Use the Area Under the Stairs
“Coffee bars aren’t just for the kitchen,” says designer Marnie Ousler. Don’t overlook the space under the stairs. Here, Ousler carved out a compact yet functional space with open wood shelving, a small refrigerator, and cabinet storage for her client’s coffee essentials.
Add a Wooden Tray
A footed wooden tray can make any coffee setup feel more special. Add things like matching mugs, potted foliage, and framed art for a picture-perfect look.
Lean Into a Coastal Flair
This charming coffee bar, located in a small hallway niche, is given the coastal treatment, thanks to weathered wood paneling. “We like to include a wall treatment behind the bar for dimension, plus a waterfall counter can add a touch of elegance to the space,” says designer Marnie Ousler.
Match the Kitchen’s Color Palette
If your coffee station is tucked in a corner of your kitchen, maintain a cohesive look by sticking to the same cabinetry and countertop. “They blend in, but also offer a separate space to prep and enjoy the morning brew,” says Shannon Kadwell, kitchen and bath director at Anthony Wilder Design/Build.
Spruce up a Small Countertop
Embrace the charm of limited counterspace and elevate a countertop with a simple mug tree, a few holders for spoons and sugar, as well as a potted plant. It’s the perfect way to balance the look of an oversized coffee maker that can’t be tucked away into a cabinet.
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Install a Peg Rack for Mugs
There’s no reason why you should have to dig for your favorite mug whenever you’re in the mood for a cup of joe. Keep them all on full display like this setup from Murphy & Moore Design. “One of the best details is the coffee mug peg rack, a classic feature that’s both practical for everyday use and a charming focal point in the design,” says Rebekah Murphy, co-founder and architect of design.
Go Festive
What better way to greet guests than with a coffee cart that’s all decked out for the holidays? Be sure to have all the coffee essentials on hand, including mugs and sweeteners. But for a festive vibe, layer in decorative objects like reindeer, a wreath, and framed holiday wall art.
Design Around Black and White
A black-and-white setup doesn’t have to be drab. From the graphic backsplash to sweeteners in canisters and the homeowners’ favorite mugs within arm’s reach, every detail was considered. “For these clients, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual from dawn to dusk,” says designer Kendra Nash of Nash Design Group.
Take It Outdoors
If the weather permits, take your coffee station outdoors to delight your guests (you can add hot chocolate, too). Use a rolling bar cart to make the beverage station easy to move around.
Aim for Neutrals
A clear color scheme can instantly streamline your coffee cabinet. Here, The Merrythought chooses a combination of white and black coffee accessories for a cohesive feel.
Hang a Cabinet Skirt
Revamp a bar cart by hanging a sink skirt or hemmed fabric curtain, creating a hidden space to conceal large coffee machines, glassware, or bags of beans.
Set Aside Space in a Butler’s Pantry
Install a Rail System
From measuring spoons to a matcha whisk, this stylish rail system offers the perfect way to store coffee and tea accoutrements. A walnut wood cabinet holds designer Emily Bowser’s dishware below and houses her matcha maker, French press, and coffee grinder up top.
Stock Up a Bar Cart
Whether you’re designing a coffee bar for the home or office, stock up essentials for every preference. This office coffee cart includes machines for coffee, espresso, and French press coffee, as well as a variety of sweeteners and syrups.
Build a Custom Shelf
Not only does this wood shelf with cane webbing add warmth and texture to this modern kitchen, it’s a convenient spot to store coffee must-haves. Reserve space on the counter for your pour-over coffee maker, then keep mugs and a grinder above.
Hide Away Essentials
Upcycle a Dated Sideboard
This blogger gives a white sideboard a makeover by spray painting it—along with the hardware—black. Now, this black coffee station creates contrast in a white interior.
Delegate Counter Space
You don’t need a large or fancy set up, just as long you dedicate a space for brewing your cup of joe. Take inspiration from designers Natalie Beach and Chuck Womack of Kitchen Envy and tuck large coffee machines under floating shelves.
Swap Decor Seasonally
Let your coffee station make a seasonal statement. Think florals for spring/summer, pumpkins for fall, and evergreens for winter. Invest in a wooden mug tree and change the mugs on display every few months.
Source Vintage Furniture
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
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