Ever fancied turning your kitchen into a café? Picture freshly baked cardamom buns, hand-doodled menus, steaming pots of speciality coffee, and your friends and family chatting around the island or dining table…
If you, like me, love all things Scandi, you’ve probably heard of fika. It is a Swedish tradition often translated as ‘coffee and cake break’ – however, it goes beyond that; it’s a social ritual encouraging you to take a moment to slow down, recharge, and connect with friends or family, be it at a coffee shop or at a picnic in your local park. Which is what instantly came to mind when I started seeing people on social media turning their kitchens into cosy cafés.
This trend is particularly popular across the pond. Victoria Lauren, co-creator of @drinksaturdaycafe with Kate McDevitt, has been turning her Montreal apartment into a ‘fake café’ once a month, on a random Saturday, for over a year now, where friends come over, have a cup of coffee, and delight in laughs and pastries. Co-hosts and cooks @ryannordheimer and @iloafyoubychristine have also popped up on my TikTok ‘for-you’ page. They organise intimate, themed apartment cafés in New York City – from nostalgiacore, garden party, to Italian aperitivo golden hour (count me in!) – with sweet and savoury, mouth-watering goods. Now, I don’t know about you, but I think it’s time to bring this trend over to the UK, too.
So, with summer in full bloom, what better time to invite friends and family over for a cup of coffee? However, to make hosting a breeze and for that authentic barista-style experience at home, you will need a dedicated station in your kitchen. So, why not check out these ideas to get your inspiration going – click here to see what’s possible.
Also on my radar…
Okay, you’ve got your coffee station spot sorted, now you need to source your appliances, from your dream coffee machine, frothers to bean grinders. We’ve rounded up some top tips to help you buy your small kitchen gadgets like a pro.
And, of course, no at-home café is complete without a cosy seating spot – whether it’s a dining nook or at the kitchen island. If you are planning a renovation anytime soon, we’ve broken down why you should consider turning any dead space or alcove into a cosy breakfast nook. And, if an island is top of your wishlist, click here to discover how you can include seating in your design, so your friends and family can chat and socialise while you’re preparing coffees and cakes.
What’s trending?
- Tiled tables are on the rise and bound to blur the lines of indoor-outdoor living this summer. Complete your garden or living area with a colourful solution.
- Keen to bring a touch of bistro style to your kitchen? Consider state-of-the-art appliances, sleek stainless steel cafetières, charming ceramics, and quirky wall art.
- Add a retro touch to your interiors with oak cabinets, coloured glassware, and glazed wall coverings. The new Bungalow 22 tiles by Claybrook draw inspiration from The Beverly Hills Hotel and are available in three sizes and six colourways.
- Rugs in kitchens? Controversial, I know, but they are oh-so-stylish, especially when crafted from durable, natural materials and adorned with intricate detailing like scalloped edges.
- Design your dream snug with statement seating – stripes are as popular as ever, and we love this chic sofa by House of Hackney in collaboration with LA-based design brand Nickey Kehoe.
Spotted on social
Curtains have made a strong comeback in interior design, from kitchen sink skirts to shower solutions; however, I’m particularly fond of charming café curtains. Sheer and airy, these lightweight fabrics add character to any space while also providing privacy.
I love a good tile, so why stop at the walls? Dress your open shelves in the same slabs as your splashback to add wow factor to your kitchen and create a seamless look.
Are you team shower? Then, you might need a super-sized enclosure. Get inspired by the moody design below, which oozes luxury and a spa-like feeling, from the coffee-coloured tiles, marble accents, to the gold brassware and hardware finishes.
We’ve got the lowdown on shower rooms here.
Peek inside this pretty and practical walk-in pantry – equipped with dark kitchen worktops, open storage, and sleek appliances, it doubles as a chic coffee station.
With that said, I hope you are feeling inspired to pause and embrace fika with a hot cup of coffee and a little sweet treat today.
Until next time,
Irina
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