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These coffee bar essentials are all you need to style your coffee maker in the kitchen

Transform your kitchen into your own personal café

Some coffee bar essentials in a white kitchen unit with drawers and shelf with a splashback of geometric patterned white, blue and grey, blue chair and marbled worktop, and blue and white patterned light shade.
(Image credit: Future)

I'm a firm believer in making space for our rituals, whether that's a breakfast bar for morning meals, a bathroom for relaxing baths, and, if you're lucky, a gym for working out. For me, coffee, arguably the most important ritual of all, should have its own space too.

You don't need to redesign your kitchen to make a coffee bar, but it's a good idea to make some space to style your coffee maker, rather than relegating it to a dusty corner. Adding a few flourishes, such as a coffee grinder, espresso cups, cappuccino cups, and coffee canisters will make all the difference too.

I'll give you all the coffee bar essentials that I, a former barista, have collected over the years. These are the practicalities. Then, our interior experts have written about how to design a coffee station in five simple steps. Armed with both of these, I have a feeling that your favorite café might be moving in-house.

The Quick List

Further down, I'll give you options and explanations of what you need in your coffee bar and why you need it. I'll even explain the psychology behind your coffee mug. However, if you just want a quick list of the coffee bar necessities, here's everything you need.

Coffee Maker

An espresso machine pulling a double shot of espresso

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You won't go far at your coffee station without a coffee maker. Thankfully, I've tested the best (and the worst) on the market, so I can recommend which ones to invest in. Whether you want a French press for acidic brews, or an espresso machine for supercharged shots, I'll tell you which ones to invest in.

If choosing between each model has you stuck, I have written a guide to the different types of coffee makers. Once you've established which machine you need, you can get started on your caffeinated journey.

These six coffee makers are my favorites. There's something for everyone. The Philips 3200 Series is an independent and competent machine; the Breville Bambino Plus is every barista's dream; and the Espro P7 French Press takes everything back to basics.

Coffee Grinder

A flat burr coffee grinder interior

(Image credit: GettyImages)

Experts are unanimous in saying that the fresher coffee is, the better it will taste. With that information in grind - sorry - you'll need some good quality coffee beans and an expert grinder.

It doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, Alex Spampinato, the barista trainer who I mentioned earlier, has been using the Breville model for 12 years. He said 'There are plenty of geeky, techy models on the market, but what you really need is a good quality burr grinder. You can pay more than $200, but you won't notice the difference.'

I've tested the best models on the market, from manual to electric, and these are the ones that I would recommend.

Coffee Beans

coffee beans

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A key ingredient for good coffee is investing in the best beans. Ashley Palmer-Watts, Michelin Star Chef and founder of Artisan Coffee Company, says 'beans are the basics of coffee. You don't need to get drawn into appetizing packaging and pictures of mountains and forests in the store, just keep it simple. Buy the beans that you like and always try to buy the best.' I've tried all of his coffee beans and would highly recommend them. His decaf coffee is especially incredible; I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. If you want good caffeinated coffee, I'd recommend his rich and chocolatey blend, The Heroine.

The best place to start is with medium roast beans. These will meet the needs of the average coffee drinker. I always look for organic beans, where possible, and try to go for blends rather than single roasts. These tend to have more well-rounded flavors because they draw on notes from a range of bean types.

Coffee Cannister

West Elm Coffee Cannisters

(Image credit: West Elm)

There's no point buying good beans without storing coffee grounds properly. We have a roundup of the best coffee canisters on the market. These all cover the basics: air-tight, cool, and opaque, but they go above and beyond for style.

These canisters are all about luxury. Once you put a cluster of canisters in your coffee bar, they'll add organization as well as style. I'd always buy them in threes. The rule of three is one that lots of designers follow, but it's also the perfect number for coffee beans, tea, and cookies. The cookie jar is an essential purchase, so don't skip it out. It's not a proper coffee break without some sweet treats.

Milk Frother

Frothed milk being poured into a coffee cup

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Most people like their coffee with a splash of milk. However, if you want to get really barista-ey and make lattes and cappuccinos, you will need to get steaming. Adding some silky, thick foamed milk will enhance your coffee's texture and the sweetness of milk naturally balances any acidity that you might taste in an Americano or espresso.

Some machines have milk frothing functions, but not all of them will. If you want to make a range of different frothed milks, hot and cold, thick and fine, you'll want a milk frother. If that sounds like you, these tried-and-tested milk frothers, will be your next favorite appliances. Your coffees will taste velvety smooth, every time.

Electric Kettle

KitchenAid Pro Line Kettle outside on a table

(Image credit: KitchenAid)

If you drink pour-over coffee or tea, you'll want an electric kettle. Tea leaves, coffee grounds, and matcha powder can be really sensitive to temperature, so you want to make sure that you can reach the perfect level of heat to extract all their delicious flavors. Every degree counts. That's why all of these kettles have variable temperature options, so that you can get serious about your coffee.

I've also included a delicate gooseneck kettle, which is a must-have for pour-over coffee. It can create a precise stream of hot water, so that you don't oversaturate your coffee beans or disgruntle your filter paper.

Mug Set

hampton coffee mug with a bowl on a mini table outside on blue and white bedding

(Image credit: The White Company)

You'd be surprised at how much psychology and science lies behind your serveware. Coffee mugs are no exception. In studies conducted by Dr George Van Doorn, Dianne Wuillemin, and Charles Spence, white mugs enhanced the 'intensity' of the coffee flavors, but transparent coffee mugs make you perceive less 'sweetness' in your coffee.

Porcelain and double-walled glass mugs make the best containers for your coffee. At home, you might have an eclectic collection of mugs, marking various occasions and trips, but a uniform set will keep your coffee bar looking smart. When it comes to storage, we have a whole article on how to organize your coffee mugs neatly. There are plenty of options, all of which will keep your countertops looking tidy.

Spoons and stirrers

Gold teaspoon with instant coffee on it and some scattered on the countertop

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When you add milks, creams, and sweeteners to your coffee, you'll want to give them a stir. Specialist spoons will suit longer, taller cups, but you can also buy some cuter, small spoons that you can balance on your saucer.

Syrups, Spices, and Extras

coffee syrups - amazon

(Image credit: Amazon)

If you like adding some extra flavor to your coffee, having syrups can be the key to a whole new world for your tastebuds. Lots of these bottles are ugly and messy, so make sure that you buy aesthetic-looking pumps. Simple jars and containers can make a world of difference. They'll keep your coffee bar looking uniform and smart, as well as ensuring that all your extra flavors stay fresh and delicious.

Napkins and Dishcloths

A napkin beside a plate and croissant

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Whether you're likely to make a mess or want to throw a dish cloth over your shoulder for a true barista flourish, it's good to have the right kit to hand. These are my favorite, cotton products that will keep you clean as well as looking exceptionally stylish too. I've included practical microfiber cloths, but I would recommend looking at MINDTHEGAP's kitchen linens. They're all ultra-premium and really eye-catching.

Coffee Books

coffee book - square mile coffee roasters

(Image credit: Square Mile Coffee Roasters)

What starts as an aesthetic look can transform into your coffee education. Alex Spampinato, the barista trainer who I mentioned earlier, says that every beginner, rather than invest in a whole host of gadgets, should look into coffee education. Once you know the basics, the whys, and the how-tos with coffee, you'll be able to make an excellent cup of joe. These books are informative, but also very easy on the eye. You'll buy them for their look and love them for their language.

Final touches

Marshall speaker

(Image credit: Marshall)

These are a few pieces that will give a sense of completeness to your coffee bar. I always have a phone charger nearby, so that I can plug my phone in and leave it on the countertop. It's also no secret that coffee can stain your teeth, so using a straw can help keep your smile pearly white without you having to cut out coffee.

Also, whether it's the news, calming white noise, or your favorite café playlist, it's always good to have a portable speaker to hand. Just make sure it's water and dust-proof, so that you protect against any accidents.

FAQs

What should I stock in a coffee station?

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You need coffee beans (and a grinder for them), some milk, and access to water. You won't be able to make coffee without these. However, if you like syrup, sugar, or spices in your coffee, make sure to have these on hand. I also like to have some cookies to hand, so that I can treat myself when I have a coffee break.

Where should I put my coffee nook?

Luckily for you, our interior experts are bursting with ideas for places to put your coffee nook. Whether it's behind clever doors, sat on pull-out drawers, or in a dresser-style cupboard, they have lots of clever suggestions for where to put your coffee nook.

My Verdict

Once you've made a coffee station, you'll wonder what you ever did without one. There are lots of subtle aspects that will make a massive difference. For example, having a speaker wouldn't be at the front of your mind, but if I don't have the news or music playing, something about my coffee ritual feels off. Similarly, when I remove my tray to clean it, the whole station just doesn't look right. Alongside the essentials, this is a great opportunity to personalize your space. Look for artwork, blackboards, and other accessories that are your style, so that you can cultivate the café that you always dreamed of owning.

Laura Honey
eCommerce Editor

Laura is our eCommerce editor. As a fully qualified barista, she's our expert in all things coffee and has tested over thirty of the best coffee makers on the market. She has also interviewed Q-Graders and world-leading experts in the coffee industry, so has an intimate knowledge of all things coffee. Before joining Homes & Gardens, she studied English at Oxford University. Whilst studying, she trained as a master perfumer and worked in the luxury fragrance industry for five years. Her collection of home fragrance is extensive and she's met and interviewed five of the world's finest perfumers (also known as 'noses'). As a result of this expansive fragrance knowledge, she always puts quality and style over quantity and fads. Laura looks for products which have been designed simply and with thoughtful finishes.