From Back Door Drop Zone to a Classic Cocktail Bar

Interior and Deck Renovation

View through a hallway into a cozy bar area with wooden accents, bar stools, and large windows overlooking greenery.

The client, a sports and craft cocktail enthusiast, dreamed of a bespoke bar space within their home that could serve as a rathskeller-inspired sanctuary for gatherings during games. Their vision included a full bar with high-end finishes and appliances, capturing a warm yet refined aesthetic without compromising functionality.

The challenge lay in transforming the small footprint of a seldom-used back room—a pass-through space for shoes and storage—into a seamless, vibrant area for indoor/outdoor entertaining during the UW-Madison Badgers and Green Bay Packer seasons.  

After learning about the client’s love for mixology and sports, we developed a design concept that would bring an upscale bar ambiance to this intimate home setting. We created a usable, functional space that increased the client’s enjoyment of their home.


Before

The space was a liminal zone that collected boxes and boots.


After

A seamlessly connected and inviting indoor-outdoor entertaining environment.

Dark wooden tray with a marble top, resting on a light marble countertop, with a blurred background of a kitchen.

Meticulous Millwork, Unmatched Craftsmanship

The bar’s custom millwork, crafted from Cherry Wood, perfectly complements the home’s traditional aesthetic, creating a seamless blend with its historic character.

Modern conveniences like refrigeration units, an ice maker, and a wine cooler are cleverly concealed within the custom cabinetry, ensuring a streamlined, organized appearance without compromising functionality.

The bar room has been great. Very happy with how things turned out and everything continues to be in good working order. Lots of compliments.

Modern kitchen with exposed brick walls, a bar with black stools, and a framed painting above a doorway.
Two elegant pendant lights with white glass shades hang from a brass ceiling fixture, illuminating a cozy interior space.

Fine Finishes, Lasting Impressions

Brass-accented pendant lights create a warm ambiance while enhancing the vintage-inspired decor. 

Stacked black bar stools line a dark kitchen counter, with a patterned hexagonal tile floor and a wooden door in the background.

A custom brass footrail adds style and comfort, thoughtfully placed alongside Thonet bar stools to cater to guests’ comfort.

Hexagonal tiled floor featuring a decorative border and geometric patterns in black, white, and green hues.

Hexagonal porcelain tiles with intricate inlays on the floor add vintage charm and durability, capturing the look of an old-world cocktail bar.

When you choose TDS Design-Build, you’re partnering with a team deeply committed to quality, meticulous attention to detail, and preserving architectural heritage. Our expertise in custom design and craftsmanship means we can integrate modern amenities into your space while honoring its traditional character. The result? A beautifully crafted bar (or any space) that reflects your unique style, meets your practical needs, and stands the test of time. With TDS, you’re investing in a home that’s as functional as it is timelessly elegant.

Stylish kitchen corner featuring stained glass windows, a glass cabinet, a brass faucet, and various bottles on the counter.

Are You Ready to Remodel?

Contact TDS Design Build today to create a home that beautifully balances heritage, functionality, and timeless style.

TDS Construction Crew Member Framing a High Performance Home