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Stylist shares tips for creating a cosy coffee station on a budget

Morning coffee, upgraded!
coffee nook with coffee machine, syrups and tea
(Photography: Kate Walsh)

Want to stop spending so much money on coffee? Creating a convenient and stylish home coffee station could help you achieve your goal!

With the cost of living on the rise, people are looking for ways to cut their spending – and according to a study done by worldmetrics, the average price of a cappuccino is $4.10 and Australians drink an average of 2.7 cups of coffee per day. While that may not seem like a lot of money, it does add up quickly.

Currently, 70% of Australians drink their coffee at home, and they’re saving an estimated $1,100 per year. For the other 30%, that’s a lot of money that could have been put somewhere more important.

Not sure where to start? Better Homes and Gardens stylist Kate Walsh tells us how to create a cosy coffee nook at home. She says it’s simple, easy and, best of all, totally affordable.

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coffee nook
(Photography and styling: Kate Walsh)

How to make a coffee station at home?

1. Choose a cosy spot

First things first: choose where in your home you want to create your coffee nook. It could be in the kitchen, a living space or by a window. Keep it somewhere that’s convenient, easy to access and close to where you enjoy drinking your coffee. The idea of a coffee nook is not only to have a practical space, but for it to be somewhere you can enjoy downtime, somewhere you’ll sip your morning or afternoon coffee with a book, magazine or company.

Don’t have any spare bench space? Kate says adding a cart or side table will do the trick!

2. Maximise your space

“When creating my coffee nook, I wanted to make it convenient for preparing a variety of coffee and tea drinks,” says Kate, “I maximised the space by using the full depth of the counter and having designated areas. I also used compact appliances and the organisation of essentials in containers or trays to keep the area functional and clutter-free.”

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  • Assess your needs: Start by considering what items you’ll be storing — coffee beans, pods, syrups, mugs, spoons, etc. This will help you to determine the size and type of storage you need.
  • Opt for multipurpose items: Look for storage pieces that serve dual purposes, like a tray that can hold syrups and also serve as a decorative element, or a storage basket that can hold both coffee filters and tea bags.
  • Prioritise durability: Choose storage pieces that are durable and easy to clean, as they’ll likely be used frequently. Quality materials such as glass, metal, or wood are good options.
Stylist’s tips for successful coffee station storage

3. Gather your supplies

Head to the shops and grab everything you need for your coffee nook, from storage to coffee, teas and syrups. It’s an initial investment, but it doesn’t need to break the bank and will save you more in the long run.

“My go-to is the Target 1.6L glass container with a bamboo lid, which I find perfect for storing everything from coffee beans, sugar and snacks. The sleek glass design makes it easy to see what’s inside, and the bamboo lid adds a touch of natural warmth to my kitchen. Plus, the airtight seal keeps everything fresh for longer, making it both a stylish and practical choice for organizing my coffee station.”

When it comes to buying syrups and other toppings, we suggest only buying ones you will actually consume – don’t just buy them for decor.

“I have a huge sweet tooth, so I definitely had to add chocolate, sugar and syrups to my coffee station,” says Kate.

“My go-to coffee syrups are vanilla and hazelnut, but I also love experimenting with new flavours like caramel, toffee, and even seasonal ones such as peppermint during the holidays. Whether it’s a cosy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, I enjoy creating sweet, indulgent coffee and tea concoctions that satisfy my cravings and make every cup feel like a treat.”

syrup dispensers
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4. Make it practical

While you may want your coffee nook to look stylish and cosy, the key is ensuring that it is practical and easy to use.

“I arranged appliances and accessories in a way that is both convenient for daily use and pleasing to the eye. Keeping frequently used items such as the coffee machine, mugs and coffee pods within easy reach making the space practical, while thoughtful placement ensures everything looks organised,” says Kate.

5. How to style it

Now that you know how to maximise the space and make it practical, the final step is styling it to look comfy and inviting.

“Consider adding a soft rug or warm lighting to enhance the overall experience of your coffee nook. Add textures such as marble and wood to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.”

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Blue kitchen renovation with country style plate rack and mug rack
(Photography: Sue Ferris, Brent Wilson, Tim Roberts | Styling: Kate Walsh)

Stick to a cohesive colour palette

Choose a colour scheme that complements the rest of your kitchen, and stick to it for all your coffee nook accessories such as mugs, containers and décor. Neutral tones such as white, beige or soft greys can create a clean, minimalist look, while incorporating wood elements adds warmth and texture. If you prefer a pop of colour, select one or two accent colours to keep the space unified and visually pleasing.

Incorporate stylish storage

Use aesthetically pleasing storage solutions such as glass jars with bamboo lids, marble trays or ceramic containers. These not only keep your essentials organisedm but also serve as decorative elements. Displaying items in uniform, attractive containers can elevate the overall look of your coffee nook and make it feel more curated.

Add personal touches

Include small decorative items that reflect your style, such as a potted plant, a framed quote or a vintage coffee grinder. These personal touches add character and warmth to the space.

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6. Money, saved!

Creating a coffee nook at home will save you a lot of money. The total spent on this cosy glow-up was under $200, so it’s a small upfront cost. But if you’re buying one or more coffees a day, it’s totally worth it.

Now you can save money on coffee and make it in your own cosy coffee nook. We bet you’ll love it more!

Shop the look

syrup dispenser

01

Tylden soap dispenser

from $24.95, Bed Bath N’ Table

Kate found these gorgeous soap dispensers and converted them into syrup dispensers for her coffee nook.

marble tray

02

Beige Marble Serve Board

from $10, Target

Kate stacked two marble trays to add some height and texture to the coffee nook.

mug

03

Mug, Pebble Brown

from $3.50, Target

If you don’t have mugs, or you’re in need of some stylish ones for your coffee nook, these are a great option that Kate opted to buy. For this cheap price, it’s hard to say no!

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