Ask Veronica: To brew your coffee at home, begin by designing a space that draws you in

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to make coffee at home, instead of splurging on coffee- shop lattes, you’re not alone. There are a lot of us who appreciate the ease of a drive-thru or the jolt we get from meeting a friend at the local coffee shop. But if you’re wanting to curb your penchant for store-bought coffee, you may want to start by creating an at-home coffee station that’s both beautiful and functional. With some planning, organization, and personal touches, you can design a space that makes your daily cup feel special.

Designate a Space in Your Kitchen

The first step is to choose a dedicated area for brewing coffee. Whether it’s a new built-in or a repurposed cabinet, a space on the countertop or the bar cart, having a dedicated area to brew your daily dose of coffee can help make your morning routine feel elevated.

“I do a lot of built-in coffee bars, and when I’m working on a home renovation–especially designing kitchens–I find that clients really want a place specifically for their coffee and morning routine,” says Meagan Cooperman, principal designer at Cooperman & Co. Interiors. 

It doesn’t need to be anything fancy. “It doesn’t have to be a brand-new cabinet. It can be an area that you already use,“ she says. “It’s really about having everything in one place.”  

Take Stock of What You Use on a Daily Basis

Once you’ve locked down the space, think about what you need. To avoid clutter, focus on the necessities. As Cooperman says, this is an opportunity to “take inventory of everything you have and put it together in a functional way.”

This includes the coffee maker–whether it’s a simple coffee pot, a single-cup machine, like a Keurig or a Nespresso, or a high-end espresso setup, from brands such as Breville or Delonghi–your favorite mugs or to-go cups, syrups and sauces, and other items.

“We take an intentional approach, starting with a complete inventory of what the client has: the small appliances, whether or not they use pods, the number of coffee cups they’ve collected, and anything else that might influence storage needs,” she says. “That way, we can design a space that’s perfectly tailored to their habits and routine.”

Prioritize Functionality

Practicality should always guide design decisions. “Function comes first. It’s all about understanding what the client uses, how they use it, and then designing the space to make it as efficient and pleasant as possible,” says Cooperman. “Every inch of space counts.”

And there are always clever ways to make the most of space and budget, especially when it comes to organization. 

“If it’s not a built-in situation, you can add little hooks underneath your cabinetry to hang your mugs, or add extra shelving or extra space with the use of organizational tools. Just anything to get the most out of the space that you have,” she says. 

Thoughtfully chosen organizational tools don’t have to come at the expense of aesthetics.

“We also think about the exterior, adding beautiful hardware to make the space feel special,” says the designer. “Even on a smaller budget, you can achieve this same level of functionality and aesthetic by dressing it up with baskets, trays, or pretty containers for coffee pods, sugar, and other essentials.”

Equip Your Coffee Bar with Essentials

The right tools should match your routine, not the other way around.

“People have different routines, and many are very specific about their coffee. Some still like brewing a pot the old-fashioned way, while others prefer espresso machines,” says Cooperman. “I personally use a frother, a grinder, and keep everything together in one spot so that my morning routine is smooth.”

Sticking to personal essentials keeps spaces organized and streamlines the coffee-brewing experience.

“I have everything I need right there in the morning. The coffee is on auto-brew, that kind of thing,” she says. “Anything we can do to make it more pleasant, smoother, and more efficient while still making sure it is beautiful.”

Add Personal Style and Enjoyment

A personalized sign for the coffee-bar, elegant syrup bottles, and glasses laid out and ready to be used add personality and ease to your space. While it may not replicate the look and feel of a coffee shop, creating the right atmosphere can bring a sense of joy to your day.

“Even if people are trying to make coffee at home more often, part of the joy of going out is the experience itself,” says Cooperman. “That’s why it’s important to make the at-home experience special.”

And adding those touches doesn’t need to be complicated.

“Simple touches like a handheld frother or a beautiful mug can make a difference,” Cooperman says. “These little details make the experience feel luxurious, and give people the motivation to enjoy coffee at home.”

Ultimately, like a lot of things, it’s all about turning a routine into a special moment.

“The goal is to create a practical, beautiful area that enhances the everyday ritual of making coffee.”