Booze bottles have gotten really pretty in recent years. I love, for example, the blue and white statuesque bottle of Clase Azul Tequila. And have you ever seen the silver horse-topped bottle of Blanton’s Bourbon? The horse plus the shape of the bottle—it’s nothing less than sculptural. For that reason, when I saw what LA-based Interior Designer Caren Rideau is doing with her artful way of displaying wine and spirits—not just on bars—but on key entertaining areas throughout the house—I was inspired. (She works in tandem with photo stylist Char Hatch-Langos and photographer Meghan Beierle-O’Brien and the trio working together is ‘da bomb!) These displays are so pretty that they can be left out, long after the guests have departed.
When it comes to design, Caren specializes in designing kitchens, so she’s used to clients saying they want built-in cabinetry for their booze. But sometimes she skillfully guides clients toward an alternative. Instead of hiding bottles, Caren likes to display them in artfully designed spaces in and around the kitchen/or entertaining areas. “I think in today’s culture, wine and cocktails are an art to pair with food. We celebrate the art when we can see it. And sommelier/wine stations and bars are back!” she quips.
I was actually inspired to pull out a large albacore tray I had tucked away in a guest bedroom and place it on a large piece of furniture adjacent to our kitchen (essentially a long side table with some cabinetry). On the tray I placed a couple of attractive booze bottles and a few crystal glasses that hadn’t seen the light of day in years. It adds light to an otherwise dark piece of antique furniture—and some interest.
When it comes to creating an ensemble at your own home, Caren recommends thinking of the bar as a station to set up on a table or console. Here are some of her top tips accompanied by images from some of the beautiful homes she has worked on.
Images courtesy of photographer Meghan Beierle-O’Brien.
