Darren David
Best Home Coffee Design Of The Year Finalist
Pancake’s Cafe (named after our cute dog/head barista) is located at the center of the property and serves as the heart of my 100-year-old Craftsman home. Once a modest mudroom, this space has become the home’s main focal point where our days begin and where friends gather. As someone who experiences social anxiety, I find that visiting cafes can be overwhelming, so creating this calm and intimate setting was priority.
The room is filled with meaningful details, like the original subway tiles, paintings my partner and I created of our dog, and original furniture I’ve collected and restored over the past 20 years. I was glad to bring each of these pieces into the space, as they harmonize with the room and add a layer of personal history. We also showcase treasured objects, including stoneware we’ve made and reserved for special occasions.
The space opens onto the back patio through a casement window, making it perfect for serving guests under the pergola. Outside, a restored freestanding fireplace offers warmth on balmy mornings, creating a welcoming spot to exchange banter and sip on silly little oat cortados. This was the first area I renovated after buying the house, transforming it into a space that truly reflects my love for coffee and connection.
Every element in this home cafe was tailored to my preferences, steering clear of fleeting trends or internet-driven aesthetics. The photos show the space as it is, authentic and unstyled to impress—an honest reflection of what coffee, home, and personal comfort mean to me.
Best Home Coffee Design Of The Year Finalists
Amer Ajami, Ken Tanaka, and Osamu Hironaga
Ben Lytle & Haley Lytle
Darren David
Drago Tomianovic
Pino Di Ioia & Tina Serrao
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