Eric Abrecht builds wine bar in his basement: DIY ideas at home

An artist has fast become the envy of neighbours after spending months building a luxurious wine bar in the basement of his home.

Eric Abrecht, 53, from Baltimore, decided to begin work on the new home improvement project in 2020 when bars were shutting down around him.

The artist built an Italian-inspired bar complete with antique materials, recycled wood, mosaic tiles, and water-stained ceilings. 

He also lined the walls with wine and spirits from around the world.

The wine bar was completed in November 2020 and is privately used by Abrecht, his family and his friends.

Eric Abrecht, 53, from Baltimore, decided to begin work on a new home improvement DIY project in 2020

The painter wanted to build something more ‘permanent’ that would never be forced to close its doors during lockdown in 2020.

Abrecht used paint and glaze on the fittings to make the bar look ‘aged’ and ‘authentic’ – and he even built a proper entrance that would confuse passersby.

In an interview with the Mirror, Abrect said: ‘I have a passion for projects like this. When friends are here, they go absolutely crazy when they realise what is really taking place in the basement.’

In recently resurfaced photos, wine lovers can view the process by which Abrecht went about his restoration.

The basement was once a monochrome white without any special fittings or colour.

However, the painter created a cosy space with brick walls, stained glass windows, lush cherry furniture, and an emerald wood entrance. 

The artist built an Italian-inspired bar complete with antique materials, recycled wood, mosaic tiles, and water-stained ceilings

Abrecht used paint and glaze on the fittings to make the bar look ‘aged’ and ‘authentic’ – and he even built a proper entrance that would confuse passersby

The dad foraged all over op shops for décor that would make the bar look authentic.

A friend of the man’s even handmade the strained glass signage in the front windows.

‘I purchased antiques, frames, signage or I make my old looking ‘antiques’ if I couldn’t find the right piece. We love Verona, Italy, so that led the antique hunt,’ he said.

Albrecht revealed that he scored a vintage Italian phone he installed in the wine bar to accompany an antique mail slot by the front door.

The wine bar is private to Abrecht’s family and friends and not actually open to the public

The basement was once a monochrome white without any special fittings or colour

Thousands were mesmerised by Abrecht’s brilliant work.

‘Imagine feeling like going out but not having to leave your house!’ a woman marvelled.

‘The water stained ceilings adds a nice touch.’

‘I really need this house!’