Okay -- pretty well all the examples you have in your ideabook have extra storage above the bar. Think in terms of having that to the side, either on one side extending up (allowing for a bookcase on the other side), or as low cabinets on one or both sides. That's why I put the two little cabinets on either side of the central area in the diagram, thinking one to hide a small fridge, the other as extra storage for keep bottles etc that aren't pretty enough to go on the shelves. (Or maybe a wine rack instead?) Should have explained that. :-}

Then it's not so much like plunking a kitchen dresser in your living room.

The key would be to keep the same finish and style on the bar & the bookcase/s, which is why it would be nice to have them designed as one unit.

Off to bed now, my side of the ocean. Good night.