Everyone loves to complain about how expensive lattes and pastries are nowadays (and they’re not wrong), but also, I haven’t noticed any less people gathering, sipping, or working in coffee shops all around New York City. Why? It’s simple: Ordering an overpriced coffee, making small talk with the barista, and immersing yourself in the cozy, magical environment of a cafe is well worth the price. It’s never just about the coffee. I like to think that paying for my coffee, tea, or little treat is an entrance fee to a bustling coffee shop for a few hours. I find that these shared spaces have the power to inspire conversation, creativity, and in one particular case, my apartment’s design.
Photo by Anna Arriaga
La Cabra is a Danish coffee company with a few locations around New York City and they know how to curate an inspiring space. Every Sunday that I visit their Bushwick roastery location, I sit without headphones at a cozy table against the main wall and take in the ambient jazz, the sounds of coffee being brewed, and the chattering of people around me. I’m also taking in their Scandinavian chairs, which match perfectly with the light wood coffee tables, cement floors, and circular window features showing peeks into the roastery’s behind-the-scenes atmosphere. As much as I love La Cabra, I can’t afford to go every day, so here’s how to curate that vibe at home.
High Quality, Simple Pieces
The first step to turning your home into a chill coffee haven is to consider it a sacred space. At La Cabra, founder Esben Piper and architect Mikkel Selmer said they sought out craftsmanship when stocking the shop. Investing in a few ceramic plates and mugs is a good place to start at home, and extra points if they have sentimental value. High quality pieces for your kitchen does not mean fancy, but rather made of tried-and-true materials that make them last longer than cheap mugs with peeling vinyl decals. These Japanese ceramic mugs work for cappuccinos or hot chocolates, while these Portuguese espresso-style ones are for those who don’t need milk to enjoy their morning sips. By having only a few, better-made pieces will also clear all your cupboard clutter of old plates, cups from college, and way too many mugs.
Photo by La Cabra
Simplicity & Natural Materials
If you want to go full-on La Cabra, their subtle minimalist aesthetic is what truly defines their spaces. However, this does not mean that your home needs to be rid of all imperfections. The La Cabra team told me that using natural materials—like refined oak and burlap paneling—in their shops adds a layer of interest. One of my favorite ways they do this is by incorporating natural woods, flower arrangements, and and lots of greenery. My mom is a big fan of La Cabra, so for the holidays this year I gifted her this Kinto tray and mug set. She puts her morning coffee mug on the tray alongside a little snack and it’s like she’s at La Cabra with me. Other easy ideas: gorgeous faux floral arrangements that wont wilt on you, mini ceramic decanters for milk, and bigger wooden trays to upgrade your breakfast experience.
Photo by Anna Arriaga
Curating a Meaningful Environment
You wouldn’t design your home exactly like someone else’s, and similarly, every location of La Cabra has a different setup and vibe. Their Bushwick roastery has paper lamps, exposed industrial beams, and a steel bar. Their Soho location is much more compact, with a bar made of splotchy, handcrafted tiles, and hanging lights without lampshades. The takeaway: Make your own space more meaningful to you, and you’ll enjoy it more. Sentimental decorations, a particular color palette that resonates with you, or maybe even a little record player with your favorite album softly playing in the background—you get the gist.
Photo by La Cabra
Photo by La Cabra
And then of course there’s the coffee. To be like La Cabra, invest in a kettle (this one has a wooden detail and can be set to any custom temperature, perfect for coffee aficionados) and an individual pour over dripper. You can’t go wrong with high quality beans or grounds, and wouldn’t you know, La Cabra even sells a subscription, so you can have their brew in your La Cabra-inspired space. Plus, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can recreate their iconic cardamom buns with this recipe. Your apartment might start drawing a crowd, too.
What other coffee shops, restaurants, or spaces inspire the design of your home? Let us know below!
