Turn An Empty Space Into A Cafe Corner With A Few Simple Decor Additions

There's a universal joy and gentle comfort that comes from settling into the sofa or nestling into a chair at a local cafe. You're surrounded by warm lighting, unique artwork, and the inviting aroma of coffee. The experience not only induces a sense of calm, but it also promotes an air of creativity and stimulation that makes you feel ready for anything, whether it's a day of work, studying for class, or reading a good book. It's called cafecore: a new trend that makes your space feel just like a cozy cafe, replete with framed art, elegant lamps, and a restful seating set-up.

Did you know you can make your very own cafe corner? And you can do it using materials that will vary depending on the mood you choose to embody through the design. For this DIY, you'll want a table with two to three chairs, some kind of lamp or a string of fairy lights, and framed artwork or mirrors to decorate the walls. Adding touches of your own personality can also be fun. You could, for example, incorporate colors from your home's interior into the table and chairs or select art pieces that pop against the existing wallpaper.

You may be surprised to learn that turning an empty spot in your home into a cafe-inspired corner is as easy as brewing an Americano. Although the idea works best in or near the kitchen, it can be done in any empty corner, as long as there's enough space for a small table and chairs. However, before you move in any furniture, focus on the backdrop. Adding a fun paint color or patterned wallpaper, especially boasting a design that looks vintage, helps add character and will define the space. Test it out with any art pieces, frames, or mirrors you want to use to make sure the concept works. Backdrop confirmed, you can fill it in using the art or, for a more modern touch, hang mirrors to create the perfect gallery wall.

After you've finished the walls, it's time to add your furniture. Cafe tables tend to be small, seating two to three people, so make sure your set will fit in the corner without crowding the room. Pick pieces that match the interior, but also feel a bit vintage or cozy. Colorful chairs, wrought iron tables, or classic upholstered sets can bring in more of those coveted cafe vibes. Focus on creating a warm ambience with your lighting, too. Remember that indirect lighting will make any room feel cozier than ever. Lamps or string lights with a yellow-amber tone embody cafecore best and make a space feel inviting.

If creating an full blown cafe corner in your kitchen feels daunting, know that you're not alone in that thought. Planning out the space design and setting up everything is intimidating for even the most creative homeowners; it's especially challenging if you're short on experience, space, time, or budget. However, there are some tried-and-tested cafe corner decor tips you can lean into when starting out that will help you test a vibe before fully committing. Bonus: They all revolve around working with an existing space and the decor items you already have.

Take art pieces or family photos you already have and create a gallery wall in your kitchen, preferably near your kitchen table. Switch out the frames so you're working with just a couple of different colors or designs, which will make the wall look cohesive, and vary the sizes of the art and photographs to add visual interest. If you have overhead lighting in your kitchen, switch out the standard bright, white light bulbs for those with warm yellow tones. You'll instantly increase the coziness factor that's central to the cafecore aesthetic.