Every morning, I must admit, I have a bit of a ritual : I like to wake up, usually before everyone else is up, and stumble into the kitchen to get myself a cup of coffee. There is a solace in being among the quiet of the morning, having nothing more than a couple grams of coffee beans and hot water to put you in the perfect mood. I take a few moments to practice some mindfulness, breathing in the warm smells of the brew, taking little moments to sip and fully awaken. It makes for the perfect moment - and I am very grateful for them. I have always loved coffee since I was young, even having the opportunity to work as a barista and learn a lot more about the process that goes into cultivating, roasting, and making the perfect cup. It got to the point that I had even turned my family into coffee fanatics, setting up our little own coffee station at home!
If you are a coffee fanatic like me, and are looking to create your coffee station at home, it can be a little difficult to know where to start. With a few easy steps, and a little guidance, you will be able to make your own coffee station at home in no time:
Creating The Space
When it comes to creating a coffee bar at home, you first need to think about the space and whether or not you have the room to create the station. When trying to source a center for your coffee station, it is ideal to look for either an unused corner in the kitchen, a table by the window or wall that isn't a necessity and nearly for decorative means, or even just a nook or space on the counter by the stove. It is also good to take note of any outlets by the area, as you will need a space to handle whatever equipment you will be bringing in for your coffee bar.
Once you figure out the space, take measurements. How much can this space accommodate? Do you have the space to only fit your coffeemaker? Or do you have a space that can hold your mugs, sugars, flavorings, and other equipment and goodies to make your perfect cup of coffee? In measuring this space, this is an essential step as it requires you to really get crafty with how to arrange the space and store your equipment.
The Equipment
Once you figure out the space, here are some things to consider when creating your coffee bar:
- A Chalkboard - Or A DIY Chalkboard Menu
- A Coffee Maker - Whether French Press, K-Cup, Drip, etc
- White Bottles with Chalkboard Labels (You Can Use Oil or Vinegar Bottles to fill with flavorings or even simple syrups for sweeteners)
- Glass Jars with Labels - To store coffee and label different roasts
- Mugs or Coffee Cups
- Spoons or Stirrers
- Wooden Box - for storage
Create A Menu Board - DIY Chalkboard Frame
Here is a quick and easy project to help you elevate your space!
How to Create A Chalkboard Menu
Gather Supplies:
- A Sheet of Plywood - Measured To Space or Specific Frame and Sanded Until Smooth
- A Wooden Frame or Picture Frame - Measured To Fit Plywood Sheet, Glass Removed
- Black Chalk Paint - Such As BEHR Interior Chalk Paint (Little Black Dress Color or Black Boudoir) or DecoArt American Chalky Finish Paint
- White Chalk or White Paint Markers
- Optional - Tape or Glue | Stencils or Lettering Guides | Line Guide | Ruler or Tape Measure
Directions:
- Begin by painting the sheet of sanded down plywood with the black chalk paint. Paint a base coat first, making sure to brush it as evenly as possible. Wait to try, and apply a second coat, repeating the process until completely covered and the plywood's natural color cannot be seen.
- Insert the plywood to the frame when completely dried, securing it in place with either tape or glue to hold it in place. Ideally, the plywood should fit snug within the frame to prevent it from moving.
- When glue is dried (if used), begin creating your menu with the chalk or paint makers. Use a line guide, stencils, lettering guides, and ruler to help create a even and professional quality menu by first tracing out everything with a pencil. Once complete, go over the tracings with the chalk and paint markers.
- If you do not want to use the stencils or lettering guides, free hand your menu. Be as creative as you would like, drawing cups of coffee on the menu, or even creating a cute message that is warm and inviting to the space.
Simple Syrup Recipe
Simple syrups aren't just a thing for cocktails or cakes! They are an easy and practical addition to coffee recipes that add sweetness without all the crunchiness you get from regular sugar. You can also add additional flavorings such as herbs, extracts, or spices to give an added kick to your coffee. Here are a few recipes that we like:
Basic Simple Syrup:
Gather Together:
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Cup of White Sugar
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool. Store in glass bottle and refrigerate until use.
Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup:
Gather Together:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions:
- Combine the sugar, water, scraped vanilla beans, whole bean and extract in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbling. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool completely and steep vanilla bean in mixture for one hour. Remove pod and transfer syrup into glass jar for later use.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
Gather Together:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup water
Directions:
- Combine the sugar, cinnamon and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbling. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool completely before storing in a jar.
With these few easy steps and projects, and a little guidance, you will making your own coffee station at home in no time!
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-Patrick
