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.

How to Shop Your Own Home: A Fresh Take on Styling with What You Already Have

One of the most transformative (and budget-friendly!) design tools we love at Storied Interiors is the simple act of shopping your own home. Before heading out to buy something new, we always encourage clients to take a fresh look at what they already own. You might be surprised by the beautiful pieces waiting to shine in a different room. Whether you're looking to refresh a tired corner, change the vibe in your living room, or just fall back in love with your space, here's our step-by-step guide to reimagining your home with what you already have.

Step 1: Clear the Space Start by removing all accessories and taking down artwork in the room you want to refresh. This gives you a blank slate to see the space with fresh eyes. It might feel a little bare at first, but that's the point! Letting the room "breathe" helps you see possibilities instead of just the current setup.

Step 2: Rethink the Furniture Layout Now's the time to play with arrangement. Ask yourself: does the current furniture placement serve the way you actually use the room? Is there something too bulky or not being used that could be swapped out? Don't be afraid to "borrow" from other parts of your home. Maybe that spare bedroom chair would look perfect in your living room, or the dining area could use a beautiful old dresser for extra storage and character.

Step 3: Curate Your Art With the furniture in place, look at your artwork with new eyes. Consider bringing in a piece from another room or hanging things in unexpected ways. You might even discover that a favorite print you’ve had in the hallway deserves a spot in the spotlight. (And stay tuned for our upcoming blog post with smart, stylish tips for hanging art!)

Step 4: Layer in Accessories Thoughtfully Now for the fun part: pillows, throws, lamps, vases, and small decorative items. Bring pieces back into the space slowly, choosing only what adds beauty, function, or a sense of joy. You might find that leaving a surface a little more open actually gives your space a fresh, simplified feel.

Step 5: Bring the Outdoors In Don’t forget to step outside and see what nature has to offer. A bowl of beach rocks or seashells, a sculptural piece of driftwood, or a few fresh-cut wildflowers in a vase can bring organic beauty and a sense of place into your home. Even a few stems can make a stunning statement.

Step 6: Edit and Enjoy Don’t feel like you need to use everything. This is your chance to be selective and intentional. What makes the space feel good? What no longer fits? Styling your home is a creative process, and editing is a powerful tool.

Shopping your own home is one of the easiest ways to refresh your space without spending a dime. It’s sustainable, personal, and surprisingly inspiring. So take a look around—you might already have everything you need for a whole new look.

Have you ever tried shopping your own home? We’d love to see your before and afters!

Want more styling inspiration? Follow along at @storiedinteriors for design tips and before-and-afters from real homes here in Homer, Alaska.

Selling a Home While Raising a Family: How to Stay Ready and Sane

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re still living in it—juggling daily life, kids’ activities, and unexpected showings. But with a little planning, you can keep your space ready to impress potential buyers while staying comfortable and sane.

Here are some simple steps to help you live in your home while staying show-ready:

🏡 1. Pack Away the Nonessentials

Start by packing up anything you don’t use daily or weekly. Think seasonal clothes, extra toys, small appliances, and rarely-used decor. Not only will this declutter your space for showings, but it will also give you a head start on packing for your move.

🌟 2. Create Designated “Living” Zones

Set up easy-to-maintain zones in your home. For example, give kids a specific area for their toys (and pack the rest away). In the kitchen, limit what stays on counters to just a few essentials that you use daily. This makes tidying up before a showing quick and manageable.

✨ 3. Develop a “15-Minute Tidy” Routine

Create a daily routine that everyone can help with—like wiping counters, fluffing pillows, and sweeping floors. Assign age-appropriate tasks to kids so everyone feels involved. This way, you’re always 15 minutes away from a showing-ready space.

📦 4. Keep Packing Supplies Handy

Have a couple of empty bins or baskets ready to toss stray items into before a showing. It’s an easy way to scoop up clutter at the last minute.

🗓️ 5. Keep a Flexible Schedule

Showings can pop up unexpectedly, so aim to be flexible. Keeping things tidy and packing up extra stuff will help you stay calm when that call comes in.

💡 Bonus Tip:

Label packed boxes clearly and store them in a garage, basement, or rented storage unit to free up living space and make the move easier later.

Selling your home doesn’t have to mean living in constant stress. By packing away nonessentials, creating manageable routines, and involving the whole family, you’ll be ready to impress buyers at a moment’s notice—and ready to move forward when the right offer comes along.