The “Mini” Kitchen Gem I Regret Not Putting in My Bedroom Sooner

Ever since I moved into my house nearly two years ago, I’d toy with the idea of putting an espresso machine in my bedroom. I spent years living in tiny apartments and then a one-floor condo, and the steps down to the kitchen from my bedroom felt like a real barrier in the morning (plus one for small space living!). 

I held off thinking it seemed like one of those things that should stay in the want rather than need column, but I finally decided to spring for an espresso machine when I found one that was truly tiny: the Nespresso Essenza Mini. This little machine is just 3.3 inches wide, 12.8 inches deep, and 8 inches tall. That’s small enough to fit on my dresser without turning my bedroom into a coffeehouse, which is perfect since I just wanted a little caffeinated moment, not a full-on coffee bar. Now that I have a Nespresso in my room, I’m obsessed. Here’s why.

It took exactly one morning for me to get hooked on having an espresso maker in my bedroom. I can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner, and it’s one of those little things that makes such a big impact on my day.

I always say that my indicator of a luxury hotel is one that has an espresso machine in the room. And, while I absolutely love the full espresso machine in my kitchen, there’s something indulgent about not having to do anything but press a button. It’s the epitome of a little luxury, particularly when I’m still in my pajamas and not yet immersed in the hustle of the day.

Sipping my coffee outside is one of those goals that I have month after month, yet never seem to make happen. I live in a rowhouse and walking all the way down to the patio feels like a trek when I have a to-do list a mile long staring at me. But I do have a small balcony off of my bedroom, and, if I can snag five minutes out there in the morning, it sets the tone for a more relaxed day.

However, as soon as I get down to the kitchen, any chance of going back upstairs to relax is gone. My computer and planner start calling my name and, before I know it, I’m diving headfirst into my day rather than starting with a slow, leisurely few moments. By making an espresso right in my bedroom, I’ve cut out the distractions. There’s no excuse not to step outside when it’s just three steps from the Nespresso.

Every second counts in the morning, so if I don’t need to go downstairs to grab a coffee and then come back upstairs, those are a few minutes I can put into a self-care practice, whether it’s putting on a face mask or stretching. It doesn’t sound like much, but it makes a difference on days when I’d otherwise be too busy to pause.

Having a Nespresso in my bedroom is very much a want that I’d been thinking about for a long time, and by no means a need. If you’re considering this little luxury, too, I’d note a few potential drawbacks. For one, if you prefer milk in your espresso, then you’re probably out of luck unless you also buy one of those teeny tiny fridges to stash a carton in your room. 

Second, I don’t love the idea of throwing out any trash with food in my bedroom, so I do take the used capsules down to the kitchen. Lastly, I don’t love the trash that’s associated with the pods, which was part of my initial hesitation in making this purchase, but once I found out you can recycle them via Nespresso locations or their mail-in bags that worry was assuaged. 

Will I stop using my espresso machine in the kitchen altogether? Unlikely. I love a latte with steamed milk, and I just can’t re-create that experience in my bedroom with the Nespresso. But I love having the option, particularly on busy mornings, to have a slow moment of self-care right in my bedroom before I launch into the day.

This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: The “Mini” Kitchen Gem I Regret Not Putting in My Bedroom Sooner