From Coffee to Cocktails: Designing a Versatile Beverage Station

Designers are experts at making the most of all available counter and storage space, especially in the kitchen. Creating dedicated spaces for specific tasks or work zones can improve the flow and functionality. A well-designed beverage station has become a sought-after feature and a ‘must-have’ for many homeowners. Here are some ways to design a beverage station that provides maximum utility throughout the day and enjoyment for years to come.

1. Location, Location, Location

The first step in creating a beverage station is choosing a location that is easily accessible and has enough space to store supplies. When adding a beverage station to a kitchen, avoid cooking work zones. Choose an area that is not blocked by cabinetry, appliances or furniture and has enough space to accommodate your supplies. Also, make sure the area has access to power for appliances like blenders, kettles and coffee makers. A half sink in a beverage area helps to maximize the functionality of the space and alleviates crowding the main kitchen sink where food can be prepared.

2. What’s Your Pleasure?

A beverage station equipped to serve up a wide range of drinks offers the most value for homeowners. Coffee makers and electric kettles are the basics for any beverage area. Other appliances, like blenders for making delicious frozen drinks and frothers to make specialty coffee drinks, can be stored in an appliance garage that includes power strips to keep them out sight but within easy reach. Task Lighting & Power offers a wide range of patented power strip solutions, with and without LED lights, that elevate the functionality of any beverage station with ease.

Whether hosting a playdate or a poker game, your beverage station should include features that make it easy to host a gathering.  Whether crafting artisanal martinis or making a party punch, the Hardware Resources Premium Rollout Bottle organizer is a convenient drawer rollout for storing alcohol and mixers. It also has a top section that can be used to store all the tools of the trade for even the most seasoned mixologist.

3. Organizing the Essential

Once the basic design has been developed for the beverage station, the next step is customization. This is the ideal time to engage homeowners in the design process and get insights into their lifestyle. While some coffee connoisseurs can’t imagine being without their La Marzocco espresso maker, others are devoted to their Nespresso or Keurig machines. Coffee pod users will love the Double Coffee Drawer from Hardware Resources. This drawer organizer makes it easy to store coffee pods while leaving room for other essentials like a selection of teas and sweeteners.

A beverage station becomes the gathering spot for guests when you have all the essentials stored within easy reach. Cold soft drinks, milk for coffee drinks, and fruit juices for smoothies can be kept within easy reach when a beverage refrigerator is part of the beverage station design. Wine can also be stored in the refrigerator or used as part of a decorative display on the countertop. Hardware Resources offers a wide range of drawer inserts to make it easy to store and access all the essentials from mugs and glassware to muddlers and paring knives.

While some design trends come and go, beverage stations are here to stay. Having a dedicated space where guests can gather, away from the main cooking area, is ideal when entertaining. The ability to easily customize a beverage station to the homeowner’s lifestyle means it can change as the family’s needs change. From morning coffee to evening night caps—and healthy smoothies in between—beverage stations offer something everyone can enjoy.