Pick Your Potion

Whether you're craving espresso shots, juice blends, or Aperitivo pours, here's your all-purpose guide to building the ultimate home bar for your daily ritual.

- BY CARISHA SWANSON

Are you team Earl Grey or latte? Either way, it's time to create the perfect nook to keep your morning routine humming.

THE SETUP

Is it worth it? If your afternoon tea has turned into a full-on ceremony—or you've caught yourself fantasizing about opening a café more than once—then yes: You're the perfect candidate for a caffeine zone.

Consider your needs. Think about this like reorganizing a closet: Assess what you already have (hello, mug overload) and what you've been dreaming about but haven't made room for yet (cue the automatic espresso machine). Now ensure your new bar can accommodate both.

Make the area multitask. Once you've created room for all the things, your caffeination station can double as storage for dinnerware (especially if it's near the dining area). Or it can serve as additional pantry space with airtight containers—just keep it tidy since it's all on display.

3 REASONS THIS WORKS

1. Behind closed doors. Deciding what to leave out in an open alcove is crucial. A pullout trash bin (with lid) is concealed inside a cabinet.

2. Room to brew. Extra room allows two people to prepare their next sip simultaneously. Consider popup power outlets for a seamless look.