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.

Designing for Real Life: Style Meets Function in Zoe’s Home

Once the foundation was in place, we turned our focus to styling the space in a way that felt unmistakably Zoe—playful, cozy, and ready for everyday life.

The showstopper? A gold corduroy-textured sofa that instantly became the heart of the living room. We grounded its bold color with black and cream textured throw pillows and brought in warm golden wood tones through a bar cart and coffee table. Soft, washable rugs completed the look—perfect for a home that includes a busy preschooler and a couple of pets. The result is a space that feels vibrant, lived-in, and designed for real life.

This was also our chance to embrace multifunctional design. We added a blue chair and ottoman in washable fabric, the hue echoing the deep blue kitchen island and tying in with the artwork throughout the room. The ottoman doubles as extra seating when needed. A perfectly cream-colored accent chair with matching warm wood tones rounds out the seating area. None of the furniture pieces are a matching set, and yet, they come together beautifully—creating a cozy, cohesive look with open flow.

We commissioned Zoe’s sister Ashley Story, an amazing artist with a style that is perfect for what we needed to create a fabulous modern art painting that was perfect for one large wall space. The bright colors add fun spirit are a perfect reflection of Zoe’s personality in the space.

One of our favorite touches? A playful riddling rack on the far wall to store wine bottles—a fun nod to Zoe’s love of wine and entertaining.

With the living room, dining area, and kitchen all flowing together in one open space, it was important to create distinct zones while maintaining a cohesive feel. A small round kitchen table seats four, the island offers space for four more with barstools, and the living room comfortably seats six—plenty of room for hosting in a compact footprint. The layout encourages connection while still giving each area its own purpose. The best part? Seeing Zoe welcome friends and family into a home that not only reflects her style, but functions effortlessly for her lifestyle.

Next week, we’ll wrap up this series with a look at the heart of Zoe’s home—the kitchen. From cabinets to countertops, we’ll show you how this space came together to be both beautiful and highly functional. You won’t want to miss the details that make it a true standout.