Café Core Is the Next Big Design Trend—Here’s How to Get the Look
There’s something deeply ritualistic about settling into a coffee shop. Everything about it—the hum of background chatter, the gentle clink of porcelain cups, the rich smell of espresso, the lack of fluorescent lighting—provides a sanctuary for introverted souls. Whether alone with a book or in conversation with friends, an atmospheric coffee shop offers a reprieve from the repetitive dronishness of life. Having access to such a place down the street, however, isn’t enough for some people—which is why we're not surprised to hear that café core is shaping up to be one of 2025's biggest design trends.
What is Café Core?
Café core is about embracing the lifestyle of coffee shop culture as much as the aesthetic. Whether this means fostering a sense of community and connection, but also creating solo moments to slow down and find a reprieve from the dronish repetition of life, it embodies the feeling of comfort and nostalgia. It’s all about comfort and romanticizing the simple pleasures of life: a good cup of coffee, a captivating book, quiet solidarity among fellow loungers. The trend has gained much headway as people seek to infuse their spaces with a sense of ritual. That, of course, has much to do with decor.
Key Features of Café Core
In order to achieve café core, one must tune into what makes your local coffee shop desirable. Cafécore often blends warm, inviting interiors with vintage and artisanal elements. It features soft lighting, rustic wooden furniture, eclectic décor, and an ambiance that encourages relaxation and creativity. Think handwritten menus, the scent of freshly brewed coffee, stacks of well-loved books, and the gentle hum of conversation or jazz playing in the background. To help you embody this trend and bring that slow pace of life back to your everyday life, here are four ways to bring café core into your home.
Create Cozy Seating Arrangements
Just like that cozy corner in your favorite coffee shop, the seating arrangements focus on comfort, intimacy, and ambiance. Start with plush seating options like a deep armchair, a tufted bench, or a cushioned window seat, layering them with soft throws and textured pillows. The goal is to design a space that feels effortlessly welcoming—where you can unwind, read, work, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment, just like in your favorite café.
Arrange small, round tables or wooden side tables nearby to hold books, candles, or a warm cup of coffee. If space allows, create a mix of seating zones, such as a quiet reading nook with a bookshelf or a communal-style setup with a long wooden table for conversation and work. We’re always big fans of a chic banquette situation.
Create a Dedicated Coffee Station
Nothing will take you to a café core state of mind faster than a dedicated coffee station that allows you to enjoy a barista-style experience right at home. Start by designating a small counter, bar cart, or corner of your kitchen as your coffee hub. Invest in a quality coffee maker, whether it’s an espresso machine, French press, or pour-over setup, and organize your essentials for easy access. Use stylish canisters to store coffee beans, sugar, and flavored syrups, and display your favorite mugs on a rack or open shelf for a charming, café-like touch. Add a milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
For extra charm, consider hanging a small chalkboard or letter board to list your go-to drinks. A tray with spoons, napkins, and stirrers keeps everything neat, while a scented candle or small plant enhances the inviting ambiance.
Bring in Books and Magazines
As we’ve observed the ‘bookshelf wealth’ trend taking the design world by a storm, you don’t have to tell us about the power of a few (or many) stacked books. We especially love how the look can also enhance the coffee shop vibe you’re going for too. Incorporating reading material of any kind—books, magazines, newspapers— invite guests to slow down and linger.
Arrange a small bookshelf, a few stacked books on a side table, or a magazine rack near your seating area—or go all-out with a floor-to-wall bookshelf—to encourage casual browsing. Opt for a mix of design, travel, and literary books to evoke the eclectic charm of a cozy café. Vintage magazines or well-worn paperbacks add character, while a stylish coffee table book can serve as both décor and entertainment.
Textiles, Textiles, Textiles
While the general nature of a public space necessitates an avoidance of textiles, coffee shops are rare in their use of them. Café curtains are a charming window treatment that covers only the lower half of a window, providing privacy while still allowing natural light to filter in, making them perfect for kitchens, breakfast nooks, or cozy café-style spaces. Small details, like a fabric table runner or upholstered seating, contribute to the inviting, well-loved charm of a coffee shop.
Since this is your home and not a public space, you can also drape a plush throw blanket over a chair, add textured cushions to seating areas, or layer a woven or vintage rug underfoot to bring added dimension and comfort.
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