Brew Your Own Coffee Bar
For serious coffee drinkers, pouring a cup of freshly brewed java is a satisfying ritual. But all that paraphernalia can be somewhat untidy. Design a coffee bar in a special corner of your home that cuts the clutter and entices guests to linger. Gloria experimented with various setups before finding one that works for her. She’s happy to share her how-to tips:
The base for your coffee bar can be a cabinet, bureau, sideboard or even a TV stand. Closed shelving below the counter is preferred because foot traffic and pets stir up lots of dust and dirt, which means anything stored on open lower shelves will have to be rewashed before you use it. Gloria selected a twotone dresser and gave it textural interest by replacing the upper drawers with woven baskets.
Gain vertical storage and display space with tiered servers and plate holders. Gloria’s three-level piece holds glass jars of cocoa, marshmallows and three different kinds of sugar—white, raw and cinnamon-flavored. She pops in some decorative wooden houses and seasonal flora to give the arrangement visual appeal.
Mount shelves on the wall above the base. Gloria and Brian constructed theirs by splitting an attic floorboard in two and fastening the pieces to the wall with inexpensive hardware. Double usable space by anchoring small hooks on the undersides of your shelves. Gloria hangs vintage diner mugs and silver spoons from the hooks on her shelves.
A steaming cup of coffee is even more delicious when paired with a pastry or cookie. It’s the perfect opportunity to show off your favorite cake stand or heirloom platter. For a grab-and-go breakfast, keep a large glass jar full of granola bars on the counter or a selection of muffins on a covered cake plate or stand.
Give your coffee bar a unique identity with an advertising sign, a plaque printed with an inspirational or witty saying, or a piece of coffee-related artwork. A chalkboard with a handwritten menu works, too.