D-I-Y Bar!

Welcome back to Rehab Corner! In our last video, we reflected on the highlights of 2024 and hinted at exciting plans for 2025. What I didn’t anticipate was one of those plans emerging unexpectedly—just two days before Christmas, no less!

Faced with hosting 19 guests in our cozy townhome, I had a moment of clarity (or crisis) about a neglected space in our home: the closet just outside our kitchen. This space, originally intended as a pantry, had become an eyesore. Years ago, we removed its bifold doors and most of its shelves, tossing in a beverage fridge, wine bottles, and a trash can with every intention of “fixing it someday.”

Well, “someday” came at lightning speed, and with the help of my talented son Ethan (who doubles as our photographer and videographer), we gave that space a complete makeover. What started as a scramble to make the area presentable for the holidays quickly turned into a thoughtful, functional DIY project—a new home bar.

The Vision: Quick, Affordable, and Festive

With a tight timeline and budget, we aimed to create a stylish yet practical bar area without overcomplicating the process. Here’s how we transformed the space in just 24 hours:

Step 1: Wallpaper to the Rescue

The walls were far from perfect—patches, holes, and leftover hooks made painting unrealistic. Instead, we turned to peel-and-stick wallpaper, an efficient and affordable solution available at most big-box stores. The textured pattern added personality to the space, and since we knew cabinets would cover part of the walls, we strategically applied the wallpaper only where it would be visible.

Step 2: Practical Storage Solutions

For cabinetry, we relied on Klearvue cabinets from Menards, a favorite for their affordability and versatility. These cabinets provided ample storage for glassware, bar tools, and beverages, creating a clean and organized look.

Step 3: The Countertop Challenge

The space posed an unusual challenge: a countertop measuring 59.5 inches—neither a standard 5 feet nor 6 feet. After some searching, we found the perfect solution in the form of a butcher block workbench top, also from Menards. A quick trim with our new saw (a justified purchase!) made it a perfect fit.

Step 4: Functional Lighting

To light up the bar area, we discovered rechargeable LED lights at Costco. These eliminated the need for wiring and added a warm, inviting glow. The convenience of rechargeable lighting was a game-changer, and the result was both functional and festive.

The Result: A Holiday-Ready Bar

Within 24 hours, we had transformed the once-overlooked closet into a fully functional home bar. By Christmas Eve, it was stocked, decorated, and ready to welcome our guests. The butcher block countertop, sleek cabinetry, and soft lighting created a cohesive look that impressed everyone. What started as a holiday necessity turned into a project I’m proud to showcase—and it might just stick around longer than expected.

Share Your DIY Success Stories

Have you tackled a small space project that made a big difference in your home? I’d love to hear about it! Whether it’s a creative upcycle or a quick transformation like ours, share your ideas in the comments. Who knows? Your project might inspire the next Rehab Corner feature.

Until next time, happy DIY-ing!