How to Write Better by Turning Your Room into a Coffee Shop

If you take a look around your local coffee shop, everyone seems to have a laptop in front of them as they sip their lattes and type away. They look happy, full of ideas and deep in thought. You want that same feeling, but sometimes it can be a hassle to pack up your laptop and materials, drive to the café, find a great table and keep buying enough drinks to last for the duration of your stay. With a little bit of imagination, you can write better by turning your room into a coffee shop.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A room
• A desk
• A couch
• Laptop/PC
• Paper/Pen
• Music
• Beverages/Snacks
• Window/Natural Light

1. 
   A nice, peaceful setting.

   Let everyone in the house know that you are going to your home “coffee shop” and need some time alone. Then, think about your favorite coffee shop. Why is it your favorite? What makes it so appealing to you? Is it the view that you like? Do you like to sit upright at a table, or relax on an oversized comfy couch? What sounds are in the background? What is your signature drink and snack that you normally have by your side? Figure out these few things so that you can begin to create your perfect setting.

2. 
   A big comfy couch!

   Thinking of the type of seating you like best can help you decide which room to turn into your coffee shop. If you like to sit straight up, you may be most comfortable at your dining room table or in your den or study. Some people are more relaxed on a couch—perhaps you have a finished basement with a cushy, old couch or a spare bedroom with a decent loveseat in it. Whichever room you choose, make sure to clear it of any distractions or messes.

3. 
   A room with a view.

   Select a room that has a window so that you’re able to look outside if the view is what you like best. A window that faces the backyard can be more peaceful and remind you of being at a relaxed B&B or country retreat. If you like the hustle bustle of people walking by, sit in a room that has a window facing the street outside.

4. 
   Great background music.

   Pay attention to sounds--they are a big part of the ambience. If you like the sounds of light clamor in the background, you may want the television on near a low volume. If you love the coffee shop-type sounds of songs, Adele, Nora Jones or Damien Rice turn on beautiful, calm, inspiring music. And of course, they do say silence is golden, so just the typing of the keys or the pen on the pad may be all the noise you need.

5. 
   Delicious!

   Make a drink. Love lattes, frothy mochas, creamy chai teas, or just plain old java? You can make them in your own home. Even if you haven’t invested in a fancy espresso maker, you can still whip up these delicious drinks in your kitchen for much cheaper than you’d pay at Starbucks. There are even delicious recipes you can search for here on ehow. Make one of these beverages, grab a biscotti or a cookie to munch on, and get ready to write better by turning your room into a coffee shop—all without leaving your home!

Tips & Warnings

• Try out different rooms to see which works best. You can have different types of "coffee shops" on different days.
• © Copyright Cherie L. Steffen All Rights Reserved 2009

Resources

• Get ideas from Starbucks

[ilivetoteach]

on 7/31/2009 This is a great idea. I love it! *5

[karileighk]

on 7/5/2009 Who doesn't love a cup of coffee sometimes? This is awesome :)