From connoisseurs and collectors to anybody that likes a glass with dinner, building a space specifically for wine is popular in Western Australia.
Brian Burke Homes Group Managing Director Michael Burke said wine storage spaces were a trendy part of the Perth home scene, with client requests ranging from full-blown wine cellars to some racks under the stairs.
Transforming from a luxury home addition to a must-have item, these homeowners are creating moody ambience with LED lights and dimmers, while others are incorporating timber and natural stone to give their space a rustic aesthetic.
In the technology front, commercial grade refrigeration and temperature control units are becoming popular choices to control humidity and ensure wine is kept at a consistent and cool temperature.
Meanwhile, those who love to entertain often want their cellar accessible, and may choose to integrate the space into a larger bar area with bar fridges, coffee machines and dishwashers.
“Many of our clients who love entertaining think about wine storage as an extension of their living areas,” Mr Burke said.
“When the house is designed around cooking, eating and entertaining, people think about the perfect glass of wine to accompany a meal or relaxing with friends over a bottle – where then is the wine or bar storage going to go?
“One client built an underground cellar for their collection, with an easily accessible wine cabinet in the main living space that also housed beer, spirits and nonalcoholic drinks.”
Mr Burke said the cellar should ideally be located in a space away from direct sunlight where temperature control was possible.
The design expert said it was important to consider heat and moisture generated from airconditioning or refrigeration, and reflect on the necessary drainage, ventilation or additional insulation that might be necessary.
Underground cellars were flagged as a great option, due to the ability for the space to be larger without impacting main living areas, and homeowners were encouraged to consider lighting and what impact they want it to have on the space.
“When designing your lighting, think about how you are using the space,” Mr Burke said. “Is it simply somewhere you will come and grab a bottle of wine to take with you back to your entertaining area? Or will it be a space where you entertain?
“Do you want it to be on display as a feature in your home or tucked away out of sight? How accessible does it need to be? “Does it need a special area where you can hide certain vintages? “Does it require to be under lock and key?”
Mr Burke said wine cellars could double as an artistic element of the home, with display-ledge lighting working to highlight bottles or showcase memorabilia, empty bottles, books, boxes or wine glasses.
For those who want to use the space to entertain, a benchtop with a small sink was considered essential, along with a healthy number of power points, speakers and a sound system, or for fun – a coffee machine, a dishwasher and an icemaker.