Designing a wine closet

Without a doubt, Americans have discovered the joys of wine. With the explosion of wine bars, expanded wine selections at the liquor store and improved wine lists in restaurants, wine has made its mark on America. The enjoyment of the fruit of the vine has turned many simple sippers into true oenophiles. And if you're short on cellar space to store and enjoy your favorite vintages, a wine closet might just satisfy your needs.

1. Closet choices

Selecting a closet to store your wine will depend on what makes sense in your home and your particular wine needs. If simple storage is your only concern, most any closet in the house will do. But if display and easy access from the kitchen, dining or living areas is important to you, then the closet needs to be located close to one of these areas.

2. Outfitting your closet

Starting with the door of your new wine storage closet, you may want to make the entrance as stylish as possible. A wrought-iron door or one with a glass insert makes your bottles visible and highlights the contents. Inside, you'll want to remove the hanging rod and any shelves and install racking instead. If the closet is small, simple racking shelves may be all you need.

3. Thoughtful arrangement

If you have room to spare, consider adding a counter with a stone or tile top. A small granite or marble counter will add more style at a fraction of the cost of a kitchen or bathroom counter. Add some drawers for wine openers, aerators and other paraphernalia, and install some open shelves above for storing glasses.

4. Room for racks

Below the counter is a good spot for wine racks. Because cold air sinks, the area below the counter makes a cooler spot for storing wine, but racks can be placed above the counter, too. Storage can be accomplished with individual racks or large open racks for stacking bottles on their sides. Remember that unlike openings for individual bottles, large, open shelving creates the potential for bottles to fall out or hit one another.

5. Wine style

Consider adding a light to the wine closet so you can see clearly when making selections. If you're handy or you can hire an electrician, think about installing a button light that turns on when you open the door and off when you close it. This handy option means you won't have to worry about a light being left on and warming up your stored bottles.

6. Bling it out

Adding embellishments and chic finishes will make your wine closet a place to show off and enjoy with guests. Adding decorative touches, such as an upscale door handle and stylish wine accessories, makes the closet more appealing. Some faux stone finishing around the closet can be used to imitate a cellar appearance.