Henry Holland’s Guide To Creating The Perfect Coffee Nook

It might be pumpkin spice season, but there’s no need to brave the autumn downpours if you’re craving a latte; all you need is a good at-home coffee setup. The key? A streamlined, utterly Instagrammable coffee nook. We asked designer Henry Holland for his tips on creating the perfect spot.

How To Set Up A Coffee Station At Home: Henry Holland’s Guide

How would you describe the perfect coffee nook? What are your tips on setting one up?

The perfect coffee nook has to be a balance of style and function. It should feel like an extension of you. First and foremost, you want the right equipment – beginning with an amazing coffee machine like the Oracle Jet, which I absolutely love because it’s sleek but does all the heavy lifting. Then, you need to have some personality! Mix and match your mugs, add a pop of colour, and don’t be afraid to bring in fun touches like art or even a plant or two. My top tip is to make it practical but also a space that you enjoy looking at. After all, you’ll be spending your mornings there!

Where’s the best spot in the kitchen for a coffee nook?

I think the key is to find a place that feels natural to start your day. Choose somewhere that isn’t tucked away, because you want your coffee nook to be accessible and part of your daily routine. Corners of countertops are ideal, especially near a window – natural light is a game-changer, and it’ll help wake you up! You also want it to be near your sink or water source for easy cleaning and refilling, but far enough from the main cooking area that you’re not battling for space. It’s a little morning sanctuary, so it should feel special.

What’s the secret to making café-quality coffee at home? 

I think the secret is two things: quality beans and the right machine. It’s like cooking: if you start with great ingredients, you’re already halfway there. I love sourcing fresh beans from beanz.com because they work with incredible roasters, so you know you’re getting something special. Then, you need a machine that can really do the coffee justice, like the Oracle Jet. It’s super intuitive but makes professional-grade coffee, so it takes the guesswork out of it. You don’t need to be a trained barista to get it right; it just does it for you.

When it comes to storage, is an ‘invisible kitchen’ approach best? Or do you recommend placing items like mugs on display?

I love having things on display! Who doesn’t love a bit of personality in their kitchen? And when it comes to coffee corners, I think it’s more fun to have your favourite mugs and coffee accessories out where you can see and use them. I always suggest mixing up mug styles – different shapes, colours, and patterns – because it adds a playful, personal touch. That being said, it’s all about balance: if you prefer a more minimal look, just pick a few key pieces to display and keep the rest tucked away.

How do you ensure that a coffee nook is stylish as well as functional?

That’s the sweet spot: it has to look good, but it also has to work for you. The trick is to make sure everything you need is within easy reach – although that doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Start with a beautiful Sage machine like the Oracle Jet, and then think about accessories that are both practical and chic. A nice milk frother, stylish canisters for your beans, maybe a trendy spoon rest… you can keep all of these things organised and looking good by placing them on a sleek tray or stand. I also think lighting is key; adding a small table lamp or soft lighting really sets the mood. And a little greenery like herbs or succulents can instantly elevate the space while keeping it functional.

What are your top tableware picks at the moment?

I’m obsessed with mixing materials and textures – there’s something about contrasting smooth ceramics with more rustic finishes that I just love. Lately I’ve been really into bold, graphic mugs paired with softer, more organic shapes in plates and bowls. Anything that has a bit of fun or surprise to it! I also think hand-painted designs are having a bit of a moment, and I love anything that feels unique and tells a story. Oh, and you can never go wrong with a beautiful, minimal glass carafe for water or iced coffee – clean and simple but so elegant.

The Oracle® Jet is available now. sageappliances.com

Images courtesy of Sage Appliances.