I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that most of you reading this article are from the PNW. So I don't have to impress on you the deeply embedded coffee culture associated with us. Even if you don't drink coffee per sé, coffee shops around here are pretty good about catering to you via teas, kombuchas, sparkling water, etc. We can all enjoy the cozy, welcoming vibe of a coffee shop.
Particularly well-designed coffee shops can really stick with you and even inform some of the design decisions we make for our own homes. The idea of creating a moment of dedicated coffee zen at home is not a new one, but it is one that is gaining traction in today's home design. Let's explore a handful of reasons you may want to incorporate a dedicated coffee bar in your home.
As I write this, I am in one of the best designed coffee shops in town. I very seldom have time to come here but when I do it hits on many levels. However ... for one pastry and one 12 oz latte, I just dropped over $15 before tip! Ouch! Maybe it's a good thing I rarely treat myself to this place. If incorporating a dedicated coffee bar into your home seems like a pricey indulgence, I challenge you to do the math on what you actually spend when you go out for coffee. It adds up pretty quickly! Taking the time to create an intentional, well-designed space for coffee and its associated activities (like reading, or catching up with a friend or doing a bit of work) may entice you to stay home and actually save money in the long run.
So, what do I mean exactly by creating a coffee bar vibe? Basically, it's intentionally creating a space dedicated to coffee making that is simple, clean, well-organized and solely dedicated to this purpose. From a design standpoint, the more streamlined the better. A visual message shouldn't be complicated or have any visual clutter. The message is "I love coffee. I prioritize it. It adds to the design decisions I've made in my personal space." It's an intentional bridge of form and function and it can be as simple as prominently displaying your high-end coffee maker on a clean stretch of your kitchen counter. Or as involved as dedicating an entire wall to multiple coffee machines, cups, coffee bags, teas, dedicated beverage fridge, etc. You get the picture. Both approaches communicate intent.
My next reason for carving out this kind of dedicated space in your home is directed towards those of us with an open concept floor plan. Whether you put any credence into these floor plans being "in" or "out" at the moment, if you've got one, you've got one. The trick to making open concepts work harmoniously is to create zones, in my opinion. Creating a section of cupboards, shelving and countertop to accommodate a coffee station is an easy way to communicate visually that this area has a specific function. It's a way to let your brain organize its surroundings.
What if you don't feel the need to shout out your love for java in your public space? Fair enough. Coffee bars in bedrooms are also gaining traction. There is an added sense of luxury at the thought of waking up and taking two steps to get your morning started. Especially on those chilly mornings, making your first cup and jumping back in bed has so much appeal. The same principles apply here as in public spaces. Keep it tidy and fit to one purpose.
There is a flex space in my own kitchen that is prime for setting up a beautiful coffee bar. I've got my eye on a really nice espresso machine when and if I decide to go for it. There is an extra challenge, I think, in intentionally designing a sparse space. But what is design but rising up to meet challenges? Let us know your thoughts on designing specifically for coffee activities. Are you planning a space like this for yourself?
