Irina

Coffee station setups for your kitchen, from big to small

Posted on 9th April 2026

With coffee stations on the rise in kitchen design, we’re asking the experts why the surge of interest and how to do it right…

I am a self-confessed coffee enthusiast, to the point where I go to sleep dreaming about my morning mocha… which is why a barista-style station is not a want in my kitchen design, but a need. And I am not the only one.

Drink stations are trending in interior design, both for style and practicality, with recent research commissioned by homebuilder Redrow* showing that almost eight in ten homeowners (78%) believe a dedicated coffee bar makes a home feel more premium. Kitchen designers and industry experts are also seeing an increased demand for coffee stations.

“With the rise of high-end coffee machines for domestic baristas, we are without a doubt seeing an increase in the request for coffee stations,” George Glasier, co-founder of Pluck, tells me. “Coffee is embedded in our culture; it has a cult status, people are passionate about brewing the perfect coffee at home, and it is always a pleasure helping to create the setup for this.”

A kitchen corner with a coffee station, open shelving, and a small sink and tap. — Kitchen by Pluck. Photography: Rachael Smith.

Cassie Jones, brand manager at Masterclass Kitchens, has also noticed this rise and says, “Coffee stations, in particular, have moved beyond ‘nice-to-have’ status and are now a considered element of kitchen design. We’re seeing growing demand from homeowners looking to create dedicated spaces for daily rituals, from a quiet morning coffee to a more social, drinks-led setup. It reflects a wider shift towards kitchens that are designed not just for function, but for the way people live.”

The best location for a coffee station

If you’re interested in bringing the café experience into the comfort of your home, finding the right spot for your coffee station is important. “When it comes to placement, a zoned approach is key. Coffee stations are most effective when positioned just outside the main cooking area, allowing them to operate independently without disrupting the overall flow,” advises Cassie. “Whether integrated within a pantry cupboard, a breakfast dresser, or a run of tall cabinetry, the aim is to bring everything together in one intuitive, well-organised space that enhances both usability and design cohesion.”

If you have an awkward nook or even underused space beneath the stairs, for example, with smart planning and some professional help, you can transform it into a compact yet creative coffee station.

A coffee station with an oak dresser, and open shelving. — Brennan large sideboard, £624.99, Oak Furnitureland.

A bespoke breakfast cupboard under the stairs with bi-fold doors and neutral interiors. — This design by Rebecca Hughes Interiors features a bespoke coffee station for the homeowner’s morning routine. Photography: Astrid Templier.

A white kitchen design with dark worktops and a compact dresser with oak interiors and bi-fold doors. — Urbo kitchen by Roundhouse in Little Greene’s Slaked Lime matt lacquer, with antique brass panelling and detailing, walnut veneered cabinet interiors and worktops in book-matched Fusion Blue Leathered Natural Quartzite.

Breakfast cupboards

Pretty and practical cupboards are another popular way of integrating a coffee zone in your design. “Breakfast stations have made a huge comeback in recent years and are here to stay,” says Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen brand. “A modern family kitchen demands plenty of storage, and a breakfast pantry can be incredibly valuable when designed and arranged to suit your routine.”

A white kitchen with handleless units and an oak breakfast cupboard. — Masterclass Kitchens’ H-Line Sutton Scots Grey with Ligna Portland Oak and Portland Oak country dresser.

A classic kitchen with white Shaker units, oak interiors, and a central island. — Kitchen by Higham Furniture, from £35,000. Photography: Paul Craig.

This type of cupboard is particularly ideal in busy households, as you can conceal the morning chaos behind beautiful doors. Cassie adds that as the modern kitchen has become increasingly multifunctional, clever features such as appliance garages and bi-fold or pocket doors are also growing in popularity.

“These intelligent solutions allow a fully equipped coffee station or prep zone to be revealed when needed and seamlessly concealed when not. By hiding the mechanics of everyday life behind beautifully crafted cabinetry, the kitchen can effortlessly transition from a high-performance workspace to an elegant setting for entertaining,” she says.

A coffee station with a sage green interiors, open shovelling, white cups, and metallic appliances. — Handmade Shaker kitchen cabinetry, from £12,000, Olive & Barr.

A calm blue kitchen with veiny surfaces, oak interiors, and a coffee zone. — The Summerville collection in Inky Sky, Tom Howley.

Routines and rituals

When creating your new coffee station, consider your rituals and design around your routine; do you need ample storage for your ceramic cup collection, or perhaps you want to splurge on a barista-grade machine and require extra worktop space?

“The point of a coffee station is to make the ritual of coffee making a pleasure; it is a commitment to the cause to dedicate a spot to such a specific activity, so it really needs to work,” says George. “This means a functional and practical design; so enough worktop space, the accoutrements should be within easy reach, the coffee machine, the beans, the cups.”

Lastly, dare to have fun with the design, whether it’s through a bold pop of colour, quirky ceramics, or small, statement appliances – ultimately, your coffee station should reflect your personality while enhancing your routine.