Having your own private cellar has got to be one of the most luxurious touches you can give your home, but there are a few essential things you need to know before you start building it.
From storage and space to aesthetic and design, there’s a lot to consider in building a cellar at home.
1. The finer details
You’re going to the trouble of building a cellar in your home, so knowing how to store wine the correct way should really be your top priority. The way you store the bottles will affect the longevity of the contents, so you’ve got a bit to learn to ensure that you can enjoy your haul in the years to come.
Location, temperature and humidity all play a key role in this – if there are fluctuations in the temperature, chemical imbalances can occur that can ruin the integrity and taste of your precious vino.
No dingy man cave here – we all want to gather in this divine wine cellar. Picture: Lisa Cohen Photography
2. Displaying your wine
Nitty gritty aside, we are still all about the design and you shouldn’t have to compromise on creating a beautiful display with your wine as you really want to set the mood for a tipple every time you walk in this room.
Luckily, there are numerous stylish ways to store your wine, from racks to custom shelving. And it’s often a good idea to display your wine in a variety of ways to add interest to your collection.
Incorporate a small mix of shelving and storage options that showcase the variety in your collection. For example, you could pop your finest wines in a premium position and set aside the bigger shelving units for everyday choices.
3. Make use of your cellar space
To really make use of the space, why not consider turning your cellar into a multi-functional entertaining area that encourages conversation to be had around the wine?
We styled this room with the Hali rug topped with a beautiful Curious Grace dining table and benches in the very centre of the space.
The whole setting is lit by a moody set of spotlights which are also key to bringing out the beauty of this space. The end result is an area that welcomes guests to enjoy a bottle of red over some nibbles.
Not just for storage. Add a dining table and your cellar becomes an entertaining area, too. Picture: Lisa Cohen Photography
4. Stay true to your design aesthetic
When we think of cellars, we often think of rustic, worn bricks, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t mix things up and make bold choices.
Creating the cellar of your dreams is a chance for you to express your style and in this case, the sky is the limit.
Attention to detail is crucial when selecting finishes – don’t be afraid to mix different elements and add some modern touches such as glass doors, timber features and steel finishes, as these are the details that will really set your cellar apart.
Concrete accents, greenery and timber details are welcomed here. Picture: Lisa Cohen Photography
5. Give it a story and some history
A cellar is typically a place that has an air of mystery and surprise about it, so think about adding some pieces that matter to you.
Are you an art lover? Why not include some of your favourite pieces in the styling of the space for a touch of luxury.
Other personal items could include a stack of old books or vintage wine cases that can be worked into the overall design of the space to create something truly bespoke.
Finally, if you are really thinking of building your very own cellar, consider where it would fit best in your property as not all cellars have to be underground.
As always, consult with a structural engineer to ensure you are complying with building regulations and take the time to understand the challenges of your particular property.