Room of the month: Piano bar perfection

This major renovation in Hilton Head Plantation hits all the right notes.

Photography by John McManus

Home Piano Bar and Wine Room — *The master bathroom and family room of this Hilton Head Plantation home were transformed into a sleek piano bar and wine room, thanks to a creative renovation by Group 3 Designs.*

Many homeowners dream of having a piano bar in their home, envisioning it as the centerpiece of their living space where friends and family gather for impromptu concerts or quiet evenings of music and drinks. However, fitting such a grand and substantial piece into a typical home often proves challenging. Space constraints, awkward layouts and competing design elements can turn this elegant dream into a logistical nightmare. Fortunately, Group 3 Designs’ owner Mike Ruegamer and interior designer Taylor Stone made this dream a reality for one Hilton Head Plantation homeowner, orchestrating a major transformation of their master bathroom and family room to create a stunning and functional piano bar lounge.

Central to the design was the integration of the client’s piano as a focal point. The contemporary design incorporated sleek materials and elements from Pyramids, blending with the home’s existing aesthetic. A highlight of the renovation was a new bar featuring a walk-behind service area, complemented by a cooled walk-in wine room capable of housing at least 250 bottles. This wine room not only serves a practical purpose but provides a captivating display.

This project hits all the right notes and sets a high bar for what home design can achieve.

Raise the bar

Taylor Stone, the interior designer of the project, offers some tips for designing your own bar space.

1. Play up the lighting: Incorporate additional lighting for ambiance beyond the primary chandelier or pendants. LED strip lighting, table lamps, or even candles can enhance the atmosphere.

2. Add a personal touch: To add height and interest, include non-traditional bar items such as a floral display, decorative picture frame or sculpture among the glasses and bottles.

3. Stock the bar: Arrange your bottles in an eye-catching manner. For a cleaner look, balance the bottles by height, or group them by color within the same family.

4. Highlight specialty items: Store mismatched glasses in concealed cabinetry while displaying a few beautiful key pieces on open shelving or counter tops.

5. Elevate your hostessing: Use serving tray pieces with complementary finishes to enhance the bar’s appeal.

6. Create a focal point: Add shimmer by choosing glass tile or gilt wallpaper as a backdrop.

7. Opt for a wine room: Instead of a wine fridge, incorporate a glass-front, temperature-controlled wine room that adds visual interest and functionality. It doesn’t need to be large to make a dramatic impact.