Brought to you by La Marzocco Home
Written by Alexandra Petros
Visuals by TJ’s Coffee Adventures

let the adventure begin

Data analyst by trade, expert cortado maker by passion, TJ’s Coffee Adventures invites us inside his Charlotte home to see his La Marzocco setup—and the story behind it.

Modern yet nostalgic, TJ’s coffee space is where personal taste meets the social spirit of a café. What began as a creative outlet has since evolved into a true passion project—one shaped by friendship, coffee exploration, and a keen eye for capturing the quiet beauty in everyday moments. From student of coffee to content creator, TJ now shares his knowledge, tips, and coffee art on his growing Instagram page, inviting others to join the journey.

Upon entering his kitchen and living area, an open concept welcomes you with bright floor-to-ceiling windows that flood in Charlotte’s
golden morning sunrise.

charming & elevated

Here, natural light takes center stage, infusing warmth and a sense of calm into TJ’s daily ritual. 

“I love how the light changes throughout the day. In the morning, it’s bright and full of energy, then it softens, and by the evening there’s this beautiful sunset glow that pulls your attention to the corner,” he says.

Facing the window, a white Linea Mini is perfectly placed at the end of the kitchen counter—grinder adjacent —and colorful espresso cups stacked atop in no particular order.

“I’ve been collecting cups in different colors—they’re my favorite detail. Most are from Flur, a glassware company founded by my friend Ethan Rhode, alongside his wife Liz. They make some really great pieces.”

finding creativity in coffee

Data analyst by day, TJ found his creative outlet in coffee—a space where structure meets artistry. The same eye for detail that guides his analytical work now translates beautifully into his coffee art, photography, and visual storytelling. Each post feels thoughtful yet natural, balancing precision with creativity.

His coffee journey began in the stillness of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that unexpectedly opened the door
to community and craft.

“My favorite local café, Night Swim Coffee, really got me into the world of espresso. During the pandemic, I fell in love with their coffee and started picking their brains. They were so helpful, guiding me on ratios and technique. I bought my Linea Mini in 2021—the same machine they use—thinking maybe one day I’d start a coffee cart of my own.”

That purchase marked a turning point—the start of what would become TJ’s Coffee Adventures. What began as curiosity soon grew into a creative brand and a thriving online community. Today, the Night Swim team remains close friends who continue to
inspire and collaborate. 

the morning ritual

On a typical morning, TJ’s go-to is a classic cortado—double espresso with just the right amount of milk, balancing the tasting coffee notes of each coffee that goes through the hopper.

“My morning routine is definitely a ritual. I start by checking emails and planning my day, and once that’s done, I make a coffee. It’s my quick reset—five to ten minutes to forget about everything else. It’s a therapeutic, stress-free moment I
look forward to every day.”

the space

“The Linea Mini is my most prized possession—it’s the centerpiece of the kitchen. I wanted it to be the first thing you notice when you walk into the main living area. We often have friends over for dinner or coffee, and it’s great having everything in one open space. I can make ten coffees while still chatting with everyone at the bar or in the living room. I’m not tucked away—it all happens together in one open space.”

Intentional as it is inviting, the setup is an ‘over-the-bar’ café experience at home, recreating that easy sense of connection.

Next to the kitchen island sits a dedicated coffee corner, complete with a rotation of TJ’s favorite brewing gadgets. Above it, a mini gallery wall serves as a quiet focal point, each print a nod to the artists and friends who’ve shaped his journey.

“I’d highlight Sandgrain studio—Seb creates these beautiful coffee and espresso prints, along with movie posters and other artwork. He’s an incredibly talented artist. Most of the music and art prints around the house are his, with the rest coming from Etsy or artists I’ve met along the way.”

a global coffee community

Even with a full setup at home, he still finds joy in visiting cafés—spaces that bring people together through conversation and craft.

“Specialty coffee cafés are excellent. I go to relax, order a drink, and hang out with friends. It’s social—catching up with people, chatting with the baristas, and enjoying the energy of the space. That’s really what makes it special.”

For TJ, the coffee journey has been about the people as much as craft—growing a network of friends, collaborators, and fellow enthusiasts around the world.

“It’s been amazing to see this all come together. So many creators and coffee lovers I talk to every day—it’s become such a cool thing. The community is incredibly welcoming, and the connections you make with people around the world are truly mind-blowing. Even locally, there are hundreds of people who want to talk coffee all the time.”

Meeting fellow creators, exploring cafés, and sharing knowledge have turned a personal hobby into a vibrant, global network built on shared passion.

advice for the espresso-at-home dreamers

For those dreaming up a coffee corner of their own, TJ’s advice is simple: let joy, not perfection, lead the design.

“Be mindful of the gear you want—you don’t need to overcomplicate things. Start simple, with a machine and grinder, and go from there. Get what makes you happy, and you’ll figure out what you need over time. That’s always been my approach. If I like a cup and it looks good on the bar, that’s reason enough. Make your setup unique to you.”