Office Perk: Inside Our Custom Coffee Nook Transformation

From Closet to Coffee Corner: A Real Estate Office Refresh

Sometimes, the most inspiring design moments come from reimagining what’s already there. At our Story Real Estate office, we had a small closet that was doing housing some file storage along with a catch all for general ‘stuff’. Tucked off to the side of a hallway from the main office space to two agent’s offices, it was easy to overlook. But I saw potential—a chance to create something both beautiful and useful. And so, the coffee bar was born.

Making It Functional

First, we removed the closet's sliding doors to open up the space and invite attention. The tile floor was replaced with carpet squares to match the rest of the office—creating visual flow and cohesion.

Since this closet was originally built as a laundry space (back when this building was a residential home), we brought in a plumber to rework the plumbing. That allowed us to add a narrow sink—perfect for rinsing mugs or filling a kettle without crowding the workspace. We also added an under-counter beverage cooler, which keeps our drinks and coffee creamer cold and close at hand. Practical and polished!

We had an electrician install new lighting, and I selected brass hinge-arm sconces to spotlight the shelving and add a warm, welcoming glow, plus they played off the warmth in the floating shelving.

Layering in Beauty

I found the perfect custom white oak floating shelves online, which add both storage and style. Below, I ordered cabinetry in a rich black stain from the Cabinet Crew—complete with drawers, a lower cabinet, and that handy pull-out trash bin for both trash and recyclables.

We topped it all with a custom solid surface counter in a white lightly speckled finish that ties the entire setup together with a clean fresh look.

The Showstopper: Wallpaper Over Tile

At first, I considered tile for the backsplash, but ended up choosing a large-scale black and white floral wallpaper instead. It was more budget-friendly, but it also delivered the exact drama I wanted for this little nook. Wallpaper can be intimidating—especially since I could not find a local installer here in Homer. I handed the job over to my contractor, who was a good sport and willing to give it a go, and I’m so glad I did. A forgiving pattern helped make the install smooth, and the result is truly a focal point.

Framed to Shine

To really frame the space and give it more presence, I added trim around the entire nook for an architectural feel. Then I painted the ceiling and trim in SW Iron Ore, a rich warm black tone in semi-gloss. The contrast is moody, modern, and just the right amount of bold.

A Small Space with a Big Impact

What was once an overlooked closet is now one of the most complimented spots in our office. It’s not just a place to make coffee—it’s a little moment of beauty in the workday, a place that invites connection. Stop in any time and visit the Story Team, they’d be happy to make you a cup of coffee and visit.

See the before and after images below.