If your day doesn’t really begin until the first sip of coffee, this one’s for you. Carving out a dedicated coffee station at home is an easy way to turn your daily flat white or latte into a small ritual, without the regular trips (or spend) at your local coffee shop.
And the best part? You don’t need a huge kitchen or a barista-level equipment to make these setups work. From clever countertop corners to tucked-away cupboards and thoughtfully styled shelves, a coffee station can be carved out of almost any space. Here are the simple ideas kitchen designers recommend to get it right.
1. Design your coffee station around the machine
A great coffee station always starts with the machine itself. It’s the anchor of the setup, so choosing one that works hard and looks good will make everything else feel more considered.
As Georgia Allman, product stylist at ProCook, explains, “A thoughtfully designed coffee station can reflect your personal style, whether that’s minimalist and elegant or cosy and rustic, while enhancing both the look and functionality of your kitchen.”
Georgia also notes that “the coffee machine acts as the centrepiece, so it’s worth choosing a design with clean lines, a metallic finish and a compact footprint, keeping it both practical and visually appealing.” Positioning it close to a power outlet makes everyday use easier, while open shelving or drawers nearby help keep mugs, pods and accessories neatly organised.
Georgia Allman specialises in bringing visual concepts to life with careful planning and attention to all the details. She works with concept boards, style sheets and more to create the best photoshoots for products she works with.
The finish of your machine plays a big role too. "Lighter-toned appliances sit beautifully alongside natural materials like timber and stone,” says Tom Hopper, kitchens lead at Miele GB, “allowing them to blend into cabinetry rather than stand out.” He adds that built-in models are often favoured in luxury kitchens, thanks to “intuitive controls, personalised programmes and freshly ground coffee for barista-style results at home.”
Tom Hopper is kitchens category lead at Miele GB, specialising in premium kitchen appliances and emerging design trends, with a focus on performance-led innovation that supports modern, considered home living.
And don't overlook the practicalities of placement. "While you can technically keep a coffee machine in a cupboard it’s not something we’d recommend," cautions Steven Carter-Bailey, ProCook’s food expert. "The heat and steam it produces can cause moisture build-up which isn’t ideal, especially in the UK’s humid climate where mould can develop easily. Moisture in a cupboard that also stores food can also make it spoil faster."
"For safety and longevity, it’s best to keep your machine out in the open with proper ventilation," he continues. "Give your coffee machine pride of place on your worktop as part of a dedicated coffee or hot drinks station. If space is tight, a small side table can make a stylish and practical coffee corner without the risk of heat or moisture damage."
With its essential lines and polished metal sides, the Nespresso Pixie coffee machine is an ode to the modern industrial style.
The effortless way to enjoy all your favourite espresso drinks at the push of a button. With a 12.7cm touch screen display, you can select 40+ pre-set recipes like Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, and more.
Designed on the principle that ingredients taste better when fresh, the Barista Express prevents degradation of the quality of beans by grinding them directly into the filter for you, to extract their full flavour.
2. Stock up on coffee making essentials
Once you’ve settled on the right spot and machine, it’s worth thinking about what you need to make your coffee station work day to day. According to Zoe Turner, head of brand development at Denby, "to create the perfect coffee station experience and elevate every caffeine fix, you’ll need a few pieces of basic equipment:"
- A way to brew coffee: On a tighter budget, a cafetière is a good addition for any home coffee station setup. Ceramic coffee drippers are another great mid-price option: pour-over coffee is top-quality and full of flavour thanks to the long extraction process. Don't forget a kettle for hot water! If you want to feel like a real barista and don’t mind splashing the cash, invest in an espresso machine. It might just save you money on takeaway coffees in the long run.
- A coffee grinder: Grinding the beans just before brewing will greatly improve the taste of the coffee. You can splash out on an electric model, or save with a hand grinder. However, a grinder isn’t essential as you can always buy ready-ground coffee or ask your local coffee store to grind your beans for you.
- An electric or handheld milk frother. To really elevate the experience, you can use a thermometer to serve your milk at the right temperature — 60°C (140°F) is just right.
- A cocktail shaker: While they may seem more at home in a bar cart, cocktail shakers are great for making iced lattes. In the evenings, you can switch things up to create a delicious espresso martini.
- A mini fridge and freezer: Store fresh ingredients like milk, whipped cream, and ice in a nearby mini fridge and freezer, if space — and your budget — allows.
- Serveware: You’ll need some beautifully crafted ceramics to serve your beverages in. Mugs and espresso cups are a key staple of any coffee bar — for a cohesive and ordered look, opt for matching mug sets. Adding a mug rack will conserve preparation space on your counter, as well as looking neat and stylish.
- Storage: Fresh coffee beans or grounds should be stored in an airtight container, so get one that matches your mugs.
- Something for waste: You’ll need a small bin or food waste container to dispose of used grounds. These can be composted.
Zoe Turner is head of brand development and marcomms at Denby Pottery, bringing expert insight into styling functional kitchen spaces, everyday rituals and how thoughtful homeware elevates moments like the daily coffee routine.
With the capacity to grind 120g of coffee beans, producing up to 12 coffee cups at your perfect grind setting, and all at the touch of the on/off button.
Simple aesthetic meets powerful design. A gooseneck kettle that pours as good as it looks. It’s made from quality 304 stainless steel with a minimalist base to save space and a 0.9-liter capacity.
This Coffee Syrup Pump is made of BPA-free, food-safe plastic and food grade stainless steel. The specially designed pumps seal the bottles well, keeping out dust, debris and bugs. Every press delivers around 2 ml amount of syrup.
3. Create a larder-style coffee station that keeps everything in one place
If you like your morning routine to feel calm (or at least less chaotic), installing a larder-style coffee station would be a good place to start. Tucking your coffee machine, mugs and everyday breakfast staples inside a dedicated cupboard keeps everything you need in one spot – without turning your worktops into a catch-all in the process.
Lined in warm timber and fitted with open shelving, this beautiful unit by Tom Howley kitchens feels less like storage and more like a considered part of the kitchen design. As Tom Howley explains, “A tall housing unit or breakfast pantry creates a clean, integrated setup and keeps everything you need for your coffee station close to hand. Storing crockery nearby makes the routine feel effortless, while allowing the space to be closed away when it’s not in use.”
Tom has spent over 20 years designing bespoke kitchen and utility rooms designed to work in harmony with a client's lifestyle, making him an expert on knowing just how to create a functional but beautiful space that meets your needs.
4. Create a freestanding coffee station using a sideboard or dresser
If you don’t have space, or budget, for built-in cabinetry, a freestanding coffee station is an easy and flexible alternative. A kitchen sideboard or dresser can give your coffee setup a home without committing to a full kitchen remodel and these units works especially well in open-plan kitchens, dining areas or even cosy corners.
Styling these setups is what really makes them shine. Zoe Turner shares her advice: “A coffee station should feel like part of your everyday routine, not just another appliance zone. Using a furniture-style piece allows you to layer ceramics, textures and personal touches, turning a functional area into something you actually enjoy using.”
Top tip: Place a single large-format tile on top of your sideboard to act as a base for your coffee machine. It helps define the coffee zone and protects the surface from heat, splashes and everyday wear.
5. Use luxury finishes to elevate your everyday cup of coffee
Even a hidden coffee station can feel indulgent when the finishes are thoughtfully chosen. A marble or stone worktop, warm internal lighting and classic kitchen hardware are all little touches that can transform a purely practical setup into something that feels intentional and quietly luxurious.
According to Zoe Turner, materials really matter in spaces you use daily. “When something is part of your everyday routine, it’s worth paying attention to the finishes. Quality materials and timeless details help functional areas feel more enjoyable and less purely utilitarian,” she explains. Keep the styling simple and let the textures — stone, ceramic and metal — do the work.
6. Conceal your coffee station behind cabinet doors for a calmer kitchen
If visual clutter stresses you out first thing in the morning, hiding your coffee station behind kitchen cabinetry is an easy win. Tucking coffee machines, mugs and pods inside a dedicated cupboard helps you keep worktops clear and the kitchen feel calmer, especially in modern kitchens where everything is always on show. When the doors are open, you still get a beautifully styled moment; when they’re closed, the room instantly much more put together.
“Concealed coffee stations are ideal for maintaining a clean, uncluttered look,” agrees Tom Howley. “By integrating them into the main cabinetry, you create a space that’s practical to use but easy to hide away when it’s not needed.”
Top tip: To take your coffee station one step further, consider adding DIY shelf lighting. Simple strip lights or motion-sensor fittings help the space feel warmer and more considered, while also making early mornings easier. Options like the Argos Home Atollo Set of 4 LED Strip Lights are straightforward to install and cast a soft, warm glow that works beautifully inside cupboards.
7. Put your favourite mugs and jars on display with open shelving
Open shelving is an easy way to give a coffee station personality without making it feel heavy or overdesigned. By keeping mugs, glass jars and everyday essentials visible, the space feels more relaxed and welcoming and everything you need is right where you expect it to be.
Zoe Turner recommends treating open shelves like a curated edit rather than extra kitchen storage: “Choose pieces you genuinely use and love,” she says. “When mugs and jars are both practical and beautiful, they earn their place on display.” Keeping colours cohesive and sticking to similar jar styles helps the look feel intentional rather than cluttered.
This jar is handmade from recycled glass with a sustainable wood lid.
The addition of a cork ball to the minimalist design adds an elegant touch.
Each jar holds 350ml and features a sleek ribbed design that adds a touch of elegance to your space.
8. Turn an overlooked stretch of wall into a fully working coffee zone
Sometimes the smartest coffee station setups are carved out of space you’d otherwise walk straight past. A slim run of wall, an awkward gap between units or a section near a seating area can double as the perfect coffee spot with the right planning. Open shelves and brass hanging rails keep mugs and glassware close to hand, while integrated taps and appliances mean the station works just as well as a main kitchen run.
“We love the designated bar or coffee station located alongside a comfy seating area in the main kitchen of our project Historic Hall in the North Downs,” explains Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL. “This compact spot has water taps, drainage, coffee machines and orderly rows of shelves and hanging rails, all smartly tucked into a section of the room that could have so easily been ignored.”
It’s a great reminder that the best coffee stations don’t always come from adding more, but from using what’s already there more thoughtfully. Add a few thoughtful touches into the mix – such as vintage glug jugs, handmade ceramics, or delicate glasses – and it’s easy to make the space feel considered and personal, rather than purely functional.
Helen Parker is creative director at deVOL Kitchens, leading design, styling and brand vision for the British kitchen maker. She champions classic-meets-contemporary interiors and thoughtful, beautifully curated spaces.
9. Make use of vertical storage to free up precious counter space
“In a compact kitchen, you often need to think vertically and create as much extra storage space as possible by utilising the height of your walls,” says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr.
Pegboards are a flexible, low-commitment way to keep coffee essentials organised without eating into your counters. Simply use hooks to hang measuring spoons, milk frothers or mugs, and add small shelves for beans, jars or syrups.
The beauty of pegboard storage is that it can evolve with your needs, simply move pieces around as your needs change, making it a practical idea for small kitchens and galley kitchens that still want to feel considered and well styled.
Al Bruce is founder of Olive & Barr, known for designing bespoke British kitchens that balance classic craftsmanship with modern living, combining considered layouts, quality materials and timeless, functional design.
10. Design a coffee station in a nook or recess
If your kitchen layout doesn’t have room for a full coffee zone, look to the awkward corners and architectural quirks you might otherwise overlook. With a little creativity, a kitchen or dining nook can become the perfect home for a compact coffee station.
"If space is at a premium, we’ll design the coffee station in a nook or recess, usually with open shelving and a small integrated fridge beneath,” says Tim Higham, founder of Higham Furniture. “We then paint all the shelving, always recommending water-based paints because they’re durable and friendlier to the environment.”
And according to Tim, practical details matter just as much as aesthetics: “With any coffee station, plug sockets are required for small kitchen appliances such as a kettle or coffee maker,” he explains. “We create an aperture at the back of the shelf so sockets and wires are hidden from view, and we carefully plan shelf heights to ensure tea and coffee jars, cups and glasses fit perfectly.”
11. Install a boiling water tap to streamline the coffee making experience
If you’re serious about streamlining the coffee making process, get yourself a boiling water tap. These clever kitchen upgrades mean no kettle, no waiting around, just hot water exactly when you need it.
Dan Biddle, product manager at Abode, explains that “a boiling water tap allows you to enjoy hot drinks on demand, speeding up the process and making everyday coffee moments far more convenient.” Many modern taps can also be set to specific temperatures, so whether you’re brewing coffee or tea, you’re not guessing.
Design-wise, today’s boiling water taps are far more streamlined than you might expect. With slimmer profiles and finishes that range from classic to contemporary, they’re easy to fit into a coffee station without dominating the space. Plus, retiring your old kettle can free up valuable counter room, which is always a plus.
This boiling tap comes in a luxury brushed brass finish, featuring a 360° swivel spout and a child-safe spring lock.
Dan Biddle is Product Manager at Abode, specialising in innovative kitchen tap design, with a focus on functionality, efficiency and modern features that enhance everyday kitchen living.
12. Add colour and personality to make your coffee station feel joyful
This vibrant setup by Wayfair proves that a coffee station doesn’t have to be neutral to feel considered. A pop of colour, playful tiles and a few well-chosen accessories can turn an everyday corner into something that genuinely lifts your mood.
“More homeowners are slowing down and romanticising the little moments in life,” says Tom Hopper from Miele GB, “so having a dedicated space to store ground coffee and open shelving to display beautiful mugs is always a good idea.” It’s less about perfection and more about surrounding yourself with pieces you love.
Styling details make all the difference too. “Enhance the space with decorative touches such as a sleek tray for syrups, jars for coffee beans, or a small plant to tie the station effortlessly into your kitchen’s design,” advises Georgia Allman from ProCook. She says the trick is to get the balance right – aim for a joyful mix of colour and texture, grounded by practical storage, so your coffee station feels expressive without tipping into clutter.
Many of these coffee station ideas also translate beautifully into home bar ideas. Smart storage, good kitchen lighting and a little styling magic works just as well for cocktails as it does for your morning coffee.
