Post #734178 by kkocka on Fri, Jan 2, 2015 6:20 PM

You have a fantastic space! I hope someday I can get that but it would require a new home or a lot of money for a reno. The thoughts of tearing down your bar/island is silly to me when you can likely overlay the surfaces if you so desire. I think lighting is the first thing you can tackle that would have the biggest impact - in my opinion, the bar should be dim with subtle and ambient lighting. With the glass shelving and counter lights, you have the option of color too much like http://tikichick.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/img_1442.jpg Keeping the main or "house lights" off would do wonders and the majority of the work. I think the hanging pendants as suggested above is a fantastic idea as well - you'll have size, shape, and texture to help give the space some character.

I like your countertops as-is too. Not every bar needs some rustic ol' top and cleaning will be much easier. I think that is perfect for a "classy" tiki bar. You could look into some subtle and simple changes too throughout the bar such as replacing the cabinet hardware. Perhaps search out some different barstools and/or have several different ones for variety.

Once you have some tiki mugs or other small tiki collectibles in your glass shelving, it'll really help the mix of clean with tiki too.