January 19, 2006
Glass Mosaic Bar Sink
If you're going to install a home bar, complete with drink service, you'll probably need a refrigerator, dishwasher, and a sink. Sure, you could go with some forgettable stainless steel job, or you could get something a little more memorable. This square, glass mosaic sink from LinkaSink features a removable tray with the drain hidden underneath. The dimensions are 5" deep by 14" on either side. If you order the sink, you can choose from one of many different tray designs, so you can find something to suit your tastes. The company also offers custom designs, if you like the idea of a personalized piece of art. Hey, who said sinks were just for dishes?
Wine racks are great for people who prefer the grape-spawned stuff, but what about for those who enjoy the amber hues of a beer fresh from the tap? For you folks, there are home beer dispensers such as this one from Bring Perlick Home, a company that specializes in making bar and beverage equipment. This two-door, 48" beer dispenser has a side for refrigerating cans and bottles and a side that lets you keep up to three different beers on tap. The stainless-steel cabinet can hold a half barrel of beer plus two one-sixth pony kegs. The unit can be installed as a built-in or it can be free-standing. The price ranges from $4,279 to $5,379. Bring on the beer tasting!
Air hockey was my favorite thing to play at the arcade when I was a kid. Unlike those video games where you competed against some computer-generated opponent, you actually got to whack that puck at your friends (or their goals, depending on your target). I've seen a couple of air hockey tables designed for home use, but this three-sided table from Hammacher Schlemmer is the first I've come across that deviates from the standard one-on-one layout. As their promotional blurb says: "This is the only air hockey table designed for three players instead of the usual two, adding faster play and a greater challenge to air-powered hockey play. The triangular shape allows each player to directly challenge both of his or her opponents..." So, if you've got more than two kids (or the house is often filled with their friends) this could be a fun alternative to video games. 
