Do you have a small section of your kitchen that rarely gets used? It’s time to give that space a purpose. In-home coffee bars have grown in popularity because they’re functional, practical and versatile. Here are some tips to help you transform part of your kitchen into a coffee bar.
Determine the Best Area for Your Kitchen Coffee Bar
A successful coffee bar needs a few key elements, including:
- A nearby cabinet for storing mugs and extra coffee supplies
- An accessible outlet for the coffee maker
- Enough counter space to hold the coffee maker and provide a prep/serving area
Those features will set the foundation for your coffee bar, but these optional elements can take it to the next level:
- Ample lighting, such as under-cabinet lights
- A miniature fridge to store creamers
- A small sink with filtered water to put in the coffee pot
- Areas to put décor
Whether you have a small space to work with or a full counter with room for two coffee pots, you can make a fun, user-friendly kitchen coffee bar.
Organize Your Cabinets to Accommodate Your Coffee Bar
In an ideal setup, you’ll either have upper or lower cabinets around your coffee bar that you can use to store mugs and supplies. If there are other items in that area now, you may want to reorganize your cabinets for a better flow. The good news is, you’re likely storing your coffee supplies elsewhere in the kitchen, so when you move them, you’ll clear up space for these relocated items.
Add Personality with Functional Décor Pieces
Coffee bars provide an opportunity to add some personality into your kitchen. If most of the room is neutral and formal, the coffee bar can be a little more casual. You could have a tier tray with sugar, pods and small seasonal décor. You could have a quirky hand towel or some simple art that fits your theme. Don’t be afraid to make this zone special. It could become your favorite part of your kitchen!
Note that the base of the coffee bar should still be somewhat neutral. That way, you can transition the space to a different purpose if you decide you don’t want a coffee bar in the future. Play around with temporary décor, but be careful about the tile, finishes and countertops you select.
Don’t Like Coffee? Check out These Other Ideas for Unused Kitchen Space!
If you’re not a coffee or tea drinker, having a kitchen coffee bar is a misuse of space. Consider these alternatives instead:
- Create a baker’s corner with cookbooks, cookie cutters, decorative tools, and more
- Establish a snack zone for your kids with all their favorite munchies in one place
- Turn this area into a pantry for dry goods and canned foods
- Maintain the “bar” idea with wine, liquor and spirits
- Put all your seasonal serving ware in one place so it’s easy to access during family get togethers
This is your kitchen. Make it work for your needs! O’Hanlon Kitchens would love to plan a kitchen remodel that accommodates your day-to-day lifestyle. Contact us at 443-285-0558 to schedule a design consultation.
