Jackson Street - Basement Bar
Lights in unfinished ceiling. SCH - yes, we specified track lighting and small heads, but you can also use pendants (or a combination of both). Using pendants at the bar might be nice. I like the white ceiling here. MC - Also like the distressed wood accent wall, though I still prefer the cork I think SCH - that wood wall is really busy. If you did something like that, I don't think you want to put shelves on it. Think of that accent wall as a color or a texture; not a design in and of itself.
Lights in unfinished ceiling. SCH - I like the white ceiling and the lighter floor (although I don't like that actual wood - maybe because it's a bit shiny). SCH - we rarely use shiny paint, especially in rough conditions as it just highlights flaws. We'd use a flat paint on the ceiling and walls, satin for the trim.
Like the soapstone bar/counter top idea and the hammered copper sink is pretty cool. I understand the soapstone can get price so I dug this up: https://www.soapstones.com/remnant-soapstone-countertops-sinks/. SCH - ok, just need to pick one and see if they have remnants in the sizes needed for your space.
Alternative bar shelving idea we really like. Might be cool against the backdrop of a brick veneer that is similar to the brick columns? SCH - you seem to gravitate to two different looks; one very simple with cabinets and one with more eclectic open shelving. You can do either, but I'd keep the back wall simple - a fun color or even a wallpaper. MC - Ok see notes on cork and distressed wood accent walls.
Gray-painted brick for bar wall; doors could pick up the gray.
Q