With coffee shops across the UK being closed for the most part of the last 12 months (or at least only open for takeaway), it’s no surprise we’ve been drinking more coffee at home than any of us could have imagined.
The lack of coffee shops to escape to and cosy up in has left many of us searching for ways to recreate the experience at home. And in a time where our home environments are everything, we’re much more appreciative of those little things that help get us through the day.
Photo @donnerstagsonntag
If we’re in need of some comfort and warmth, or a dose of energy to help beat lockdown fatigue, coffee is what we turn to. And with a rising trend in kitchen coffee stations, essential daily coffee rituals have earned a dedicated space in our homes. With more people adopting a remote-working lifestyle, and with one-stop coffee shops placed right in our kitchen - we think at-home coffee culture is here to stay.
Try the trend for yourself, and follow our 4 essential steps to creating the perfect coffee cafe in your kitchen:
Photo @grillodesigns
1. Perfect Placement
Whether it’s the kitchen countertop, a free standing cart or a spacious cabinet - choosing the perfect location for your coffee station is the first step in bringing it to life. We love the idea of repurposing a dresser or bookshelf to create a dedicated coffee corner. Or a rolling coffee cart is another clever mobile solution for storing all your coffee essentials.
If you’re small on space, but big on style, you can still create a stylish coffee bar in a cosy corner of your home. With a little imagination, a snug kitchen corner can function as a small coffee nook by keeping things minimal and making the most of nearby cabinets and shelf space.
But while you want to choose a spot that’s going to look good, there are some practicalities to bear in mind - so it’s important to choose a location that’s also functional. You’ll want easy access to electricity so you can plug in a coffee machine or kettle, and it’s useful to choose somewhere close to the sink and bin so you don’t cause a mess every time you make a brew.
Photo @eyeswoon
2. Position The Essentials
Your coffee machine or pot is the star attraction and should be placed before anything else to make sure there’s enough room to use it comfortably. If you’re in the market for a coffee machine to upgrade your mornings, Gaggia’s Anima is a fantastic bean-to-cup option. And if you’re more of a casual coffee drinker, an easy and affordable option is a pod coffee maker like Nespresso’s CitiZ. Its slim design makes it perfect for even the smallest of coffee nooks. Depending on how you like your coffee, you might need to consider some other items. An espresso machine and milk frother is a must for a latte or cappuccino lover. But if you’re a fresh bean kind of person you’ll need a place for your coffee grinder. (And if you’re partial to a builder’s brew from time to time like we are - a kettle is a must!)
Photo @thecozyfarmhouse
3. Stock With Supplies
Once you’ve nailed the essentials, it’s time to add the extras. A pretty and practical addition to every coffee station is a great selection of mugs. A mug rack is a great way to display all your favourites, as well as saving you a trip to the cupboard every time you fancy a brew. A wall-mounted unit is another great option - perfect for hanging or stacking, as well as giving you some more space to store some items above.
Next, it’s storing your coffee. If you use a pod machine, there are loads of stylish options for storing eco-friendly coffee pods including baskets, spinning towers and drawers. For those who prefer fresh beans, a jar with a sufficient seal is a must. Make sure it’s airtight for the freshest brew.
As for your sugar, syrups and stirrers - make them accessible by arranging them on shelves above your coffee station, or popping them alongside your machine on a stylish tray.
Photo @momocup
4. Add The Finishing Touches
When it comes to giving your coffee station that final finesse, there really are no limitations! From beautiful flowers and plants, to chalkboard menus and gorgeous coffee art - choose items that fit with your signature style for a personalised touch. These gorgeous additions complete the look and will make sure your coffee isn’t the only thing that perks you up in the mornings.
Cover image @dreierleiliebelei