A Custom Coffee Bar Designed Around One Frankford Homeowner’s Vision
When a homeowner in Frankford, Delaware, discovered Behind Closed Doors through Facebook, she reached out with a clear vision for several spaces in her home. The project included two closets, a pantry, a bonus room closet, and a custom coffee bar that would become a distinctive feature of the home.
The coffee bar began with conversations about how she wanted to use the space each day. It needed to provide practical storage and preparation space while also feeling more like a thoughtfully designed piece of furniture than a standard run of cabinetry.
After measuring the area and reviewing the surrounding architecture, the design was developed around a custom-painted finish selected to match her preferred color. Warm walnut was introduced inside the central display cabinet, creating contrast against the painted cabinetry and adding depth to the overall composition. The approved design combined painted and walnut panels, Shaker cabinetry, and a dramatic arched center cabinet.
The arched glass doors became the focal point of the upper cabinetry. Inside, walnut shelving and integrated lighting created a warm display area for coffee accessories, serving pieces, and decorative items. Closed cabinets on each side provided additional storage while keeping the overall design balanced and uncluttered.
Below, the wet bar includes a sink, quartz countertop provided by BCD, lower cabinets, and a bank of drawers for organizing smaller essentials. Under-cabinet lighting brightens the work surface and gives the space a softer atmosphere in the morning and evening. The original renderings also allowed the homeowner to review the cabinetry with the doors open, confirm the interior shelving, and visualize how the lighting would highlight the walnut interior before fabrication began.
The coffee bar was part of a larger whole home project. The design plans also included a primary closet with dedicated hanging, shelving, drawer storage, shoe storage, and requested electrical access, along with customized pantry and bonus room storage.
The project moved from design approval to installation, with the primary closet completed first and then the remaining spaces. Each area was customized around the homeowner’s storage needs and preferred aesthetic.
The homeowner later shared her experience in a Google review, noting that we understood her vision and designed the coffee bar perfectly. She also recognized the craftsmanship and clear communication throughout the process.
What began as an idea for a better morning routine became a custom coffee and wet bar with its own architectural identity. We are grateful that the homeowner trusted us not only with this feature, but also with several important spaces throughout her home.
A Morning Ritual, Elevated
Design after fabrication and installation in the client’s home.
Design rendering presented to the client
