When I think of the perfect bar, I think of a bistro in Paris. A clean, crisp and cool counter. Anything less than the ice cold feel of champagne will not due. Think zinc, granite and marble.
I perused the market affordable portable patio bars and have yet to find one that suits my style and is not over my budget (OMB). The market for portable patio bars under $200 is a world of plastic kitsch. Disillusioned but determined to bring my Parisian dream to life sustainably and within my budget (WMB), like any green gal … I got resourceful and creative.
It’s true… I created my practically posh portable patio bar meeting my Parisian bistro standards for approximately $175.
Here’s how …
Open your eyes … either an old chest of drawers is lurking in your home or if you live in New York City, there is probably one sitting on the curb awaiting collection … grab it.
Assess the style of the chest of drawers … is it lean and tall? … is it curvaceous with curly cues? There is a point to this exercise. It will help you select a color theme, counter top and fixtures.
My chest of drawers is long and lean. Simply put, it is plain.
To make this piece pop with pizzazz, I searched for a colorful countertop. I went to a local marble, granite and tile supplier and asked to look at their scraps. A green gal tip … be discerning. It is a powerful bargaining tool. Never accept the first thing you see. The best comes to those who wait. At least this was true for me. I would not have discovered the beauty of coco blue granite if I had accepted the first sample I saw.
In my case, I could not select a color until I found a counter top because my counter was the focal point of my piece. However, if the shape of your chest of drawers is unique use accentuate it. Flaunt it if you’ve got it. In this case, your counter top should complement the colors and shape of your chest, but it cannot steal the show.
Surf the net. (Not usually something I recommend at least for calming your nerves.) But there are fabulous sites that sell fixtures at a deep discount. I found great drawer knobs on the interet.
Seek sip and you shall find.
