Chicago, IL – Coffee culture is no longer confined to the city’s trendiest cafés. In Chicago’s high-end homes, the ritual of brewing the perfect espresso has evolved into an essential design element, with in-home coffee bars now among the top five most requested kitchen upgrades.
As one of the most requested kitchen upgrades, this trend is reshaping homes across Chicago’s North Shore, with Leah Bolger at the forefront. Recently featured in Architectural Digest, Bolger has been instrumental in bringing high-end, café-inspired coffee stations into residential spaces, blending function, craftsmanship, and personal expression.
“In-home coffee bars are having a major moment right now,” Bolger noted in the Architectural Digest feature. “Clients aren’t just looking for a place to make coffee—they want an intentional, beautifully integrated space that reflects their lifestyle.”
The trend reflects a broader cultural shift. No longer just a morning necessity, coffee has become an experience—one that embraces craftsmanship, sustainability, and social connection. And some coffee enthusiasts are even opting for commercial-grade espresso setups, complete with grinders, knock chutes, electric kettles, and custom stainless drip trays, seamlessly incorporated into their kitchen islands or cabinetry. Bolger’s recent work showcases rolled steel cabinetry and double black quartzite countertops, elevating these coffee bars into sculptural design features. The numbers reinforce the movement. Coffee products are projected to grow faster than any other non-alcoholic beverage over the next five years, surpassing carbonated drinks and energy beverages. In design terms, this economic momentum is reshaping home layouts, with coffee bars becoming as essential as kitchen islands.
“In Chicago, we’ve always had a strong café culture,” Bolger said. “Now, that same experience is being brought home. The difference is, it’s not just about the coffee—it’s about the environment, the materials, the way the space enhances the daily ritual.”
Designers are integrating built-in coffee stations into service pantries, kitchen nooks, dedicated cabinets, and even primary bedroom suites, signaling that this is more than a fleeting trend. In a city known for its architectural legacy, the evolution of in-home coffee bars reflects form and function meeting at the intersection of luxury and lifestyle.
As the demand for personalized, high-end coffee experiences continues to rise, Leah Bolger’s work exemplifies a shift that is reshaping modern homes. What was once a niche feature has now become a defining element of contemporary kitchen design—one where the first sip of the day is as much about setting as it is about taste.
Media ContactCompany Name: Leah Bolger DesignContact Person: Leah BolgerEmail: Send EmailPhone: (847) 558-6518City: ChicagoState: IllinoisCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.instagram.com/leahbinteriordesign/
