Coffee isn’t just a drink for many people. It’s also the cornerstone of a daily ritual, a source of comfort, or a chance to gather.
National Coffee Day, on Sept. 29, is an opportunity to celebrate one of America’s favorite drinks, and to consider how its prominence in daily routine is influencing home design, from coffee bars to sunny coffee nooks to cafe-inspired aesthetics.
The connection between coffee and home design may not be overt, but the two overlap quite naturally.
Coffee and its consumption are inherently ritualistic, with a pace that invites you to linger. Meanwhile, homeowners are increasingly designing through the lens of sanctuary, offering space—and permission—at home to stop and savor the moment.
For some, that sanctuary at home might be a spa-like bathroom, or a dreamy primary suite. For those who covet their cup of joe, carving out space for the daily ritual is a must.
And a lot of homeowners are coffee lovers too, which explains the strength (pun intended) of coffee-related trends.
According to the National Coffee Association, coffee is the most consumed beverage in the United States (more than bottled water, tea, and juice), and 83% of Americans consume coffee at home.
Here is how coffee, and its popularity, is shaping home design.
Creating a Barista-Worthy Coffee Bar
Whether you brew in a simple drip coffee maker or are a serious coffee connoisseur with a high-end, built-in coffee machine, the most important aspect of designing a coffee bar is access, explains designer Sharon Sherman, founder and owner of Thyme and Place Design.
“Most kitchens have at least one coffee maker. Coffee consumption comes with an entourage,” she says.
“A coffee bar should have everything you need within reach,” says Sherman, noting that the immediate area near the coffee station should be able to accommodate beans and/or ground coffee, a grinder, filters, milk steamers or frothers, spoons, cups, napkins, and sweeteners.
With all of these “extras,” plus a coffee maker, how much space do you need for a coffee bar or station? Sherman explains that its not so much about size as it is about placement, opportunity for storage, and workflow within the larger space.
In one recent project, Sherman created a coffee and drink station on a small wall between the kitchen and table area, fitting everything into just four feet of space. Its location keeps it out of the main kitchen work zone, while giving guests easy access to everything they need to help themselves, helpful when entertaining.
The idea then is to contain coffeemaking into a zone, including supplies, refrigeration, and plumbing, if possible, to avoid crisscrossing the kitchen.
Like with Sherman’s recent project, beverage centers-turned-coffee bars are trending. They usually incorporate a small counter, with shelving and a small, built-in fridge, on the perimeter or nearby the kitchen.
Also trending are concealed coffee stations, particularly useful in smaller kitchens or open-concept floor plans where minimizing clutter is important.
With concealed coffee stations, a coffee or espresso machine sits inside a dedicated cabinet, often hidden by a pocket, lift-up, or retractable door, or on a pull-out drawer or shelf. These can also be integrated into a kitchen island or in an appliance garage.
A concealed coffee bar frees up counter space and provides well-located storage for coffee accessories right where you need them. Don’t forget to integrate outlets and lighting into the cabinet interior, if possible.
For the serious coffee connoisseur, a coffee machine built into the cabinet front is a luxury investment in your daily ritual that rivals the coffee shop experience. Flush into the cabinetry, with on-demand access, they typically have plumbing, sensors, options for specialty drinks, built-in frothers, and more.
While coffee bars and stations are most common in the kitchen/dining areas, they can be anywhere and are appearing throughout the home.
A small coffee station within a guest bedroom or in the hallway outside bedrooms offers self-serve options for guests, perfect for early risers.
Enjoy your morning cup al fresco? Install a coffee station in an outdoor kitchen area.
Kitchen-adjacent spaces like butler pantries and sculleries are also natural spots for a coffee station, keeping the coffee maker and accessories close at hand but out of the main kitchen.
Elevating the Coffee Experience
Almost as important as the coffee itself is the space designed around the experience of consuming it.
CafeCore, the aesthetic inspired by coffee shop culture, has been an influence on interior design for a few years. It’s no surprise that this style resonates with homeowners, as it leverages comfort, familiarity, and multisensory, experiential design.
To capture the cafe experience at home:
Tap into cafe-style decor, like cafe curtains, textured textiles, like throws and cushions, and curated furniture and accents.
Seating is important for sharing coffee, or for savoring solo. A sunny breakfast nook with banquette seating is perfect for guests without setting a formal table, while a window seat nestled between bookcases is a good choice for curling up with a cup and a good read.
Layered lighting is important for tasks, like making the coffee, but having the option to switch to softer, sociable lighting creates the right ambience.
In the same way that your coffee order is highly personalized, ultimately, the best coffee-inspired experiences are personal too. Sherman takes that approach in her own home.
“I have a lovely antique piece of furniture near my kitchen table that holds everything we need for a quick cup of coffee and a comfortable spot to sit and sip. I believe design is a reflection of who we are, and any place you create for friends, family, or even just for you should reflect that,” she says.
Hero image courtesy of Mike Can Tassell for Thyme & Place Design
