Wondering what should be on the top of your kitchen wish list? There's a new trend we've been seeing on our social media feeds that is as beautiful as it is practical. It seems the reading corner trend isn't the only corner in town. The coffee corner, also known as the drinks corner or kitchen coffee station, is the latest kitchen feature that everyone wants. Ours is one of them.
The irresistible idea of setting up a coffee bar in your kitchen has to do with the growing popularity of coffee culture and, since the pandemic, the rise of remote and hybrid work. Girls (and boys) of Instagram and TikTok have jumped on the trend, creating coveted kitchen coffee station setups. So we wondered what the best arrangement for a coffee corner is and what are its must-have elements. Let's see what the pros have to say.
Kitchen Coffee Station
(Image courtesy of Smile Kitchens)
TikTok is full of videos showing how to create the perfect kitchen coffee station, and this one by Julie Braten (@julieebraaten) from Norway, created entirely with Søstrene Grene products, is just one of many, but the results are adorable. And the good news is that you can now buy Søstrene Grene products online, making it easy to recreate.
Many of our favourite celebrities are also jumping on the bandwagon, from David Harbour and Lily Allen to the likes of Lionesses footballer Millie Bright's Shaker kitchen makeover.
(Image courtesy of Future PLC/Katie Lee)
As well as looking pretty, there are also real benefits to having a dedicated coffee corner, and keeping your kitchen worktop tidy is another good reason to keep it in mind.
“Instead of cluttering up your kitchen worktop with all the things you need to make coffee, having a dedicated place for all your drinks-related items keeps everything organised and easily accessible,” says Alex Gort Barten, director of kitchen appliances brand Dualit Ltd. “From coffee makers, milk frothers and grinders to mugs, teas and sweeteners, everything can be neatly arranged and within reach.”
And then there's the ritual of making a hot drink in a dedicated space. “We've noticed that drinks corners have become more popular, reflecting the rise in people working from home,” says Dave Young, founder of HUSK Kitchen. “Making a hot drink has become a ritual that's repeated throughout the day for many people, so making this space feel a bit more special and organised makes that ritualistic break that much more enjoyable.”
(Image courtesy of Howdens)
As coffee culture spreads, people also prefer to enjoy it at home, which has also contributed to the popularity of coffee corners.
“Electronics departments are growing in popularity as home entertainment becomes an essential part of modern life,” says Joe Jackson, director of product management at luxury appliances brand Fisher & Paykel.
“Functioning as an extension of the kitchen, the coffee corner expands social possibilities by providing a dedicated space to brew and enjoy coffee together with loved ones, meaning guests don't have to leave the table when they want another drink.”
Adi Heaton, head of design at kitchen manufacturer Howdens, added: “It also helps to blend kitchen, dining and living spaces to create a more harmonious living space.”
Where can I set up a coffee corner?
(Image courtesy of Fisher & Paykel)
Coffee corners are popular fixtures in the kitchen, but they can also be incorporated into your living room.
“Coffee nooks are one of the most requested features in the bespoke kitchens we design,” says Richard Davonport, managing director of Davonport. He says there's a 50/50 split between clients' preferences of whether they want their coffee nook to be visible or hidden, but he also recommends it himself.
“To design the best coffee corner, we recommend hiding it out of sight to avoid cluttering your kitchen. A pull-out shelf for your coffee machine is a must, so you can easily pull it out and use it without having to lift it.”
(Image courtesy of Dualit)
But coffee stations aren't just for large kitchens, and they don't have to be built-in, which can be expensive. According to Zoe Turner, head of brand development and marketing communications at tableware and cookware brand Denby, a coffee station can easily be part of a small kitchen idea on a budget.
“Even in a small home, you can easily set up a coffee bar by utilizing an empty sideboard or kitchen countertop. Maximize the space by adding shelves for storage jars and ingredients, and save counter or cabinet space for larger appliances.”
FAQ
What do you need to set up the perfect kitchen coffee station?
First, let's consider practicality.
“Make sure there's an outlet fitted at the back of your coffee corner so you can plug your coffee machine in,” points out Richard from Davonport – after all, even the best coffee machine won't work if it's not plugged in. If you have a wireless option, having a convenient charging point is equally important.
Then, of course, you'll need your favorite coffee machine or cafetiere. Also, consider shelving to display all your coffee bar essentials. “The best coffee corner setup is with beautiful mugs and cups displayed on a shelf above the coffee station,” says Dave of HUSK Kitchen.
(Image courtesy of Davonport)
Zoe, from Denbigh, adds: “As well as installing shelves, installing a mug rack will not only save space but also allow you to display your beautiful drinkware.”
She adds a few more handy gadgets to the list: “A coffee grinder will make your coffee taste so much better by grinding the beans just before brewing. You'll also need an electric or handheld milk frother, and a cocktail shaker. These tend to be better found on your bar cart, but they're great for making iced lattes. In the evenings, you can switch it up and make a delicious espresso martini.”
I don't think I need to tell you to get beautiful mugs, cups, glasses, and a variety of teas and coffees stored in airtight containers – that goes without saying.
How should you arrange your coffee station in your kitchen?
Keeping your kitchen as tidy as possible is not only important for making cooking easier, but also for your peace of mind – nothing is more stressful than working in a messy kitchen.
When it comes to your kitchen coffee station, creating an organized space with enough room for your morning brew is key to starting your day off right.
“Dividing your coffee bar into multiple zones makes the process much quicker and more enjoyable,” explains Darren Watts, showroom development and design director at Wren Kitchens.
“Place the coffee maker and grinder in the brewing zone, supplies in the storage zone, and mugs and spoons in the serving zone. Clean and organize your coffee bar regularly to maintain an uncluttered, attractive space. Wipe down surfaces, wash mugs and refill supplies as needed to keep everything fresh and organized,” he adds.
Want to create your own personal barista zone?
