As a coffee lover, filling my mug is a pivotal part of my morning routine! So, when we moved into our new Camden apartment and saw the “tech corner,” my mind instantly went to a DIY coffee bar. Whether you’re working with a cozy corner or a small kitchen nook, a stylish coffee station can make your mornings more joyful and your space more personalized.

Come along with me to find out how you can transform a space in your apartment home into your very own Café Camden!

Step 1: Choose Your Space Wisely

The best thing about a DIY coffee bar is that you can put it wherever it makes sense in your space! Consider these potential spots:

- A section of your kitchen counter

- An empty wall

- A corner of your dining or living area

- A multi-use space like the tech corner at Camden Lincoln Station

Don’t have a specific space already built into your apartment home? A bar cart or narrow rolling shelf can work wonders without overwhelming the room.

Photo Courtesy of Monique Cook

Step 2: Pick the Right Furniture Base

Depending on your apartment and style, you might already have counter space that works perfectly, but consider these alternatives:

- A vintage dresser or repurposed cabinet

- A sleek kitchen cart with storage

- A floating shelf setup with mugs hanging underneath

Step 3: Gather Your Essentials

Now that you’ve found the perfect space, it’s time to collect the items you will feature in your DIY coffee bar!

- Coffee Maker: As a family of two, we love our Keurig Café because it makes brewing single servings a breeze, but any coffee maker will do!

- Coffee & Tea Storage: Airtight jars or containers keep your beans or pods fresh and stylishly displayed. We love our Keurig cup organizer that sits right underneath our coffee maker!

- Mugs & Glassware: Depending on your space, using a mug tree or even command hooks can keep your mugs accessible while freeing up bar space!

- Extras: Syrups, sugar, creamers; Oh my! Consider which extras you want to have on hand to spruce up your coffee.

Step 4: Add Your Personal Style

This is where you can really make your coffee bar shine:

- Signage: A cute chalkboard, framed quote, or light-up sign can give café vibes. I found cute coffee-inspired graphics to frame!

- Plants: Add a small succulent or hanging greenery for a fresh touch.

- Lighting: String lights can make your coffee bar feel cozy and inviting.

Nostalgic items: As part of our wedding ceremony, my husband and I placed a bottle of wine from our wedding into a wine box to open on our anniversary! This item is so special to us, and though it isn’t coffee-related, it adds the right amount of nostalgia to our morning coffee bar visits!

Photo Courtesy of Monique Cook

Step 5: Keep It Clutter-Free

To make your morning coffee visit seamless, organization is a must!

- Use what you have: Trays, baskets, and drawer organizers can help contain supplies and maintain a clean look. Look around the house for items you can repurpose or visit your local thrift store to pick up the essentials!

- Upgrade your containers: My favorite syrup bottles took up so much space on our shelves, so we opted to invest in slim, reusable glass containers.

Optional Upgrades

- Mini Fridge: If you have the space, a small fridge will keep your creamers cold and within reach.

- Nugget Ice Maker: If iced coffee is your jam, consider investing in a nugget ice maker, or you may already have an ice maker built into your fridge.

- Milk Frother: Are you a fan of cold foam? Well, you can make it yourself at home with a handy milk frother. Some coffee makers, like our Keurig Café, come with a froth function!

- Seasonal Touches: Switch out syrups and decor by season! Have fun with it and tap into your inner barista to find your favorite combination.

Photo Courtesy of Monique Cook

Final Sip

With a few clever storage solutions and a touch of personality, you can create a cozy café corner right at home! Interested in learning more about personalizing your Camden apartment home? Check out What Makes You Feel Good in Your Apartment Home?