A Sweet Coffee Corner in the Kitchen

Creating a cozy coffee corner in your kitchen is a way to add romance and practicality to your daily routine. At Blackbird Cottage, I love incorporating seasonal touches into functional spaces, and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Today, I’m sharing how you can easily create a coffee corner like ours—a blend of vintage beauty, DIY flair, and practical design.

Choose the Right Space

Start by identifying a small nook or countertop area that isn’t too far from the main cooking zone, but with enough space to hold your essentials. The cottage kitchen isn’t expansive, so every bit of counter space is premium and this corner, between the pantry and sink, is the perfect contained area for both preparing and enjoying our coffee. It’s close to the fridge and any supplies I might require in the pantry or on the open shelves.

Add a Plate Rack or Open Shelving

Nothing says “charming” quite like a vintage-inspired plate rack. Gavin made this one from a piece of mdf and some pine trim. The recent addition of cup hooks for seasonal mugs added extra functionality and whimsy. I painted it white to complement the soft, bright palette of the kitchen. Not only does it add character, but it provides a practical solution for displaying seasonal dishes. If you don’t have the confidence ro make a plate rack, you could search one on Marketplace and paint it. Or add simple option shelves to create a look that’s similar. Consider filling yours with mismatched vintage plates or floral-patterned saucers for that quintessential English cottage look. The key is to create an appealing visual without overwhelming the space.

Incorporate Personal Touches

We’ve discovered from washing up in the sink (rather than the dishwasher) that we are very hard on china. So far around half a dozen mugs have gone to their graves, but this was a good excuse to replenish the stock with these cute Spring themed cups, which I hung on cathedral cup hooks. One of my favorite details in the new coffee corner, is my nan’s scone recipe on the back of the plate rack. This not only serves as decor but adds a sentimental, personalized touch. I used my Cricut, but you could paint or stencil a favorite family recipe or a charming quote—something that adds a little of “you” to the space. It’s a wonderful way to turn your coffee corner into a space that feels uniquely yours. You could also frame a recipe to put on your shelves. I’ve put a photo of my grandmothers on the cupboard. Both were wonderful cooks and would be right at home in our kitchen.

Essential Equipment

A coffee station isn’t complete without a trusty espresso machine. I use the Breville Barista Touch and swear by it for the ability to customize our beverages. Guest feel confident using the automatic function too. Choose one that fits your needs and space. Ours fits neatly under the plate rack. Be sure to keep essential accessories like a milk frother, tamper, and your favorite mugs close by. A small bowl for teaspoons or stirrers, like the jade-green dish in the photo, adds both practicality and a pop of color. Some people add flavors to their coffee, and storing these in cute glass dispensers next to your machine can give a cafe feel.

Finishing Touches

To soften the look of our coffee corner, I incorporated a pretty hand towel. The blush-pink, waffle-knit tea towel draped neatly adds warmth and texture to the space. Make sure to choose towels that coordinate with your color scheme but also serve a practical purpose.

Lastly, don’t forget to include something fresh! A small vase of white tulips is the perfect finishing touch, adding life and brightness to your coffee nook. It’s these little details that really bring the space together, transforming it from just another corner of the kitchen into a welcoming retreat.

Creating a coffee corner is all about mixing functionality with aesthetics. With a few thoughtful additions, you can carve out a space in your kitchen that brings joy to your daily routine. Happy brewing!