Do you ever get the itch to change something up? Sometimes a random thought hits me to make a change in my decor. Sometimes it’s a quick and easy change, and other times, not so much. Over the weekend, I started taking out my fall decor to start thinking about my plans for the fall (yes, I just said fall decor – eek). Well anyway, I was thinking of what I wanted to do with my coffee bar, and then all of a sudden I got that itch!
My coffee bar is actually a built-in desk in my kitchen. I love that I have the space for a coffee bar, but it’s not really what I envision for a coffee bar. Well, I decided that I wanted to tear out the desk and bookshelves and replace them with a vintage dresser and floating shelves above. I told my husband what I was thinking and he told me that I must be crazy. lol.
Any other time, we both would’ve jumped at the chance to do a “demo day,” but we both just recently had surgery and it wasn’t physically possible for either of us to tear out the built-ins. But when I get something in my head, I get very determined. I had to think of a way that I could change this space up that wouldn’t require a lot of physical effort. I knew my husband couldn’t help at all, and I was limited with what I could do.
Introducing the Quick & Easy Coffee Bar Makeover
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Then the thought hit me! I had some peel and stick subway tile wall paper left over from a previous project in my kitchen. I figured I could put that up as the backsplash to give the space a little pop. The top of the desk was very worn and had peeling paint so I knew I wanted to do something to hide that as well.
The first photo above is what the coffee bar looked like pre makeover. It just looked a little plain. And it had an ugly old telephone jack that I wanted to hide (remember those things!). I put up the peel and stick wall paper pretty quickly, and then started to think about what I could do to the top. Then, I thought about some chalkboard paint that I had. I have never seen anyone use chalkboard paint on a countertop, but I was determined to give it a try – knowing that I’m going to eventually tear this out one day and have my dresser with floating shelves ;).
I lightly sanded the top of the desk before painting because there were several spots of peeling paint. It took 3 coats of the chalkboard paint to completely cover the white. I let it dry overnight, then I “seasoned” it with chalk. If you don’t season a chalkboard before writing on it, you will never be able to completely erase what you wrote. To season it, hold your chalk sideways and run it vertically then horizontally across your surface. Once you do this, take a dry cloth and wipe the chalk off. Now your chalkboard is ready to write on without leaving a permanent impression.
The Reveal
Just adding the peel and stick wallpaper and chalkboard paint has completely transformed the way this space looks! And the best part… I didn’t have to spend a penny! I already had everything I needed for this project.
Before I get further into this reveal, I just want to mention that if you LOVE coffee as much as I do, this Nespresso maker is the best. thing. EVER! I would seriously prefer the lattes from this over Starbucks. I make both hot and iced lattes with this machine, and even make pumpkin spice lattes during the fall. So good, y’all!!!
The chalkboard paint is both fun and practical. Not only can you draw pretty chalk art (or get your talented sister to do it for you, as I did), but you can also write yourself little reminders by your coffee pot. I don’t know about you, but this is the first place I head in the morning and what better place to leave myself a little reminder.
I also changed up the decor a little in this space. Again, I used things I already had on hand so not a penny was spent on this space. And wouldn’t you agree that the first five days after the weekend are the hardest! We’ve already made it though one. Only four more to go! haha.
I have a pretty good start to my Rae Dunn collection, but to be honest, I don’t get to search for it as much as I’d like to. The closest store that carries it is about an hour from my home so it’s not like I can just run up there to see if they have anything. My unicorn piece is the Coffee canister! So if any of you hunt & collect and happen to come across one, we would be BFs forever if you’d kindly pick it up for me. I’m kinda kidding, but really not. 😉
Creating this space has definitely satisfied my itch (at least for the time being)! And the next time you see it, it will be all decorated for fall. Just remember, you don’t have to spend much, if any money at all, to create a space you love. Just work with what you already have and add a little creativity.
Be blessed friends, and have an awesome week! xoxo
Heather I love the way the chalk paint looks on the counter! I would never have thought to do this. Now you have stirred up thoughts of what I can do different in my coffee bar, LOL! Have a great week!
Thank you so much, Wendy! I was trying to think of what I could do with things that I already had. So glad it turned out ok. lol
Fantastic job and beautiful makeover! Love it. Pinned!
Thank you sweet Cindy! 🙂
That really added a lot a character to the built-in…. Love the chalk paint, I would have never come up with that. My husband and I love coffee and we use a French Press, I will have to check out the Nespresso. Also, way-to-go for shopping your house!!! Off topic, but wasn’t those couple of days with a slight breeze and coolness in the air wonderful?? I too am looking forward for the fall. 😊🍂
Yassss girl! It almost feels like fall and is making me want a pumpkin spice latte. lol. Oohhh, and I love french press but never take the time to make them. I kept trying to think of something I could do what what I already had on hand and came up with the chalkboard paint. 😉
Hi! Do you still need the coffee canister? I found one today at Kirkland’s in my home town, Jackson, TN! I will be more than happy to get it for you…and you can also order from them online. Be blessed, love, and shine!
Oh my gosh Cindi, you are the sweetest!!!! I actually traded someone a mug for the coffee canister last week, but THANK YOU so much for looking out for me!!! Have a fabulous evening!!!
Hi! I love what you’ve done! I think im going to try doing the chalkboard paint to a portion of my desk!
I looked on amazon and found two different style coffee canisters from Rae Dunn. Not sure if these are what you’re looking for, but here are the links: (not sure if these are copying over. But you can search on amazon 😊)
Rae Dunn Magenta COFFEE Canister
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077NSNB2K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kSHRBbG6HDN6M
Rae Dunn COFFEE Canister LL With Coordinating Magnets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GQN33K9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jXHRBb2JTGVYA
Thank you so much, Kathy! That was so sweet of you to send me those links!! I’m still loving the chalkboard countertops, but I wouldn’t recommend them for a high use area. A desk would probably be perfect.