Design Notes
Coffee is a staple ingredient for the majority of people’s mornings. We love the freshly brewed scent as we begin our day and rely on the boost it gives us to get the last of the sand out of our eyes, plus a little bounce in our step. Since it has become such an integral part of the start of the day, it makes sense to create a dedicated area in the home for our beloved beverage. From a sideboard near the kitchen with all the essentials necessary to make the perfect cup or an entire section set aside for its use, there are multiple reasons why you should have a coffee station in your home. Let’s talk about how to design the perfect coffee bar area in your home, as well as some helpful tips for creating it.
The Benefits Of Having A Coffee Bar
Since coffee is such an integral part of our morning routine, it makes sense to create a dedicated space for it. It is convenient and concise, as it keeps everything you need in a single location, eliminating the need to run around the kitchen, grabbing a mug from one cabinet and the sugar and cream from another. This also means less time is lost trying to rush in the morning to find everything you need for your coffee before leaving for work, which allows more time for other morning tasks, such as helping the kids find their homework. By having a special spot in your kitchen just for making coffee, you have room for the extras needed to make your beverage just the way you like it, including sugar, cream, flavorings, and even whipped cream for those special days. This also means that the coffee maker can be stored in this area, versus on the kitchen counter, saving valuable countertop space and keeping the kitchen looking less cluttered. You can also store items like to-go cups and coffee stirrers, making it even easier to get out the door. Additionally, you can save money by making your own coffee at home instead of buying it on the way to work. Having your own coffee bar is a great addition to your kitchen design for several reasons, but the primary one is the opportunity to personalize it to suit your desired taste.
The Essentials Of A Coffee Bar
The first step in assembling the perfect coffee bar station in your home is knowing what should be included. Everyone has their own way of enjoying this hot beverage, but there are basic essentials needed, such as:
- Coffeemaker
- Coffee mug
- Storage
- Accent pieces
- Supplies
Take time to think through your process for making your ideal cup of java. This is important because it will help you compile a list of items to include in the design phase. Ask yourself some questions to help with this part. What size coffeemaker do you have? Is it a single-serve Keurig, or are you considering an upgrade to a full-service maker, such as a Miele coffee and espresso machine? How many coffee mugs? What things do you enjoy with your coffee, like cream and sugar? Do you often need it to go, which means having a place to put disposable or reusable cups? Will you need a small sink so you can easily refill the water in your machine, rather than carrying it from the kitchen? Additionally, every area of your home should feature a decorative piece that reflects your style, including the coffee bar. Some decor pieces can also serve a dual purpose by being both functional and beautiful, such as decorative jars with lids that store ground coffee or whole beans. You can also have a unique stand that sits on the coffee bar to hold your favorite mugs, or consider a wall-mounted option. Having these items written down will be a great start to designing the perfect coffee area in your home with everything needed to make the perfect cup.
Designing A Coffee Bar
Once you know what you want, it is time to begin the design work, but how do you go about creating a space for a coffee bar? This is where the list you created earlier comes into play. Design an area that has sufficient space for your specific coffeemaker and can accommodate its electrical needs as well. You will also want to decide what type of coffee bar you need, whether it should be open or tucked away inside a cabinet. Both have their benefits, as an open bar can be inviting to everyone, including guests, and provide an opportunity to add visual interest to the space. A coffee bar that is tucked inside keeps the kitchen looking unified and easy to access when needed. For a hidden coffee bar, a roll-out is essential since it enables you to pull it in and out with ease. In general, drawers are a good idea since they make it simple to organize the various items needed to assemble the perfect cup of coffee, such as mugs in one drawer, supplies like sugar and stirrers in others, and even K-Cups and coffee beans. If you decide to have an open bar, think about adding floating shelves. Not only are they great for storing certain items, like mugs, but they can also be turned into focal points by incorporating unique decor pieces. Plants, sugar bowls, and even mason jars for the coffee beans all work well together to form a lovely little area in your kitchen. It is also worth mentioning that a coffee bar is not limited to the kitchen but can be in the living room or even the dining area. Both are areas where family and friends gather, making it super easy to get refills when needed. If you work from home, it might not be a bad idea to include a small second coffee bar where you can get that second cup of motivation when you need it.
Walker Woodworking When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
Walker Woodworking What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.
Walker Woodworking We always say details matter, and that goes beyond a project. Your home is filled with details that tell your guests who you are and what matters to you. Artwork, pottery pieces, and furniture are just a few things that give homeowners a chance to show off their style. Another area is hosting, and tablescapes have become a beautiful, fun way to share your own unique design choices with family and friends. Whether it is for a small gathering to enjoy time with those you love or to celebrate a special occasion, there are many ways to create the perfect look. By combining different colors, patterns, or materials, you can create a tablescape that will dazzle your guests, whether you prefer an elaborate or simple design.
Greenbrook Design Window treatments have made an interesting journey through the years in interior design. From floor to ceiling and mere window length, they have travelled the full circle of style. Today, window treatments can come in a variety of forms and options, plus they do more than just block out the sun; they can finish the look of a room and add the necessary touch that brings out the homeowner’s personality. Windows are our connection to nature and are an essential part of the home, which means they deserve proper consideration and care. They are also an area of the room that naturally draws the eye of the homeowner and guest alike. Most of the time, however, windows tend to be overlooked.
Greenbrook Design There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.
But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.
Greenbrook Design