You may think we’re a nation of tea lovers, but in a recent survey this has been quashed, with 63% choosing a coffee over a tea, – and as such, it’s not surprising that at-home coffee bars have become all the rage to get our caffeine fixes. According to data from Pinterest, searches for “coffee bar styling” has increased by +1,125% and “coffee station decor” has increased by +145%. With Black Friday just around the corner, and a +500% increase in the search term “coffee machine Black Friday” in the last 30 days, this trend is set to stick around. With a rise in local coffee brewers to high-street chains and the coolest bean brands making their blends available for home use (Grind, we see you), the time for making your own bespoke coffee bar has arrived. From micro coffee bars, with clever space utilisation to ensure there’s room for everything, to the super-styled coffee bars and the creative corners that house a professional-grade coffee machine – here are some top tips on creating your coffee bar.
Location:
Location is key. It’s all about how you use your space and making sure your coffee station is somewhere it would work for you (it doesn’t have to be in the kitchen), and should feel like it elevates the space around you. Do you have a home office that would welcome an addition of a coffee kick? Then, you can utilise small trolleys and mason jars to create a mini coffee bar for those corporate caffeine moments.
Are you looking to create a coffee corner in your kitchen? It doesn’t have to be all about the machine. Some clever lighting – instantly providing a soft touch to the harsh coffee machine – and homely touches of coffee cups, patterned coffee tins, and plants, will quickly transform the space.
Organisation:
To fully embrace the coffee station vibe, it’s essential to make sure you have everything to hand to make your perfect cup. Use trays, baskets, and jars to keep everything neat and accessible – and don’t forget the teaspoons! If you’re into upcycling, you could use old jam jars to store your coffee elements and aesthetic labels for each to tie it all together – the devil’s in the detail, as they say.
Equipment:
From the coffee-making novice to the wannabe barista, there is a machine and set-up for everyone. If you’re new to the at-home barista game, a good start is a pod-based coffee machine. Super easy to use, with pods being available online and in some supermarkets, pop the pod in and press the button set-up. This also comes with minimal investment time needed for servicing – which usually consists of a descaling once a month.
For those who are super passionate about their at-home barista time, there are home versions that professional baristas use. It’s basically like having a mini coffee shop right in your home. But with that comes a similar amount of time investment needed to clean and maintain the machine.
Looking for an easy route to supreme coffee at home? Invest in a grinder to have fresh ground coffee and a milk frother to get that perfect foamy top.
Personal touches:
Decorate with items that reflect your style so it fits in with your decor aesthetic. Whilst the machines may be the star of the show, that’s not to forget about the smaller details that really make this yours. Adding some artwork to the shelving above the coffee station will quickly transform the space.
Ambiance:
So you have your coffee bar set-up but a way to take it to the next level is by creating a cosy and relaxing space for you to enjoy your brew. Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with soft ambient light, plants, and a comfortable chair or stool.
Accessories:
Let the mugs do the talking! More than just a drinking vessel, mugs are an amazing way to showcase your personality or interior decor style. Mix and match or all uniform, the choice is yours. Storing them on a small shelf system will give the impression of displaying works of art, so they become a focal point for the area.
Mix it up:
According to research, 87% of coffee drinkers prefer to have their fix in the morning – giving them that pep in their step. But we can’t talk about coffee bars without, well, coffee! From Brazilian beans to the reaches of Columbian and Peru, there are complex blends with an array of notes to suit your palate.
So there it is, top ways to design your very one coffee bar at home! The only question is, what’s your order?
