Imagine waking up to the smell of fresh-brewed coffee, just feet away from your bed, or grabbing an ice-cold beverage and a late-night snack without ever leaving the comfort of your bedroom.

Forget the walk-in closet and the master bath; the morning bar is one of the hottest new home amenities. The typical morning bar includes a sink and faucet, small refrigerator, drawer dishwasher and small counter to hold appliances such as a coffee maker, espresso machine or even a microwave oven.

“Enriching the master bedroom with a morning bar reinforces the idea of a sumptuous retreat, rather than just a place to sleep and relax,” said Margie Rowe, senior target market manager for ShowHouse by Moen.

The morning bar is part of a growing consumer phenomenon referred to as “trading up,” which indicates that people are willing to pay extra for luxury items.

Last year American consumers spent $400 billion on luxury items that included everything from upscale cars to lavish home accessories, according to the book “Trading Up: The New American Luxury” by Boston Consulting Group Senior Vice President Michael Silverstein and Bath & Body Works CEO Neil Fiske.

The challenge for designers is tastefully blending a minibar into a room without calling too much attention to the fact that it’s actually a “mini-kitchen.” Here are a few of their strategies:

Cabinetry

Dark woods with recessed or raised arch accents create a feeling of warmth and security, while lighter-colored wood cabinets can brighten up and invigorate the space.

Faucet and sink

 ”The more popular faucet designs for morning bars are those with an elegant, traditional feel that enhance a refined decorating style, such as ShowHouse by Moen’s Waterhill Collection,” Rowe said. “The high-arc, single-handle faucet in an oil rubbed bronze finish has a warm feel that complements and blends into the color schemes of many on-trend master suites.”

Appliances

Appliances sized appropriately to the space are key to maximizing the benefits of the morning bar. A gourmet coffee press, espresso maker or juicer provide the right touch for a luxurious morning. A wine-chilling drawer will ensure that bottles will always be ready for drinking at the perfect temperature. And a small refrigerator will keep fruits, juices and creamers handy. Wood panels ensure that drawer-sized dishwashers and mini-refrigerators blend into the existing cabinetry.

Lighting

In many cases, track lighting typically found in the kitchen is being strategically placed in the morning bar area, along with skylights that open up and add height to the space.

For information about Moen’s Waterhill ShowHouse Collection, visit www.showhouse.moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN.

Courtesy: NewsUSA

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