Cafécore: Turn Your Home into Your Favourite Café
There’s something uniquely comforting about the atmosphere of a favourite café. Whether it’s the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or the charming decor, cafés have a way of making us feel right at home.
So, why not bring the café vibes into your very own living space? The cafécore aesthetic is the latest interior design trend that can turn your home into a chill and aesthetic space.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can create a cosy café aesthetic in your home, covering everything from coffee bar design to the smallest decor details.
10 tips to create an at-home café
1. Create a dedicated coffee bar
A dedicated coffee bar serves as the heart of your home café. It’s where the magic happens – where you start your mornings or entertain guests.
Find a corner in your kitchen, dining area, or even in your living room to set up your coffee bar. It doesn’t need to be large; a small, well-organised space can be just as effective.
A sturdy, stylish sideboard or bar cabinet can serve as your coffee station. Opt for pieces with ample storage space to keep your coffee essentials organised with storage bins and organisers.
@cozyspaceinterior and @hausonthehorizon creates a makeshift drink station using the Lily Sideboard.
The Seb Tall Bar Cabinet is the perfect piece for your hosting needs, with fluted shelving and a stemware rack.
2. Incorporate smart storage solutions
Make the most of your available space by incorporating storage solutions like shelves, baskets, and hooks.
For example, the dead space beneath a countertop can store a trolley cart to keep extra mugs, coffee beans, or sweeteners. Make use of vertical space and include a decorative touch by adding hooks or racks to hang accessories like coffee filters, spoons, and other tools.
3. Select the perfect tableware
The right tableware can enhance your café experience at home by adding to the overall aesthetic and making each coffee moment feel special. Choose a variety of mugs and cups to suit different types of coffee. Think ceramic mugs for a rustic feel or glass cups for a modern look.
Invest in some plates and saucers that complement your coffee cups and pastries. Mix and match designs for a more eclectic, café-like feel.
The Aiden Tableware features a multi-coloured speckled finish that adds a touch of artisan charm - perfect for an at-home café.
@mirandabrady opts for the neutral-coloured Audrey Dinnerware for meals. Also pictured: The Rio Outdoor Teak Dining Set.
4. Choose comfortable furniture
Comfortable seating is a key element of any great café. It’s where you’ll relax, read, work, or chat with friends over a cup of coffee.
Consider a mix of seating options, such as a cosy armchair, a small sofa, or even bar stools if you have a counter space. Look for pieces with plush cushions and soft fabrics for a relaxing and comfortable lounging experience.
A small table or a set of nesting tables can provide the perfect spot for your coffee setup. Ensure they are at a comfortable height for sitting and enjoying your coffee.
@thelisafeed creates a beautiful kitchen island set up with the Edith Cane Counter Stools in Black and a cosy nook with the Ingrid Sherpa Chair in Teddy White.
The Abel Leather Counter Stools feature luxurious top-grain leather seats, offering a chic yet comfortable spot. Picture credits: @cococuenco
5. Arrange furniture to create an inviting space
In a café, seating is often arranged to invite people to sit together and chat. That’s why replicating this at home can create a welcoming atmosphere for relaxation and conversation
Additionally, thoughtful furniture placement can make the most of your available space, ensuring that your home café is also functional as much as it is aesthetically pleasing. It helps to create distinct zones for different activities, such as coffee preparation, seating, and lounging.
Consider arranging chairs and sofas in small groups to facilitate conversation. A pair of armchairs with a small table in between can create a cosy nook for two. Small, round tables can also be used to replicate the look and feel of a café. These are perfect for enjoying coffee, working on a laptop, or having a snack.
@cottageandsea creates a cosy space for a cup of coffee by the fireplace. Pictured: The Amber Swivel Chair and Vincent Coffee Table Set in Oak.
@helendriscoll maximises floor space by placing the Theo Round Dining Table and two rattan chairs in the corner, creating an intimate dining space.
6. Opt for cosy textures
Incorporating cosy textures is crucial for achieving the warm and inviting ambiance characteristic of cafecore aesthetics in your home.
Armchairs in plush fabrics or throws in knit materials add a layer of comfort to your at-home café. They invite you to unwind and enjoy your coffee in a cosy environment, much like in a real café.
Furthermore, since it’s your own home café, you can easily swap out or clean these fabrics without having to worry how long it’s been since it was cleaned!
7. Set the right mood with lighting
Lighting plays a key role in setting the mood of an at-home café. Soft, warm lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with a cup of coffee. It mimics the intimate, cosy feel of a café that invites you to linger longer.
Use a good mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting to create a balanced space - one that is not too bright or too dark.
For example, use warm overhead lighting to create a welcoming glow and avoid harsh, bright lights that can feel clinical. Hang pendant lights over your coffee bar or kitchen island to provide focused light for making coffee while adding a stylish touch. For task lighting, place small table lamps on side tables or shelves to contribute to the layered lighting effect, making your space feel more intimate.
Don’t forget to allow natural ample light to enter the space for a crisp and bright look, which also creates the illusion of a spacious at-home cafe.
@nicolechangmin allows ample natural light to enter the space. Pictured: The Edith Cane Counter Stools in White Wash.
The only thing @paulpayasalad’s corner is missing is a cup of coffee! Pictured: The Kit Bouclé Stool and Cedric Floor Lamp.
8. Introduce greenery
Introduce greenery to bring life, freshness, and some natural elements to your home café. Choose low-maintenance plants such as ferns, succulents, or trailing vines that thrive indoors. Place them on shelves, countertops, or in hanging planters to add greenery to your space.
If you have limited space, create a vertical garden with mosstallations or wall-mounted planters to maximise the space and add a lush look to your café.
9. Add decorations
The finishing touches of creating a home café are the subtle decor. These elements not only enhance the visual appeal of your space but also contribute to the atmosphere reminiscent of a café.
Hang coffee-themed posters and artwork such as illustrations of coffee beans, quotes about coffee, or vintage advertisements that complement the café aesthetic.
To take it up a notch, consider incorporating a chalkboard wall or menu board. This allows you to showcase your menu, daily specials, or coffee-related quotes to create that fun element and highlight the authentic coffee shop experience.
@audrey.interior creates an aesthetic space with the rounded alcove and decor. Pictured: The Harper TV Console.
@sezairi creates a fun space with quirky decor. Pictured: The Lucas Performance Bouclé Sofa and Ingrid Chair in Teddy Brown.
10. Create a café playlist
Have you ever been to a café that doesn’t play music? We doubt so!
A café playlist is a thoughtful addition to set the mood and truly replicate the café experience.
That said, decide on the mood or theme of your cafe. Choose music genres that align with the café aesthetic, such as jazz, acoustic covers, or lo-fi beats.
Adjust the volume to a level that complements the background without overpowering conversations or other sounds in your home café. The music should enhance the atmosphere without being intrusive.
An at-home café is within reach
Transforming your home into a cosy café is all about creating a space that feels inviting, comfortable, and uniquely yours. By focusing on the essentials of coffee bar design, selecting the right tableware and furniture, and incorporating thoughtful decorations, you can recreate the charm and comfort of your favourite coffee shop right at home. Enjoy the process of curating your space, and most importantly, savour the moments spent in your own café haven.
