Start
Uncategorized
May 12, 2015

4 Hot Trends in Wine Cellar Design

Trends in wine cellar design are something that we at  Harkraft stay on top of.  Not because each client will want a trend conscious wine cellar, but because we are leaders in the industry.  It’s our business to be aware of consumer trends and needs.  In fact, many of our clients prefer classic and enduring styles for their wine cellar build– rather than following trends.  We respect either camp, and our designers will consult with you to create a wine cellar that exceeds your expectations and expands your dreams.

Dream big and think in terms of your current wine capacity, and add perhaps 20 to 25% for future expansion;  that way you have room to grow, as your tastes expand.  With that in mind here are some industry trends to enhance your vision of what’s possible.  At Harkraft, our pleasure is collaboration and crating something unique to your needs and your budget.

It’s rare to find a home valued over $450,000 which doesn’t contain a wine storage system. It is interesting to note that they have become somewhat of an expectation for buyers looking at purchasing a quality home.  Having a custom built wine cellar adds to the resale value of any property.

Luxurious Classic:

chilled wineMediterranean style cellars are very popular with dark woods and stone walls.  The current vogue for natural looking stone walls in interiors continues in the wine room.  A rustic feel, reflecting a love of France or Italy, rounded doorways and vaulted ceilings at the high end.  This timeless look tends to evoke feelings of warmth and tradition.

The higher the household income the more likely the home has a wine cellar or at least a wine refrigerator. The trend of not just a wine cellar but a sybaritic space for experiencing wine continues to grow.  Gone are the chilly dark spaces of old. Instead we have inviting spaces to sit with friends and sample the wines. A tasting area or at least a tasting table is now de rigueur. Tasting tables of granite or glass but set atop a wine barrel are a novelty trend.  The table style should match the overall scheme whether rustic Tuscan or contemporary.

Clients often want the rooms to continue the style of the rest of the home to create a seamless experience.  Comfort is key here, with seating and tables that encourage lounging while tasting the wines.  If the home is more traditional the furnishing of the wine “cellar” echo that with darker woods, such as mahogany.   Appropriate lighting will be more traditional in style as well.

Since the door is your first glimpse of the wine cellar, it is vital in setting the proper ambiance.  It can be lavish dark stained with crown molding and ornate hardware in brass or rubbed bronze.  More contemporary elegance might be a gleaming ebony finish with nickel hardware.  More modern can be gleaming and clean edged.

Contemporary Simplicity:

In more contemporary spaces the choice might lean towards lighter colors and sustainable wine cellar woods such as pine or metal for a sleeker look.

You don’t  need an actual underground or basement space to store wines well.  What is key for the wine to mature properly, is steady levels of temperature and humidity.  So some wonderful spaces that you may have overlooked would be perfect. Areas to consider, are:

  • Under a staircase
  • A small room that’s underutilized
  • A closet

These options are increasingly popular, especially among younger clientele.  It require less space especially with a growing family or space constraints.  Let’s explore some of these options.

Under a staircase:  is unique and depending on your choice and style of cabinetry very striking.  We use redwood, mahogany and pine for most of our installations.  As a built in, under a staircase can be quite charming and unexpected.

Small room:  a former kids room or home office can be converted into a new wine cellar.

A closet:  that is not needed, is often in a great location for a wine “cellar” perhaps one near the kitchen or living room.

A Storage Wall:

Perfect and on trend for your living room or great room, this option works with either classic or modern tastes.  The unit can add a wonderful decorative touch, encompassing an entire wall, the colors chosen can work with the decor of that room. Like a bookcase but much more sumptuous. This trend is lovely as when entertaining it’s all self-contained and integrated into your lifestyle.

Avant Garde Trends:

  • In the Floor– Building the wine cellar into the floor of the kitchen or other space is a trend on the rise.  It’s accessed by a staircase to step down into the space, this can work over a basement and is a lovely novelty and gives quick access.
  • Tech Aficionado-  Wine storage units that are connected to your devices so you are alerted if for example the temperature changes, any reminders or to help keep track of your inventory of fine wines.

Whatever it is you’re looking for in a wine cellar, dream big and anything can happen. For more about wine, wine industry trends and wine cellars, keep up with the Harkraft blog!