Cafés, even coffeehouse chains, have a distinctly cozy feel to them that encourages people to stay, even turn some into regular customers. It’s not surprising that homeowners want to recreate that look and feel in their home kitchen. If you’re considering giving your kitchen the cafécore treatment, read on as local kitchen contractor DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Northwest DC discusses its key design elements.

1. Bar counter. A café wouldn’t look like a cafe without a bar counter — it’s where baristas take and serve orders. Whether you’re planning on serving friends and family, or just want a cozy spot where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, a bar counter is essential. It can also serve as an informal breakfast table, as well as provide space for your espresso machine and various other coffee-making equipment.
2. Seating. It goes without saying that a bar counter needs bar seating. However, to get the feel of a café, you should have a few choice seats for other parts of the kitchen. Set a couple of cozy seats in a corner, flanking a coffee table, ideal for private conversations. If your kitchen has a bay or bow window, the protruding space can function as a booth: add a table and you have a banquette. A capable kitchen remodeler can help you with your kitchen floor plan and furniture placement.
3. Cozy color palette. The “cafécore” look allows a greater flexibility in terms of color selection. At one end of the spectrum, there’s the smoky, old-time look that can be achieved with dark wood paneling and warm lighting fixtures. Earth tones and metallics can be used for contrast. At the other end, there’s the cheery and family-friendly look that can be achieved with a bright color palette and diner-style decor for pops of color.
4. Open shelving. Cafés wouldn’t be complete without the shelves that display coffee-making equipment, bags of coffee beans, and store merchandise. In a residential setting, this easily translates to open shelving. It’s important to note that open shelves will put your organizational skills to the test, as there won’t be cabinet doors to hide behind.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

If you’re searching online for a “kitchen contractor near me,” look no further. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Northwest DC offers a wide range of professional remodeling services, including kitchen remodeling. Get started with a no-obligation consultation by calling us at (202) 933-7196 or contacting us online. We serve communities in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Arlington, McLean, Georgetown, Woodley Park, Friendship Heights, Glover Park, Cleveland Park, The Palisades, Donaldson Run, Bluemont, Lyon Village and Glen Echo.