If you consider coffee as essential as food, water, and sleep, then you owe it to yourself to add a coffee bar to your home. With coffee bar ideas, function is paramount; whether you’re an espresso aficionado or a pour-over coffee devotee, an organized coffee bar helps you not only keep all of your coffee-making essentials (and actual coffee makers) close at hand and convenient. But the space can also serve as a stylish addition to your home.
“A coffee bar is one of those destinations in your home that can be designed to fit any budget,” says Rhode Island–based interior designer Lindy Lowney. “The first thing I always ask my clients is: Do you want it hidden or on display? Or maybe a combination of both? In either scenario, making it easy for everyone to serve themselves is ideal.” If you’re in search of ideas for the perfect home coffee station to serve up a cup of joe, we gathered some coffee station inspo from designers who know how to turn unused counter space into a sight straight out of a café.
What items should be on a coffee bar?
“Start with the essential coffee bar appliances, like a coffee maker, grinder, espresso machine, and teapot,” advises Lowney. “Consider which mugs, canisters, bowls, and silverware you will need.” Depending on your available storage space, stock up on supplies, from coffee beans, tea, cocoa, and sweeteners to straws, stirrers, and napkins. If you’re looking to create a visually pleasing presentation that keeps things organized, Lowney recommends layering with trays, cake stands, and cutting boards.
How do I set up a good coffee bar?
Focus on function above all. “What small appliances will you be using on your coffee bar? These typically require the most space,” Lowney says. After you’ve got the big items squared away, consider which mugs, canisters, bowls, and silverware you’ll use and how you want them displayed. Canisters are great for storing pods, tea, and sugar packets, while baskets can house extra dishes, filters, or napkins. Just be sure to designate a place for a small trash can and travel mugs. Your final focus can be the aesthetics, whether it’s a piece of artwork or a vase of fresh flowers.
How do you set up a coffee bar in a small kitchen?
Sure, size matters. But small spaces can work well for a coffee bar too if you’re low on counter space. “If you don’t have counter space, try utilizing a rolling bar cart that can be easily pulled out when needed,” Lowney says. “Even a small cabinet or console with closed storage could work.” If you have wall space, position the coffee bar against an available wall. Closed and open storage options, like drawers, baskets, and open shelves, can intermingle. Lowney recommends mounting rails and hooks under a wall cabinet to provide even more display options and utilize vertical space.
1. Storage solutions
Rows of drawers below the counter in this elegant coffee nook make it easy to find the coffee supplies, coffee mugs, and syrups. “In this remodel, the coffee bar design blends the functionality the husband wants with the clean aesthetics the wife desires,” Karen Harautuneian, founder of Hub of the House Studio, says. “Open shelving holds both the items the husband needs and the wife wants to display.”
2. Bar cart beauty
If you don’t have a designated coffee station, just roll with it—literally. In this example from AD PRO Directory member Regan Baker, a vintage bar cart is an interesting and unique way to serve coffee when entertaining guests. Thanks to its compact size and flexibility, serving becomes a breeze.
3. Coastal coffee lovers
A small space can be big on quality. That’s the case in this subtle coffee nook by Amanda Barnes Interiors, where supplies can be tucked away easily. “Even with smaller spaces, building out adjacent drawers and cabinets to hold mugs and all the accessories creates room on the countertop for any necessary appliances,” Barnes says, who recommends hiding outlets lower and closer to the countertop to make it easier to plug machines in and keep the cords hidden.
4. Tell a shelf story
You don’t have to follow a singular method of storage in your DIY coffee station. Instead, a fusion may be what works best for the coffee drinker in your house. In this photo from Tastemade’s book Weekend Refresh, traditional cabinets and open-concept shelving coexist.
5. A moment of reflection
Tucked in a bright eat-in kitchen, this coffee bar combines moody gray cabinetry, brass hardware, and a tarnished-mirror backsplash. “The room aimed to create a haven to unwind and savor the morning,” says Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors. “It offers a delightful experience that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation.”
6. Closet confidential
The perfect cup can be made in any room, and that’s the case in this living room by Baker. An existing closet was transformed by adding a hidden bar that can be used to make any beverage. The copper backsplash catches your eye and hints at the walnut used in the nearby kitchen.
7. Mini fridge must-haves
Kristen Fiore, principal designer at Kristen Elizabeth Design, suggests integrating a mini fridge into your home coffee station if you’re a fan of creamers or syrups that require refrigeration. “It serves double duty, allowing for alternate beverages or even medications to be stored close by for easy access.”
8. Asymmetrical and awesome
A blend of open shelving and closed cabinetry provides a unique contrast in this coffee area from StruckSured Interiors. It’s the perfect spot for everything from a French press to K-cups.
9. Classy coffee stations
A beverage counter at The Lockwood features a filtered hot-water tap and a drainboard instead of a sink. But it’s the way the contents of the cabinets are showcased that we love. “Here, we used punched metal screen doors to showcase these unique finds in a way that perfectly pairs with the aesthetic,” says Brian Miller, senior design director of interior architecture at Streetsense.
10. Lower cabinet love
AD PRO Directory member Zoe Feldman crafted this Washington, DC, coffee station to avoid cluttering the kitchen countertops. A stylish lower cabinet becomes a home for coffee beans, additional mugs, and barista tools while the eye-pleasing Chemex coffee makers hold court on the counter. “Though the rest of the kitchen has marble shelving, we opted to outfit the coffee nook with wood to lend a warm, organic feel—just what you want when making your morning brew,” Feldman says.
11. Dreamy kitchen design
“Inspired by the craftsmanship and timelessness of English kitchens, I wanted cupboard-inspired functional cabinetry, both inside and out,” says Kate Marker of Kate Marker Interiors, who added in Native Trails’ Malibu Sink in Pearl to create the perfect counter workspace to prep your morning coffee.
12. Mug rack magic
Purple Cherry Architects crafted this coffee bar, complete with custom cabinetry designed around a specific piece of artwork provided by the homeowner. “It offers ample storage for cups, condiments, and accessories, principal and founder Cathy Purple Cherry says. “A plumbed espresso machine that never requires refilling ensures a hot beverage is always just a minute away.
13. Redwood ready
Built-in filtered water dispensers and stunning redwood made this coffee corner from Baker a coffee bar dream. “Our clients are an active family and are always heading out to athletic activities. Being able to easily fill up large water bottles was a key feature they wanted in the space,” Baker says.
14. Canister central
Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors, turned a formerly confusing corner into a sleek and functional home bar. “The floating shelves allow our clients to showcase their personality through artwork and fun decorative objects,” Verruto noted.
15. Wooden cabinetry
Shirred panels are paired with inset wire-mesh cabinetry to create an elegant façade that discreetly conceals shelf clutter in this Westchester estate, crafted by the Mendelson Group. “Thoughtfully placed hooks beneath the upper cabinets offer mug storage, ensuring generous counter space for your favorite appliances,” says Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director.
16. Built-in beauty
Designed by Feldman, this Capitol Hill brownstone kitchen has a built-in Miele espresso machine bookended by floor-to-ceiling cabinets, with a pullout shelf below and a nook for mugs above. “For clients that are always on the go, we opted for ease and efficiency when designing their coffee hub,” Feldman says.
17. Pour-over pleasure
You’re guaranteed to mull over DIY coffee bar ideas when you see this alcove, created by Annie Obermann of Forge and Bow. “We loved the graphic pattern to draw attention and chose floating shelves with leather straps so the areas still felt light and easy,” Obermann says.
18. Countertop hidden gems
Coffee machines, like an espresso machine or a Keurig, are tucked away inside the cabinet in this space designed with Grothouse countertops by Rachel Savage of RS Design Management.
19. Stunning surfaces
This Marie Flanigan Interiors kitchen showcases the magic of mixing textures. “Typically, I’ll always hide these spaces behind cabinetry, but when you incorporate a beautiful surface or backsplash the coffee bar has a jewel-box effect when it’s opened,” Flanigan says.
20. Refrigeration station
There’s no better storage for cold beverages than a pullout refrigerator drawer right under your coffee nook. In this Urbanology Designs space, a home coffee station can tackle multiple roles.
21. Bring it to the bedroom
“An obvious but important question is: Where do you like to drink your coffee and when?” says AD PRO Directory member Dan D’Agostino of Plan Architecture. “For instance, placing a coffee bar in a [primary] suite allows homeowners to wake up and prepare their coffee immediately.” What better way to get yourself out of bed on a Monday than fresh coffee footsteps away?
22. Tap into tableside coffee
“It’s common to see coffee bars in kitchen designs, but setting up a coffee bar in the dining room is a fantastic option, especially when entertaining,” says Nancy Parrish of Nancy Parrish Interiors. Setting up a coffee nook in the dining room also means getting more use out of an often-underused space in your home—as well as leaving more much-needed free space in the kitchen.
23. Try a hallway café
“It’s my design philosophy to conceal appliances whenever possible for a cleaner look—with coffee making stations being no exception,” Margaret Naeve Parker, founder and principal of M.Naeve says. You can tuck your coffee supplies and coffee accessories anywhere into your primary living space, even off down a hallway.
24. Make way for a pastry display
Coffee is, of course, the main focus of a coffee bar for the java-obsessed, but it need not be the only edible element considered. “A coffee bar doesn’t always have to have the appliances front and center,” Anne Hulcher Tollett, founder and principal of Hanover Avenue, says. “When we’re designing coffee bars, we love lots of surface space to place morning or afternoon pastries or treats.” Because what goes better with coffee than pastries and treats? A stylish cake stand completes the café atmosphere in this kitchen.
25. Use the space you have
An island or peninsula might feel ideal for crafting a whole new vignette, but designating a small plot of counter space as your coffee bar works just fine. “Consider making the machine the main focal point of the coffee bar,” says Leigh Herr of Mackenzie Collier Interiors. But be warned—as any barista knows well, things can get hectic with so much activity in extra tight spaces. “Grinding your own beans, tampering them for an espresso machine, and frothing different milks can get messy. Even if it adds a couple of minutes to your routine, make sure you clean up after you’re done!”
26. Match materials
Some people can’t stand having appliances out on the kitchen counter while others enjoy having all their kitchenware on full display. For those who are wary of a non-concealed coffee bar, matching the materials of the station to the features of the rest of the kitchen can help achieve a sleek look. The stainless-steel coffeemaker in this coffee bar, by Jon de la Cruz of DLCID, looks right at home among the appliances of the rest of the kitchen.
27. Bring on the beans
If you use whole coffee beans in your home coffee-making process, put your dedication to the grind on full display by decanting them into glass jars, as AD PRO Directory member Brad Ramsey Interiors does in this black-and-white kitchen. When stored in tasteful vessels on the counter or on shelves above, coffee beans create an elegant and refined design element—plus they’ll be right where you need them when it’s time to brew.
28. Meet in the middle
As this Maestri Studios vignette proves, there’s no need to conceal the coffee station if it’s chic enough to earn front and center real estate. “Brass detailing, chunky dentil crown, and oversized hardware are meant to enchant and charm you when entering from any direction,” designer Katie Paulsen says of the project. Per D’Agostino, a centrally placed coffee bar brings an added benefit: “The aromatic factor is also important to consider. Having the coffee bar centrally located can fill the home with the inviting smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning.” That should help draw everyone out of their bedrooms.
29. Keep a consistent color story
Some people want a coffee bar that stands out and proudly draws attention to itself while others prefer a more subdued coffee area that blends into the kitchen or other living space. By using hardware that matches the main palette of the room, you can create a coffee bar that’s perfectly functional but not a visually assertive makeover. This Brad Ramsey Interiors coffee bar continues the color story of its white-kitchen setting while introducing a whimsical pattern to set it slightly apart.
30. Stay close to the sink
Placing your coffee bar beside a sink is an excellent and practical move. Not only will you be able to readily use the tap water for brewing your coffee, but you can also use it to rinse out mugs and wash off coffee spoons, permanent filters, and more. The coffee area of this Melinda Kelson O’Connor Architecture & Interiors is an exhibition in efficiency. “Adjacency to a sink, pullout trash, and even a dishwasher are very useful for coffee stations and make both cleanup and prep flow easily,” O’Connor shares.
31. Co-opt a cabinet
If you want a coffee bar in your small kitchen but don’t want to lose any counter space, consider staking claim to some cabinet space for your mini café. You can have a carpenter remove part of a cabinet door and sink the coffee bar into the recess thereby created (or build it as a DIY project, if that’s more your speed). What might have just been another shelf in a cabinet is now home to a tucked-in coffee bar in this Kelson O’Connor project.
32. Bright and beautiful
Not everyone embraces the pared-down aesthetic of the Scandinavian kitchen. If you’re more of a bold and bright person in your interior decor, keep that up with your coffee bar. “Bringing art, color, and special drinkware can combine two important pieces of someone’s life: coffee and a beautiful home,” says Chloe Judge of Mackenzie Collier Interiors. Nestled into a pantry space, the coffee station of this Outline Interiors project continues the punchy wallpaper of its surroundings and boasts shelves lined with all the objets d’art of an actual café.
33. Go for Baroque
The contrast of a fairly modern coffee making machine against design elements that look straight out of another century can make for a wonderfully eclectic tableau. Consider among your decorating ideas French-inspired ornate mirrors, antique glassware and bowls, artwork from another era, and other such touches inspired by yesteryear—or yester-centuries, that is.
34. Set the bar high
You can use your coffee bar for more than just coffee. “A coffee bar can shift to be more of a ‘beverage bar,’ and that way you can use it all day,” Collier says. “Mine works for coffee, tea, mocktails, and cocktails. The rise of the espresso martini really made it come full circle.” To fashion a multifunctional beverage bar, consider a wine glass rack below a floating shelf.
35. Roll in a concealed station
Keeping your coffee hardware on a pullout shelf allows it to slide out for easy access during use and cleaning and then pop back into the cabinet to preserve that clean look and keep counters clear for prep space. “When creating a coffee bar, I like it hidden along with other small appliances like the toaster and a smoothie blender,” Robbie Maynard of Robbie Maynard Interiors says.
36. Slide in a barn door
“A home coffee station in the kitchen can quickly become cluttered with espresso, coffee mugs, and a bulky coffee machine” says Chris Reinke, VP of research and development with the doors department of Owens Corning. “An easy DIY hidden storage solution involves installing a sliding barn door to maximize space and create a coffee station that is concealed from view when not in use.” This makes for a cozy coffee nook but also helps you prioritize function—particularly if your station is heavy on the appliances and cords.
37. Take over the pantry
If you have enough space to store your foodstuffs elsewhere, turn that cluttered pantry into a functional coffee bar. Alexis Elley, owner and designer at Textures Interior Design, suggests those looking to fashion a coffee station out of their pantry consider adding a wet bar. Even for pantries with the smallest of footprints, hooking up a sink can be the perfect way to make a room meant for storage into a bite-size, full-service café space.
38. Fashion a back-to-back beverage bar
If you have the space, take a tip from the team at Morgante Wilson Architects, who designed a clever two-sided bar area with coffee service on the kitchen-facing side and a full cocktail bar setup on the dining room side. If you want to make both sides a wet bar, you’ll only have to run one water line and then splice it near the sinks.
39. Go industrial
It’s your coffee station, there’s no reason not to go big with things—especially if you’ve got the space. Add a large grinder and coffeemaker combo with an industrial-chic look, or the kind of elaborate display akin to a chemistry set, to boldly call attention to your dedicated coffee space. An added bonus? The larger appliances afford you the luxury of brewing a whole lot of coffee at one time.
40. It’s a sign
The grace note to your home coffee bar could be a sign proudly proclaiming the space to be, in fact, a coffee bar. While signs in the home have been a polarizing topic in the design world, the controversial trend certainly makes more sense when you have a designated bar or coffee station to brand in your own vision. A bit tongue-in-cheek and ironic, a classy-looking coffee bar sign can dress up your dedicated coffee space while also adding some light humor.
Originally published in Architectural Digest
Text by Megan Johnson and Steven John
