Stocked With Style

Southern Living, Nov 2004 by Mercer, Amy Bickers

A closet-size space is now a colorful bar area.

A splash of apple green, an equal mix of glass and granite, and a shot of silver are the ingredients used to concoct this wet bar in Peter and Merrie McGrath's Charlotte home. It's a modern treat that bears little resemblance to the outdated breakfast nook that formerly filled the space.

"Four of us couldn't even sit in there. We tried," Merrie says of the tiny alcove. When the family remodeled in 2001, Merrie asked architect Allen Brooks to find space for a wet bar. A new breakfast area was added next to the enlarged kitchen, so the old nook was ready for a makeover.

The space is still no larger than a walk-in closet, but it doesn't skimp on charm. The wall opposite the doorway is painted a bright green for impact. Two walls of cabinets add plentiful storage while leaded glass-front cabinets showcase a collection of glasses purchased on the couple's travels.

Silver hardware adds a touch of shine to the vanilla-toned cabinetry and reflects the stainless steel finishes on the ice maker and bar sink. AMY BICKERS MERCER

MATERIALS

oil-base paint in a variety of colors (For a brown granite finish, choose dark brown, burgundy, pink, green, black, white, and gray.)

glazing liquid

disposable containers (for paint)

plastic wrap

natural sea sponges

paintbrush

high-gloss polyurethane

EASY STEPS TO STYLE

The faux finish on this outlet cover is so good, you'll take it for granite. Even better, the technique is simple and inexpensive to do. Transform something small, such as a switch plate, or something large, such as a tabletop, with these easy steps.

Step 1: Use a paintbrush to cover the surface with dark brown paint. Allow to dry completely.

Step 2: For each paint color, mix half paint and half glazing liquid in a separate disposable container.

Step 3: Crumple a piece of plastic wrap, and use it to apply burgundy paint. Turn the plastic wrap as you work, replacing it when there are no clean surfaces left. While the paint is still wet, move on to step 4.

Step 4: Use a damp sea sponge to apply pink paint. Blot the entire surface with paint. Repeat this step for each paint color. The layers of paint will blend into each other to resemble a smooth granite finish.

Step 5: For extra shine and durability, use a paintbrush to apply several coats of high-gloss polyurethane to the surface.

Pages 122-123: Architecture by Allen Brooks, AB Architecture, Charlotte, (704) 333-7004; contractor was Jack Rorick, Rorick Construction, LLC, Charlotte, (704) 374-0549; wall paint is Duron Dried Basil, #7674D in eggshell finish.