Cafécore: How to Get the Café Aesthetic At Home

In recent years, a growing trend has emerged where people are opting for bespoke experiences within the sanctuary of their homes, blurring the lines between essential necessities and extravagant indulgences. From transforming backyards into bathhouses to designing quaint courtyards reminiscent of vacations abroad, the allure of domestic escapism and everyday luxuries is certainly palpable within the zeitgeist.

One trend that has surged in popularity over the past year is cafécore – the concept of infusing quintessential cafe aesthetics into your own kitchen. While this might evoke thoughts of coffee machines and cafe-style chalkboard ideas for some, cafécore represents more than just a visual aesthetic; it embodies a lifestyle. 

Join us as we delve into what cafécore truly entails and how to embrace it, ensuring you can kickstart your day the right way – with freshly brewed coffee in hand.

In 2023, trends seemingly focused on lifestyles dedicated to a slower, more nostalgic way of living with aesthetics such as 'cottagecore' and 'bloomcore'. While these types of lifestyles remain popular, the aesthetic itself has shifted from the distant chirping of birds to the clinking of cups. 

So, what is cafécore? Generally speaking, cafécore is about intentionally designing your space with café-inspired style and functionality in mind. Although the romanticisation of café culture and its aesthetic isn't entirely new in interior design, what sets this variant apart from its predecessors is that it goes beyond simply adding café-inspired trinkets — it embodies a lifestyle. It's about designing a space to enjoy one of life's simple yet finest pleasures: savouring a barista-quality cup of coffee at your favourite cafè as you observe the world around you. And who wouldn't wish to experience that same tranquillity within their own home?

Continue reading to discover how you can infuse a café aesthetic into your home — visually and tangibly elevating your everyday experience.

While establishing a full-fledged café within your home may not be feasible, creating a dedicated coffee bar or nook in your kitchen to create your morning brew is a perfect alternative.

Whether you can utilise existing kitchen countertops or a butler's pantry or need to invest in a coffee bar cart or trolley, there's an option suitable for any size home. Additionally, you don't need to invest in an expensive espresso machine. Alternative coffee-making methods such as slow-drip, stovetop, or pod machines can recreate the same effect without breaking the bank or taking up too much room.

Regarding how to style a coffee bar, consider including options like exposed shelves with stacks of mugs and plateware, clear glass jars for storing extra coffee, tea, or sugar, or even small picture frames and plants for a personal touch. 

Every cafe requires a comfortable spot to savour your coffee. Comfort, style, and practicality are key when crafting furniture for a cafécore space. While formal dining areas can still serve their purpose in your home, consider additional eating areas such as barstools at an island bench or window sill, a nook with bench seating, or a small bistro set outside to truly encapsulate the versatility of seating arrangements found at cafés.

When picking the right seating style, metal or steel chairs may be symbolic of cafés for their durability and ease of use; however, at home, you can prioritise comfort with extra cushioning or higher backs, effortlessly blending commercial aesthetics with homely comfort.

Of course, nothing evokes the essence of cafécore quite like a café chalkboard. The key is to include subtle chalkboard ideas not to overwhelm a space, such as with storage container labels, small framed chalkboards, or by using a modest-sized chalkboard as a featured decorative piece on the wall.

The essence of cafécore is about combining commercial-inspired elements with personal touches of home. Integrating stainless steel appliances, sinks, and tapware amidst organic textures, such as exposed brick, wooden boards, or linen towels, is a great way to infuse a subtle commercial allure into your kitchen without sacrificing the homeliness of your space.

For those who prefer a softer aesthetic, brushed nickel offers a warmer tone while effectively providing that ‘commercial’ effect. If you prefer higher contrast, matte black is a great alternative to stainless steel as it continues that ‘chalkboard’ aesthetic while creating a unique focal point amongst the organic textures typical to cafécore.

Pro Tip: When choosing your sink area, opt for extra functionality, such as with our Elysian Commercial Pull-Out Kitchen Mixer, alongside a steel or granite farmhouse sink to truly encapsulate that commercial aesthetic.

In commercial kitchens or café bars, limited cupboard space often makes exposed storage the most efficient choice. Embracing this approach adds character to your space and helps maximise the functionality of what can often be under-utilised, such as with a corner wall or above a window.

If you aim to transform your kitchen into a space that fully embodies the cosy charm of cafécore, consider incorporating checkerboard tiling throughout. This classic pattern is reminiscent of cafés and diners worldwide and adds a nostalgic character to your space. 

Additionally, for the backsplash, white subway tiling is a staple in many cafés and offers a versatile, natural aesthetic that will remain timeless for years to come.

Incorporating a cafe aesthetic into your home doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you're working with existing countertops or investing in new furniture and accessories, there are options available to suit any size home or budget. So, save your dollars and start enjoying your favourite pastime now in the comfort of your own home.
 

Dive deeper with Our Guide to Home Coffee Bars.