How I design wine rooms perfectly tailored to you
The perfect wine room: designing for collectors and connoisseurs
When I design a wine room, it’s not just about creating a space to store bottles—it’s about crafting an experience that feels personal, luxurious, and entirely unique to you. Wine is so much more than a beverage. It carries history, culture, and craftsmanship, and for collectors, it deserves a setting that elevates it to its rightful place.
I want to take you behind the scenes and share how I approach designing the perfect wine room—one that tells a story, celebrates a collection, and becomes a cherished part of a home.
Designing for functionality and aesthetic harmony
Every wine room I create begins with you—your collection and your lifestyle. Are we designing for rare vintages that need precise temperature and humidity controls? Or is your dream to have a stylish tasting space where you can entertain friends over your favorite bottles? These questions shape every detail, from layout to the materials I select.
Functionality: The foundation of any wine room is proper storage. Maintaining consistent temperatures (around 55°F) and ideal humidity levels (60–70%) is non-negotiable. I use climate-controlled units or custom-built insulated walls with vapor barriers to protect your collection.
Aesthetic harmony: Just as important as functionality, the wine room should reflect the personality and style of your home. Whether you love sleek, modern spaces or warm, rustic charm, I’ll ensure the design integrates seamlessly into your surroundings.
In one of my recent projects, a townhouse in Brooklyn, the client envisioned a minimalist space with bold, luxurious details. I designed custom brass racks to showcase their most treasured bottles, transforming them into a statement piece. Textured stone walls and terrazzo flooring added timeless sophistication, while soft, recessed LED lighting highlighted the collection without compromising its integrity.
Elevating the experience with design details
What makes a wine room truly special is how it invites moments of celebration and connection.
For a client on the Upper West Side, I went beyond just storage and created a tasting area adjacent to the cellar. We chose a custom oak table paired with leather seating, inspired by Parisian wine bars. To personalize the space, I curated a wall of artwork that reflected their love of both wine and fine art. This space became more than just a wine room—it became a retreat for gathering and sharing stories.
Key design features
Custom racks and shelving: Sculptural and functional, crafted from materials like brass, steel, or reclaimed wood.
Lighting: Warm, non-UV lighting enhances the ambiance while protecting your collection.
Temperature control: The heart of a wine room, ensuring your bottles are perfectly preserved.
Materials: Natural stone, wood, and metal create a timeless, grounded aesthetic.
Personal touches: Framed wine labels, unique decanter displays, or a library of tasting notes make the space truly yours.
A space as unique as your collection
Every wine room I design is inspired by you—your tastes, your passions, and the memories you’ve built around your collection. It’s about more than just storing bottles. Every detail, from the layout to the finishing touches, is chosen to celebrate your collection and the moments you’ll enjoy in the space.
If you’ve been dreaming of a wine room that’s more than just storage, let’s create it together. I’ll bring my expertise in bespoke design to craft a space that’s as memorable as the vintages it holds.
Written by Carole Vaudable, interior designer