Creating the perfect whisky hour starts with curating an ambience that enhances both personal enjoyment and the experience of hosting guests. To help you craft a personalised home bar, Cosentino has partnered with Marco Van Ham, founder of Designstudio MVH, who shares his expert insights. Here are Marco’s top tips:
Tip #1: Set the Atmosphere
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to bar design,” says Marco. “It starts with the atmosphere you want to create and the concept you wish to bring to life.” Whether your goal is a cosy retreat or a sophisticated lounge, the design should reflect your vision.
Tip #2: Draw Inspiration from Whisky
Marco draws inspiration from the rich history and tradition of whisky. He recommends incorporating luxurious materials such as dark woods (oak, walnut) and leather, which evoke the ageing process of whisky in barrels.
Tip #3: Choose a Complementary Palette
Deep, earthy tones—such as amber, mahogany, and charcoal—are ideal for creating a cohesive and inviting environment. Marco suggests using these “colours in furniture, wall finishes, and accents to enhance the experience, whether for hosting or personal enjoyment”.
Tip #4: Set Adjustable Lighting
“Lighting plays a key role in setting the mood of the personal bar,” Marco emphasises. He recommends using subtle, adjustable lighting to highlight the rich hues of whisky and create an inviting atmosphere. The right lighting can transform a personal bar into a relaxing retreat.
Tip #5: Consider Sound
A well-designed sound environment is essential for a bar. Marco advises soundproofing the space to allow for quiet conversation and contemplation, which enhances the overall experience for those who prefer a more private setting.
Tip #6: Select the Right Materials
The choice of materials is crucial in crafting an exceptional bar experience. Marco highlights the importance of selecting materials that not only harmonise with the design but also offer functionality and durability. He stresses the need for “resilient materials that can withstand spills and alcohol stains”, ensuring that your bar maintains its sleek appearance over the years to come.
To demonstrate the stain and scratch resistance of Cosentino materials, Designer Sales Manager Chong showcased their durability and ease of maintenance by effortlessly wiping off a permanent marker stain with just water and a sponge. These qualities make Cosentino an ideal choice for bar owners seeking sustainable surfaces that prevent alcohol stains while maintaining a sleek and long-lasting appearance.
Curate Your Bar with Glenfiddich Whisky Tasting Insights
As drinks are a key element of the bar experience, Cosentino teamed up with Glenfiddich to help whisky connoisseurs and enthusiasts discover whiskies suitable for collection or personal bars. This was achieved through a whisky tasting experience led by Madeline Ng, William Grant & Sons Malaysia Ambassador, catering to various types of enjoyment, from personal leisure to entertaining guests.
For whisky connoisseurs who favour a fruity and oaky profile, Madeline recommended Glenfiddich 18 Years Old. It offers a remarkably rich aroma of ripe orchard fruits, baked apple, and robust oak, with luxurious notes of dried fruit, candied peel, and dates on the palate. This makes it an ideal choice for leisurely enjoyment, whether on your own or with loved ones.
For a sweeter and more floral option suited for special occasions or celebrations, Madeline recommended Glenfiddich 21 Years Old. It features an intense vanilla sweetness, floral hints, and touches of banana, figs, rich toffee, new leather, and oak. She also noted additional flavours, including vibrant “pepperiness, subtle smokiness, lime, ginger, and spices, which deliver a multi-layered tasting experience”.
Tips & Images: Cosentino & Glenfiddich
