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DIY Kitchen Coffee Lounge

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It was 1979 and I was 10 when I shared my bedroom with my 2 older sisters.  Once in a while my brother moved in, too 😯 .  We each had our own little nook to do what we wanted.  My nook was neat, organized, fully decorated top to bottom (not joking).  My sister’s nooks…not so much.  Sometimes when they were out I would sneak over to their nook and fix it up.  I would make their bed, re-organize their bedside table…sometimes I would even move our beds around.  Yah…it was crazy.  I mean, who does that at 10 years old?  The thing is, I’m still doing it and I’m 47.  Only now, I give the nooks titles and write about them.  My current nook is called…my “DIY Kitchen Coffee Lounge” and I’m leaving my sister’s beds behind and sharing it with you today!

I also happen to be joining some talented blog friends for an organizational blog hop.  I’m an organized freak, so when they asked, I jumped.  Only this time…what I’m sharing may be a little bit different than your usual organizing project.  You see, it’s all about organizing FURNITURE so it’s more functional for your family’s needs.

(Don’t forget to visit all participants at the bottom of this post.)

What it came down to, is that I grew tired of the kitchen table taking up the prime location in our kitchen next to the fireplace.  I mean seriously, this is the hottest spot in the house and I mean that in more ways than one.  Although we love the table and worked very hard refinishing that table top last Summer, we needed a change.  It’s really hard to sit and get comfortable in front of the fire at a table, you know?

Here it is BEFORE.

 I mean, this is where it all happens.  We cook, bake, burn turkeys, eat, work, watch movies, read, talk, relax, play Monopoly, play with our cat, argue, cry, talk on the phone, laugh, have family meetings, do homework, drink wine coffee, all in this spot.  There was one problem, though.  That damn table was in the way.

So, we moved it.

Into the living room.

Ahhhh…once it was there, I knew it was a great fit.  I love how the windows show off the shape of the farm legs and we can eat while looking out at the lake.

Okay, so now I had to figure out where to put my leather sectional that use to be there.  The tree was up during this fiasco too, so that made it a bit weird, but we got through it.

We slid that baby into the kitchen faster than Santa could say “Give me a cookie lady.”

What do you think?  Take look…have a muffin.

Here it is AFTER.

How to make your kitchen into functional cozy coffee lounge!

The kids were ecstatic.  Jumping on the sofa, singing Christmas tunes, it all seemed so perfect.  Why the heck didn’t I do this before?  Honestly, I think we are all just so wired to think that we need to follow certain rules with furniture placement.  This is proof that we do NOT.

Then I got to thinking even more.  This seemed more like a “Coffee Lounge” to me.  My husband & daughters drink ALOT of coffee and the coziness of it all just makes me feel like I’m in a coffee lounge.

All it needed was a cool COFFEE sign, so I looked on Etsy and found this amazing family operated company called Ragdoll Annie’s.  The price was right for a custom sized farmhouse style coffee sign and Ann was extremely helpful with all of it.  The sign was shipped quickly and is beautifully crafted.  In fact I’m going to order another sign, soon.  So, if you need a custom sign, or want to shop their’s, I would check them out.

How to make your kitchen into functional cozy coffee lounge!

*** Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.  Read full disclosure policy here.

Our rustic industrial coffee table fit in beautifully because it is large enough for us all to eat here, and the kids can do homework, and I can even blog.  The table also cranks upward so it’s not so low.  If interested you can find this table here: Industrial Adjustable Coffee Table.

Here’s when I added a few pops of color…

Coffee Mug Tower Source

Looking back, here’s the leather sectional & coffee table I styled last Fall for our Cottages & Bungalows Magazine photo shoot:

Here’s the table now.  If you look closely, you’ll notice little imperfections in the top of the table.  Love those little touches.  Oh, and I also brought the rug in for more coziness.  You can find this blue rug on-line HERE.

This is absolutely everyone’s favorite spot in the house.  The heart of the home is BOOM, right here.

How to make your kitchen into functional cozy coffee lounge!

You can see here how we hooked our light fixture chain up to the ceiling so we didn’t bump our heads on it.  Here’s a similar light fixture I found if you’re interested: Rustic Iron Light Fixture.

That’s really all I had to do to transform this space.  Good bye big bulky hard table, hello soft cushion-y sofa.

I should note: the one thing that bugs me is when my teens go over the back side of the sectional.  Kind of like they are getting into a convertable  😎 .

How to make your kitchen into functional cozy coffee lounge!

Oh wait…don’t go yet.  You want some coffee?  Check out how I organized up a little coffee station under the coffee sign.  Oh wait, that was before.

How to make your kitchen into functional cozy coffee lounge!

Here it is now with the coffee station…

Let me whip a pot up in this Ninja Coffee Bar I gave my husband for Christmas.  He says it makes the best coffee he ever had.  Even better than Starbuck’s.  It can make cold coffee drinks, too.  It’s pretty cool and blows our Keurig out of the hot tea water.  Here’s where I found it: Ninja Coffee Bar (it has great reviews).

Best Coffee Maker I Ever Had!

Just by chance, my sister in law just opened up her own coffee cafe and roasts her own coffee beans.  We order it on -line because we are in Michigan, and she is in NY.  You should definitely try her coffee.  We grind our coffee beans fresh using this coffee grinder.

Order Moose River Coffee HERE.

Best Coffee & Where to Order It! (affordable, too)

So yes, organizing furniture is a thing.  Don’t let anyone tell you where you should put what when it comes to your home & furniture.  You know your home better than anyone, and you are the one that lives there.  Place your furniture how it suites you and your family the best.  Don’t be afraid to think outside the room.  If you need help with that, just let me know HERE.

We decided to move our sofa into the kitchen and realized we should have done this long ago!

Monday

Domestic Charm

11 Magnolia Lane

Tuesday

Evolution of Style

Just a Girl and Her Blog

Southern State of Mind

Wednesday

Redhead Can Decorate

Chaotically Creative

Robb Restyle

Thursday

Ciburbanity

Suburban B’s

Windgate Lane

Friday

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

This Is Our Bliss

 

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64 Responses

  1. dad says:

    Neat, You did good, love, Dad in NewYork.

    • Julie says:

      Thanks, Dad in New York! I know how you love your coffee!

      • Laurel in PA says:

        I love to see your dad’s comments! Is there a different Dad not in New York?

        Was eerie reading about your tidying up after your sisters. Did the same thing when I was young.

        Loved this last project. You are definitely on a (decorating) roll.

  2. You go girl! Way to break the rules! I love the sofa in the kitchen. My kids would be so excited if they were allowed to sit on the couch!

    • Julie says:

      Hi Brenna, You are messing with me, right!? lolololol That is hysterical. And thanks again for all your hard work on the hop! ~ Julie

  3. What a great switch! I agree with you– it is so fun to switch furniture around for a different perspective! Hope you’re having a great week, Julie!

    ~Abby =)

  4. Love it julie, great swap! As families grow we have to make our homes work for us. Oh, and I used to share a room with my sister, we had I big fat line going down the middle ha ha
    Kristin 🙂

    • Julie says:

      Kristin-Totally like Jan Brady did…or was it Cindy? Thanks for stopping by, girl. Can’t wait to see your organizing!

  5. Oh wow! I love that little coffee area! How fun to have a little alcove like that to set it up in. Also love everything about your new set up!

  6. Cathy says:

    We did something similar except with overstuffed chairs! The dinette area in the kitchen was so small that we just made it a seating area instead.

    I LOVE it!!!!

  7. Joanne says:

    LOVE IT!…Warm, cozy, and very functional. Style should be fun, and it’s also personal….so do what you love, and enjoy it!

    • Julie says:

      Hi Joanne, You share my Mom’s name & exact spelling 😉 And you are so right. Do what you love, always! Thanks for stopping by~ Julie

  8. Karen Farrell says:

    What a wonderful spot – close to the kitchen so when you (or who ever is cooking) can still be involved and in front of that fireplace…..what’s not to love. My daughter turned us on to Nespresso coffee machines. It makes the best espresso or lattes or iced coffees or whatever makes you happy.

  9. Christina in FL says:

    SWEET! I love what you have done! 🙂 And, seeeee, all that practice has made you great at what you love to do!!

    Warm hugs!!

  10. Cindy says:

    Wow Julie, looks great and LOVE the sign. Wrote down the name of the shop for the sign.

    I would never be brave like you

    Cindy

  11. Wanda says:

    LOVE this!!! Just got a wild hair and switched my living room and dining room. Husband just gave me “that look” when I suggested it. We all love it!!!! Love your blog.

  12. Kristy Robb says:

    I love this!! Wow, I can’t believe how amazing that sofa looks in the kitchen – such a cozy, perfect space for coffee and homework! I’m also a little jealous of your ninja coffee maker!! yummy!

    Kristy

  13. Bonnie Schulte says:

    Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love how your kitchen looks, and the fireplace arrangement.. and also how the table looks by the window. love,love,love, can’t say it enough.

  14. Erma Branum says:

    Love it! I wished I had the room in my kitchen for a sofa.

  15. Cheryl says:

    I would say it’s a perfect fit! Love where the table and sofa ended up and bonus that the family loves it!

  16. Melissa Giordano agent 007 says:

    Julie,
    You are such an Inspiration. Although Its just my little boy Josh, Mr. Oliver, the Persian kitty your ideas and swaps are great! I live in an older home in NYC and can do all the repairs at once. I ve learned that with the your great ideas, and swaps I get compliments on the decor and furnishings never having to stress what people think about these old walls. I truly couldn’t do it without you.
    Thank you
    Agent 007

  17. Jan says:

    Spectacular and thanks for the giggles!

  18. Ivory says:

    You truly do have the right title “redhead can decorate”, because you always show us so many beautiful ideas and so many fabulous designs of that brilliant creative mind of yours. Thank you my friend.

  19. dad says:

    Not many people would be brave enough to try this, it really shows imagination and talent, love, Your only Dad, and I do live in Buffalo NY.

  20. Linda of No.Cal. says:

    FANTASTIC… I would never leave the couch… I luv to sit by the Fire !!
    ☕️Linda of No.Cal.

  21. Janet says:

    Love it!

  22. Debbie Manno says:

    Without a doubt the most brilliant move ever! Our kitchen and family are run together so we sort of have the same vibe. If I am in the kitchen cooking the family is right there to converse in the FM. I absolutely LOVE this Julie. I love coffee too btw.

    • Julie says:

      Thank you, Debbie! You must try this coffee! You won’t regret it. It’s a great price for what you get, too. Straight from upstate NY! Thanks for stopping over girl!

  23. Bridget says:

    I love the switch! It’s so cozy!

  24. Kyle says:

    I love it and wish I could still switch things around. I used to do this seasonally and my husband quietly over the years replaced our furniture so I couldn’t do it anymore. It is too big and bulky. I will live vicariously through you! Oh, one squirrel caught and released somewhere else, two to go then we can fix the hole they chewed their way in.

  25. Cheryl Siciliano says:

    I really enjoyed this post. That’s was you call thinking outside of the box.
    I love coffee ☕️ and my sectional. I wish I could do this. No room to swap but I’ve been thinking about removing my window seat and putting in a sette. Guess who just gave me the push and courage I needed..love love love your blog.

  26. Becky says:

    Oh my gosh, I love this so much! I need this in my space! Crud, i need new furniture now ;). I got the Ninja coffee bar for Christmas and I agree, it makes fantastic coffee. I am also wasting less coffee when it is just me at home (hubby drinks the office coffee during the week).

  27. Becky says:

    Oh, and I half-expected to see Ross and Rachel and the rest of the gang sitting there!

    • Julie Fiato says:

      Becky, I can’t believe I never thought of this! I must need more coffee, lol. Thanks for stopping by! ~ Julie

  28. Jenny Young says:

    I Love it! I even love the fact that your teens fly over the back of the sofa 😉 I used to have a teen who did that! Now he’s a dependable married man with a little more respect to the cost of things.

  29. Good for you. Looks great. I’m thinking of making my family room into the dinning room and the dinning room into the family room. Scares me!

    Now a few days after reading about your change I visited a new furniture store ( Blended) here in Muskegon, Mi. I was shocked when I spotted your round coffee table. Priced under, $400.00 !

  30. becky says:

    Hi Julie! ~ Sorry I am a week late from commenting on this blog, didn’t have internet access this last week & I missed seeing your creativity! ~ I think we all agree your dining room/couch area is fantastic! Sucha warm & cozy spot to lounge & have fun with family & friends! ~ My family are hot tea drinkers in the winter, but your charming sign ties it all together ~ Café Ole’!

    • Julie Fiato says:

      Hi Becky,

      Oh you never have to apologize!! I have a confession. 2 really. I don’t drink coffee because the caffein gets to me for some reason, even in decaf. I drink decaffeinated Earl Grey like a mad woman. Just finished my morning jug! 😉

  31. becky says:

    Julie…..Me too, about coffee. I love the different smells of coffee, but coffee makes me jittery & sick to my stomach…. 🙁 ….my Mom & sister love the dark teas…English Breakfast, Tetley, Constant Comment. I love the herbal fruit teas, a lovely Asian rice tea, & have you tried Lady Grey by Twinings? It is a lighter version of Earl Grey & so delicious…..I highly recommend it!

    • Julie Fiato says:

      Me too. I have it occasionally but have to eat with it. I get the EG k-cups by Twining’s. I’ll look for Lady Grey! Thanks, Becky! ~ Julie

  32. Kaye says:

    where did you get the pendants? love them

  33. Cheryl Foley says:

    I was thinking of doing the same thing just last night! Wow i love it. Your home seems perfect now.

  34. Nancy says:

    Such an inviting area. I love it and the addition of the blue rug is a good soft touch. I thought I liked the zebra rug as an accent until I looked at the next photo. The blue, being softer, just improves the area for conversation. The move of the table was also a good decision. Rainbow color accents are so Julie. Do tell…do those same teenagers drink the milk right out of the carton from the fridge just to drive Mom crazy? Our son used to do that!

  35. Barbara says:

    I LOVE THE SWITCH! BOTH ROOMS LOOK FABULOUS. WHERE DID YOU GET THE BEAUTIFUL FAUX FUR THROW? KEEP UP THE GREAT DESIGNS.

  36. […] kitchen table you are correct. You may recall I removed the ginormous table a few years back for my DIY Coffee Lounge. I brought it back after a year or so because that’s what I do (I like to move things around […]

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