Elegant Built-in Dry Bar Nook – Organic Modern Dining Room Refresh

Burcu
Sep 9, 2025
3 min read

The Riverside Project is one of our favorite Atlanta interior design transformations. For this Sandy Springs busy family of four, we designed a full main floor renovation that blends practicality with timeless elegance.

One of the most striking highlights in this renovation is the organic modern dining room refresh—especially the built-in dry bar nook that turned an unused wall into a stylish, functional, and inviting focal point.

Organic modern dining room with a wooden table, chairs, and potted white flowers. Shelves with decor and dark tiles in the background; calm ambiance. — Project Riverside - Organic Modern Dining Room Dry Bar

In this blog post, you’ll find:

How we transformed an empty dining room wall into a built-in dry bar nook that captures the essence of organic modern design
Our design concept with architectural arches and custom cabinetry
A breakdown of materials, finishes, and styling details
Direct links to materials and sources we used in this project
Why a dry bar nook is both a functional and elegant addition to your home
FAQs about dry bar design, cost, and placement

Opening Up the Space

Our first step was removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create better flow for everyday family life and entertaining. What was once unused space in the dining room became the perfect opportunity to add storage, display shelving, and architectural charm.

The Design Concept: Organic Modern

Organic modern dining room with wooden shelves with pottery and a bowl. Wine bottles and a framed horse picture below. Dark tiled backsplash creates a cozy feel.

The overall vision for this Atlanta home renovation was rooted in an organic modern design style—bright, chic, and modern with soft, romantic touches. To bring in that balance, we introduced two side arches framing a wide shelving unit. This detail blends organic modern architecture with function, giving the dining room presence, dimension, and character.

Every element was carefully mapped out through detailed elevations for the contractor, ensuring the design intent translated seamlessly on-site.

Materials & Finishes

Organic modern dining room with wooden shelves with glasses, wine, and a framed photo against a dark tiled wall. Below, a countertop with a plant and drinkware. Elegant setting.

Shelving Layout – From the countertop up, we designed varied openings (20” / 15” / 22” with arch) to balance proportions while maximizing versatile storage.
Tile Backsplash – We chose an emerald green 2x2” zellige mosaic tile. Its handcrafted variation adds texture, depth, and the “perfect imperfection” that makes the space feel elevated. The green also connects beautifully with the home’s broader accent palette, tying together the laundry, powder room, and even the living room sectional.
Cabinetry – Custom inset oak shaker-style cabinets provide generous storage with a timeless look.
Finishing Details – A gallery rail elevates the shelving with European-inspired sophistication, while classic hardware pulls complete the cabinetry.

Why We Love This Built-in Dry Bar Nook

This dry bar nook isn’t just a pretty detail—it’s a functional hub for family gatherings, holiday hosting, and everyday life. By layering custom cabinetry, thoughtful storage, handcrafted finishes, and architectural arches, we transformed an empty wall into a design feature that feels both elevated and effortless.

Sources & Links

FAQs About Built-in Dry Bar Nooks

What is a dry bar nook?

A dry bar nook is a built-in area designed for storing and serving drinks, glassware, and bar accessories. Unlike a wet bar, it doesn’t include a sink, which makes it easier to install in dining rooms, living rooms, or kitchens.

How much does a built-in dry bar cost?

The cost of a built-in dry bar can vary depending on materials, finishes, and custom cabinetry. On average, homeowners invest anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000+, depending on size, cabinetry details, and tile or stone selections.

Where should I put a dry bar in my home?

The most popular locations for a dry bar are the dining room, kitchen, or living room. In our Sandy Springs project, we added it to the dining room, transforming an empty wall into a functional and stylish feature.

What are the best finishes for a dining room dry bar?

Timeless options include custom cabinetry, shaker-style doors, natural wood, stone or quartz countertops, and statement backsplash tiles like zellige or marble mosaics. Adding a gallery rail or decorative hardware elevates the look even further.

Is a built-in dry bar worth it?

Yes! A built-in dry bar nook adds both functionality and value. It creates extra storage, enhances entertaining, and makes your dining or living room feel more custom and thoughtfully designed.

From custom cabinetry to a statement tile backsplash, this organic modern dining room refresh shows how thoughtful design can completely redefine a space. Would you add a built-in dry bar nook to your dining room? Tell us in the comments!

Interior Design & Styling by us, Design & Curations Atlanta-based Interior Design Studio

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Granger

With love,

Burcu

*This blog post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from me, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.