I disagree with the general theme in this thread that basement bars are a bad idea. Whenever we have people over, there are only 2 places that they end up: the kitchen (which I hate), or the bar, which is infinitely preferable.
Nothing kills a get together like everyone sitting down - there is far more energy when everyone is standing and mingling. That's why most parties end up in the kitchen, simply because there is no better place in the house for people to stand and mingle. Well, the bar is a better place.
My advice is to ensure that, whatever you do, there is space for gatherings to naturally happen around the bar. We have a pool table in front of ours, which is great because it gives people something to do, but more importantly, there is a lot of space to stand and mingle.
Room for that, plus room for people to sit and watch a game (or a movie or whatever).
If you have both those things, your basement will be used.
|