also double as a great coffee bar during the day. 

There's no one-size-fits-all rule to perfectly style your home bar – from moody and elevated to light and whimsical, your bantry can lean in whatever direction you prefer. The magic is really in the custom functionality. It's all about evaluating your day-to-day flow and aligning this home feature to your lifestyle. If you love wine, incorporate a place to display bottles. If you're an amateur mixologist, consider including an ice machine. From there, add stylistic elements that speak to you, like a trendy bar chandelier or personalized bar mat. Make this space a retreat you want to spend plenty of time in!