Pinterest's 2024 trends highlight 'Cafecore' as the next big thing in kitchen design, inviting the cozy ambiance of your favorite coffee shop into your home. This trend is also gaining traction on TikTok.
If your kitchen feels more functional than charming, embracing the Cafecore aesthetic could be the perfect solution. Think of a space that invites relaxation, allowing you and your guests to enjoy a warm drink in a cozy corner, free from the formality of a dining table. Sounds delightful, right? We agree!
For those who appreciate the simple pleasure of that first cup of coffee in the morning, dedicating a small nook for a stylish coffee station is a fantastic idea. Imagine bistro-style tables and chairs or inviting banquette seating that complements your color scheme. Let's explore how this trend can help you slow down, cherish your daily routines, and turn your kitchen into a vibrant living space.
Tips for Designing a Coffee Corner in Your Kitchen
To create a charming coffee nook that reflects the ambiance of your favorite café, we consulted interior designers for their expert insights on designing cozy nooks in your home.
The beauty of establishing a coffee corner is that it doesn't demand a spacious kitchen. 'I've been advocating for comfortable seating in kitchens for years, so I'm thrilled to see it becoming trendy,' shares designer Bethany Adams. 'Begin by resisting the urge to cover every wall with cabinetry; leave one wall open for a café corner. Built-in banquettes are lovely, but for maximum versatility, a small settee and a café table or two comfy chairs are ideal for enjoying coffee, snuggling with your dog, or unwinding with a glass of wine after a long day.'
Unlike a traditional dining room that often feels formal, a coffee corner creates an inviting and casual atmosphere, perfect for fostering connection and conversation, much like your favorite café table.
'You can easily replicate the inviting feeling of dining out in your kitchen or breakfast nook,' explains Kristina Khersonsky, founder of Studio Keeta. 'Cafecore romanticizes the simple act of enjoying your morning coffee at home while adding layers of comfort, making your space feel like a café. It just takes a few thoughtful details to create a significant impact,' she advises. So let's dive into the specifics.
1. Choose Bistro-Style Tables and Chairs
Infuse your kitchen with Parisian flair by opting for a charming bistro table and chairs to set the stage for your café corner. These petite pieces take up minimal space and add a delightful touch to your kitchen's seating arrangement.
'I adore the concept of utilizing unused areas in your kitchen to create a café corner aesthetic,' says designer Kathy Kuo. 'The key is to select a small café table with a minimal footprint and plan for just two chairs around it,' she suggests. 'Bistro chairs made of woven materials are perfect for this setup, as they are lightweight and easy to move when you need to create more space.'
As Kathy notes, chairs with woven or rattan features add a vintage touch, while tables crafted from wrought iron or marble bring a chic contrast to wooden pieces. If your kitchen is smaller, a round table can enhance intimacy while allowing chairs to tuck away neatly.
2. Alternatively, Build a Banquette
Comfy seating is a hallmark of any beloved coffee shop, making a banquette an excellent choice for a cozy corner in your kitchen or dining area. It creates a welcoming spot for morning coffee or unwinding with a good book, encouraging you to linger a bit longer.
'In addition to fostering a more intimate dining experience, a small bench seat is incredibly versatile — it can serve as a spot for working from home, enjoying coffee, or sharing cocktails with friends,' suggests Tiffany Duggan, founder of Studio Duggan. A banquette creates a sense of togetherness that standard chairs cannot replicate.
'They also save space effectively, as the bench can be positioned against the wall. Designing a cozy banquette adds both visual interest and practical use to an otherwise dull corner, often becoming a focal point in the kitchen,' Tiffany explains.
When designing your banquette, consider incorporating hidden storage within the bench and choose plush cushions and throw pillows in complementary colors and patterns.
3. Invest in Quality Brewing Equipment
Having the right coffee-making equipment is crucial for brewing that perfect cup. Dedicate a specific area in your kitchen for your at-home coffee station, whether it's a movable bar cart, an appliance garage, or a pantry cupboard. Create a designated spot for displaying mugs, storing coffee beans, and housing your coffee machine and teapot.
'Cafecore is about drawing inspiration from our favorite local coffee shops and incorporating that into our homes,' explains Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport. 'This can be as simple as selecting the perfect container for coffee beans, setting up a syrup station, or designing a dedicated coffee pantry that houses everything you need for the ultimate brew.'
'A dedicated coffee cupboard is an excellent idea,' Richard suggests. 'Typically, it's a double kitchen cabinet that neatly stores your coffee machine, pods, beans, syrups, and mugs behind closed doors, effectively minimizing visual clutter in the kitchen. You simply open the doors to prepare your morning coffee.'
Casey's coffee station design features the De'Longhi Dinamica Plus, a versatile coffee machine approved by our resident barista, Laura, who does caution about its somewhat messy milk frother.
Learn more in Laura's complete De'Longhi Dinamica Plus review.
If you want a coffee maker built to last, check out this Dutch-made drip machine. It's durable and brews coffee quickly and quietly, available in various colors.
Our Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Coffee Maker review has more details.
This machine is also featured below. We tested the analogue version recently and were impressed – it brews excellent coffee, and the integrated hopper stores your beans for you.
Find more information in our Breville Barista Pro review.
4. Incorporate Cafe Curtains for a Charming Touch
The charming café curtain is trending in 2024. Use them on windows to cover the top or bottom halves, or substitute them for cabinetry doors for a whimsical cottage vibe. They balance privacy and openness, allowing soft light to filter in.
'Cafe curtains are not only beautiful window treatments, but they also serve as a practical means of sectioning off space, obscuring views, or creating privacy,' suggests Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens. 'To create an intimate coffee nook, consider draping vintage lace in your windows or adding a touch of Parisian café charm with deVOL's aged brass café curtain rails.'
Choose fabrics that align with your overall décor. Light sheer linens or airy cottons can enhance the welcoming atmosphere you desire.
Studio Keeta founder Kristina Khersonsky also agrees. 'Incorporate vintage café curtains to soften your space. Many cafés showcase curated collections of ceramic mugs, plates, and coffee spoons; consider adding vintage or vintage-inspired coffee cup sets and displaying them on open shelving for that café feel.'
5. Use Soft Colors and Cozy Textures
Creating a coffee hub at home allows you to cultivate a serene environment away from the hustle of busy cafés. To achieve this feeling, soften the space with gentle hues and warm textures.
Cafecore focuses on crafting a cozy retreat where you can savor your favorite drink while engrossed in a book, working on your laptop, or indulging in a hobby. Choose colors and patterns that encourage a sense of relaxation.
'Since you're carving out a distinct space within a larger room, feel free to experiment with surfaces and design elements that differ from the rest of the area,' suggests Luis Carmona, founder and designer at Verde. 'You might opt for a unique color palette or medium to distinguish this space. Painting an accent wall or using textured wallpaper, wood slats, or tiles can achieve this effect.'
Wondering about the best colors for relaxation? Consider two approaches: draw inspiration from nature or coffee. Soft, muted shades like gentle pinks, serene blues, and earthy tones create a tranquil backdrop for your café corner. Alternatively, warm creams, caramel shades, and deep mocha tones offer a cocooning atmosphere that's on-theme. Layer textures and textiles, from smooth marble countertops to plush cushions and soft throws for added comfort.
6. Personalize with Ambient Lighting, Art, and Accessories
No space feels complete without finishing touches like wall art, lighting, and accessories. Consider adding open shelving with hooks to showcase your favorite mugs and stylish items, curate a selection of coffee table books, or simply decorate with a few wall plates. These personal touches create intimacy and make your space unique.
Natural light is crucial for an inviting atmosphere, but if your nook lacks it, ambient lighting can be the perfect solution. Think about pendant lights, wall sconces, or picture lights to add warmth and create an appealing environment.
'Enhancing the character of your space through art, lighting, or texture helps it stand out from the surrounding area,' adds Luis Carmona. 'Wall sconces or recessed lighting can highlight the nook while providing functional, task-oriented lighting. A well-defined nook can become a little alcove with its own style and personality.'
The rise of dedicated coffee stations, coffee bars, and cozy nooks illustrates our growing love for caffeine in 2024. By carving out a little corner in your kitchen for your favorite beverage, you'll not only stay on-trend but also create a snug space reminiscent of a welcoming café.
