The role of the coffee machine in interior design

From two-tone colour schemes to curved furniture, trends within interior design come and go… And yet some key principles remain.

The most well-designed spaces always incorporate a few key elements and one of those, we would argue, is the coffee machine.

In this article, we explore the role of the coffee machine in interior design, both looking back through the past and examining its place in the future. Pour yourself a cuppa and let’s get started… 

When did the coffee machine become an integral part of the office?

The first modern coffee machine was created as long ago as 1908, but its connection with productivity, creativity and innovation in the office space was only beginning then. After the second world war, there became higher demand for coffee and higher demand for a standardised type of machine, one that was easy and quick to use at work. 

This is when the coffee machine of today came into its own; since the mid to late 90’s, no office has been complete without one. 

What role does the coffee machine play in the office?

Within an office space, the coffee machine does more than just make hot drinks. 

A recent workplace survey showed that over 60% of people felt that a coffee bar acted as the most welcoming type of office reception. This proves the tendency of the coffee machine to act as a social space, a space where people come together to talk as they make a drink. It’s inviting and positive, somewhere to come to refuel and relax.

Business executives discussing work at office. Closeup of coffee cup with blurred image of two businessmen sitting on table.

There is currently a lot of discussion around bringing elements of coffee culture- of socialising and calm- into the workspace. As interior designers focus on creating brighter and more open spaces for collaboration, the ability of the coffee machine to perk a place up will be a key consideration. 

What should interior designers consider when it comes to coffee machines in the future? 

It’s important for interior designs to focus not only on incorporating coffee machines but on incorporating high-quality coffee machines. 
Great coffee encourages great performance and high staff satisfaction.  Recent data from SAP Concur, for example, showed that their staff were holding 10,000 meetings per month in Starbucks and over 82% of respondents felt that tea, coffee, and refreshment facilities were a highly important factor in their physical environment at the time.

This is without even mentioning the impact that good coffee and a good coffee machine can have on prospective clients. When seeking to make a good impression through a revamp or office design, this is more than worth bearing in mind. 

To find out more about our coffee machines and blends, and how they can elevate your office space, click the link.

What makes a quality cup of coffee?

There are few things in life as satisfying as that first sip of a much-needed coffee. A great cup has the power to change the course of a morning!

In a workspace, having quality coffee is the difference between making a good impression and a great impression with clients and staff alike. In a recent Nescafe survey over a quarter of employees even stated that the availability of high-quality coffee in their office improves their daily work life to a great extent.

But what makes a quality cup of coffee? And how can you tell it apart from the rest? In this article, we explore all you need to know.

  1. Prioritise coffee freshness 

 Less expensive coffee that is made in bulk, such as that which you’d get at a supermarket, is often less fresh than that which is vacuum packed by local sellers. Buying freshly blended coffee from a local roaster ensures that fresh coffee taste that we all know and love. Be sure to keep your packets airtight and away from bright light too!

  1. Consider using filtered water

As the second half of the heavenly duo of coffee beans and water, water has a key role to play in the taste of your coffee. Avoid tap water if possible, which contains a lot of chlorine, and opt for either filtered water or bottled water instead. 

  1. Keep your coffee machine clean

It almost goes without saying, but it’s also easy to forget… Keeping your coffee machine clean is essential for making the perfect brew! All storage containers and grinders should be cleaned every two weeks in order to avoid oily build up and to dissolve mineral deposits. You can either use speciality coffee cleaner or a solution of vinegar.

  1. Choose high-quality filters

Cheap filters are very often not oxygen bleached or are made with dioxin; this can impact on the quality of your coffee by reducing flavour slightly. Try to look for “oxygen-bleached” or “dioxin-free” filters to prevent your coffee from tasting off. 

  1.  Choose direct trade

Whilst all of these factors can improve the flavour of your coffee a little, there is one thing that really counts… The blend. After all, making coffee is both an art and a science; buying from passionate direct trade suppliers ensures that you get a cup that reflects this. Due to different brewing processes, different roasting processes and even different bean sources, you’ll notice a fuller flavour from even the first sip. You’ll also find a variety of tastes to choose from, as opposed to the generic coffee taste you might get from your average coffee brand.  Our Sumatra coffee, for example, is defined by its rounder, earthy flavours whilst our Colombia coffee is smooth and sweet.