So, it’s finally here – the finished article! My kitchen coffee bar is now complete, with a stunning coffee machine and industrial style Tolix bar stools in place, and I couldn’t be happier with it.
As mentioned in my earlier post here, this project began with a desire to create a coffee bar vibe in my kitchen – somewhere to sit and eat or work that wouldn’t take up as much space as a kitchen table.
Obviously its a bit more personalised than an actual coffee shop, with things like the breadbin and radio etc, but I do think it captures the essence of a coffeehouse and finally this area of the home, which has struggled with an identity in the past, has found its true purpose!
We have already used it way more than I anticipated. There’s lots of good natural light and I’m finding myself working on my laptop there quite a bit. It’s nice sitting high up and the kids also love it! It is a great spot for breakfast, doing homework, drawing and playing on their tablets.
Huge thanks go out to my sponsors who helped make this project possible. WilsonArt supplied the amazingly realistic wood effect worktop with splashback, which really helps finish off the countertop and gives it a more finished look. I was after something rustic and natural looking and this Mississippi Pine truly fits the bill.
It’s a beautiful soft colour, kind of greyish brown (no orange tones here) with so much accurate detail – and not only that, it even has a satisfyingly smooth, wood grain feel to the touch!
The impressive Oslo Bar Stools are from HC Supplies. The classic 1930s Tolix design comes in a soft silver powder finish and they are sold in pairs on the site. They are really nice and stable to sit on, with no wobble, and a handy foot rest for comfort. The rubber feet protect the floor from scratches.
I love to see metal paired with wood in this way as it lends any space a little industrial edge. Having four stools along the bar looks cool and captures the coffee shop look more than having just a couple of stools in situ would.
The wall colour, just to remind you, is Salty Peat by Valspar.
Of course, the key to this becoming a fully fledged coffee bar was the addition of a chic and stylish coffee machine, so I can make like a barista in my own home! Dualit came to my aid with their stunning new model, the Dualit Espress-auto 4-in1- Coffee Machine.
Let’s just take a moment to appreciate it, shall we…
Not only does it look the part, it is super multi-functional, able to dispense coffee and tea, too! On top of that, you can use pods or ground coffee if you wish. How versatile is that?
It extracts the precise measure for perfect espresso, lungo or a hot cup of tea with just the press of a button. The patented Pure Pour® delivers a smooth crema and there are variable temperature settings to enable you to make your coffee just how you like it.
The variety of pods available is really great; I’ve been trying a few out from English breakfast tea, to Classic Espresso to a delicious seasonal Christmas blend. Mmm!
Having a built-in steam wand means you can create frothy milk for lattes and cappuccinos, something I’ve been experimenting with – I’ve still got to perfect a design in my milk though!
If the thought of a latte is making you lick your lips, Dualit are also kindly offering a wonderful milk frother as a prize in my current Instagram giveaway, so do hop over there if you fancy giving it a go.
So, that’s another home project I can tick off the list! It took a while to get there, with sourcing everything, organising a joiner to cut and fit the laminate etc. but I’m really happy with the way it turned out! What do you think? Would you be tempted to add a coffee shop vibe in your home, or have you done so already? Do tell!
