This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

Buy Now

Updated: October 15, 2024

Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!  

Katie T’s Cottage Home Fun Fact #41

For my 41st fun fact, I want to share that I have been listening to a lot of Jazz music lately. Close family and friends comment about it being “elevator music,” which they are not wrong about.

There’s just something so relaxing about it. Plus, it enhances the feelings of fall and winding down for the winter. 

Not All Coffee Makers Are Created Equal

Before I jump into the deep cleaning part of this post, I want to mention that not all coffee makers are created equal.

What I mean is this Bunn coffee machine is a high to middle-of-the-ground coffee maker. There are cheaper options out there, while there are also more expensive ones.

With that said, a more affordable coffee maker isn’t as intricate. Thus, cleaning it may not require you to take the machine apart. 

Either way, the idea still holds: deep cleaning is still necessary. 

Not All Bunn Coffee Makers are Created Equal

For those in the market for a new coffee machine, there are some things you need to know about Bunn coffee makers. 

Not all are created equal.

For example, growing up, my parents had a stainless steel version. They were the ones who introduced me to the brand Bunn, and I fell in love and wanted one for myself.

As a female with a special place in my heart for the color white, I put this coffee maker on my registry, and my cousin was kind enough to get it for me.

Truthfully, the advertising of the white was a little different than what I was expecting. I still like it, but the plastic does look cheaper than the stainless steel. 

However, the plus side to the white is that it shows grime and water residue buildup more than a darker alternative, thus indicating that it needs cleaning. I look at it like a health alert.

The other thing to keep in mind is the type of carafe. 

The stainless steel carafe keeps the coffee hotter longer compared to the glass. To overcome this the glass carafe version has a heating element on the bottom. However, if any spilled coffee is underneath, it gets sticky and burns on the bottom if the element is on.

Unfortunately, this can happen easily if you are not precise in lining up the carafe because there are no guards to hold it in place (like the stainless steel one has). This can get a bit annoying, but I’m sure it wouldn’t bother everyone.  

Refreshing and Rustic Spring Makeover

Coffee Bar Refresh for the Modern Cottage Home!

Learn More

Why I Will Never Change Coffee Machines 

All in all, I cannot complain. I love my coffee maker and would never intentionally change it for one major reason.

It brews a whole carafe of coffee in 4 minutes. 

Bunn has created a technology that can brew a whole carafe of coffee in just 4 minutes. This machine can do it because the water is heated ahead of time. 

That’s why companies like Dunkin’ have the Bunn brand because of its efficiency. 

Essentially, you pour your first carafe of water into the machine and let it heat up to temperature. When you are ready to make coffee, you’ll add another carafe of water, which will replace the first. This gives the first carafe of water time to heat up, thus having instant hot water for your coffee.

Because my husband and I don’t need the coffee machine to keep the water hot for the whole day, we shut it off during the afternoon. To make it easy on ourselves, we have electrical plugs that shut it off on a timer and turn it back on automatically. 

This way, no additional effort is necessary, and we still have the luxury of a 4-minute brew.

Although I wouldn’t say no to a cappuccino machine. I wouldn’t use it all the time because I am a low-maintenance coffee girly, but having the option to splurge now and again sounds appealing.  If any of you have recommendations, leave them in the comments below!

Deep Cleaning your Coffee Machine

Now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Deep cleaning the coffee machine.

It’s rather simple to take this particular machine apart. Unscrew the two top sections, as these will need heavy cleaning. I won’t go much further than that when taking the machine apart because I don’t want to mess with the electrical unit that allows the coffee machine to run.

But a way to clean this part of the machine would be to run vinegar through it. 

I try to deep clean my machine at least once or twice a year. And it’s amazing how much better the coffee tastes after it’s clean.

My husband and I were joking because the last time we did a deep cleaning of the machine, my father-in-law had some coffee. He raved about how good our coffee was for the longest time!

It shows how important it is to do a deep cleaning of your machine now and again. Not to add, how gross the inside of my coffee machine is right now! Disgusting!! 

A couple of recommendations for cleaning the pieces are as follows. Use Dawn and baking soda. Both work great. I also recommend a long brush to get into the nooks and crannies. Just be mindful of the abrasiveness of the brush.

If the pieces are stainless, you don’t have to worry, but if the machine is plastic, you don’t want anything too abrasive. This is a general rule of thumb for plastic kitchen items because they can scratch easily.

The last thing you want is all those scratches from an abrasive brush or sponge to open gateways for grime and residue to build up. This is just asking for it to get dirty quickly. 

Deep Cleaning Your Coffee Maker the Right Way: Rustic Cottage Kitchen Essentials

Well, there you have it! Everything you need to know about Bunn coffee maker and the importance of deep cleaning your coffee maker! Hope this post has inspired you to clean your coffee machine. Until next time! 

Love,

Katie

The post Deep Cleaning Your Coffee Maker the Right Way: Rustic Cottage Kitchen Essentials first appeared on Katie T's Home.

Also, be sure to check out my feminine homemaking digital download templates! So, without further ado, let’s jump in!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

Buy Now

Updated: August 21, 2024

I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!  

Katie T’s Cottage Home Fun Fact #36

For my 36th fun fact, I want to share that I am trying to get into and learn how to make cheese!

So far, I’ve started with simple cheeses like mozzarella and cottage cheese, but I’m hoping to get to a point where I can make hard cheeses like cheddar!

The Heart of the Home: Kitchen Countertops

So, first up on the list of the 6 affordable ways to update your home is to start with the kitchen counter. 

Because I’m renting this house that my mémère and pépère built, there are a lot of outdated home features, and the kitchen counters were one of them.

At the time, they were a drab gold color, and with the kitchen cabinets, it was wayyy too dark in the kitchen. So, my quick and easy fix for this problem was to add vinyl to the countertops. 

Now, full disclaimer, it was challenging to adhere the vinyl in the curved areas, like around the sink. But I’d say it is a much cheaper and longer-lasting solution than if we were to paint it.

We painted the backsplash as well, and while yes, it has also held up the same amount of time (about 3 ½ years), the backsplash sees way less traffic. Plus, there were times when we accidentally scuffed the backsplash, and it chipped the paint. 

The vinyl, on the other hand, has held up pretty well. I’d say the only areas that didn’t are the areas we had trouble with from the beginning, and even those are pretty minor. 

In addition to updating your countertop with vinyl, I would even go as far as to say what you keep on your countertops is also significant.

For example, a lot of modern kitchens keep the area simple. There isn’t much existing on the countertops for appliances and kitchen accessories. 

Updated kitchens have related items on display, like wooden cutting boards, lamps, or vintage/cottage decorative pieces.

This is where items like an oil or soap tray are perfect because they fit the description of having a decorative display in the kitchen while also being practical. 

Cozy Outdoor Living Space

Next up on the list of 6 affordable ways to update your home without remodeling is to have a cozy living space outside. 

I won’t go into too much detail on decorating your outdoor space because I have a full video and guide below, but know that having an enticing living space outside will add sophistication to your home. 

An outdoor patio can easily be associated with luxury, but it doesn’t always have to cost a fortune.

Get furniture from Facebook Marketplace and slowly acquire more decorative elements like tablecloths, rugs, plants, etc., to make your living space cozy.

Personally, I love to spend time on my screened-in porch. Whether it’s in the morning with a cup of coffee or in the evenings with a glass of wine, getting inspired by Pinterest for the upcoming projects I want to take on. 

Neutral Colors are Essential

The 3rd must-have, out of the 6 affordable ways to update your home without renovating is to acquire neutral-colored items.

I’m not a professional interior designer by any means, so this is just my opinion, but hear me out.

For the most part, colors will come and go.

So even though bold and dark colors are in right now, it doesn’t mean they’ll always be. Just like the gold countertops I mentioned earlier. At the time, it was in style when my pépère built the house. Now, not so much.

But I feel like neutral colors will ALWAYS be the base. 

So whenever you’re shopping for decorations, accessories, or essentials think neutral colors. 

For example, my comforter and chunky knit blanket are a good baseline for the orangy-toned flooring. While this pine flooring is beautiful for this room, I’d say the orangy tone is another updated color. 

Top Deal

Get all digital downloads for a fraction of the price with this bundle deal!

Buy Now

Affordable Bathroom Counter Transformation

Next up for the 6 affordable ways to update your home is to touch up your bathroom vanity. 

This way is very similar to the kitchen countertop, but it takes it a step further. 

So adhere the vinyl to the countertop. Also, on a side note, make sure the vinyl is waterproof (same for the kitchen countertop).

And add some simple yet decorative items. A bathroom vanity tray is a great way to do this.

But, take it a step further. I’d say if your sink is outdated, paint it! 

Now, I painted mine, and I do have a major recommendation. Don’t rush the process by simply taping the painter’s tape over the drain. Actually, take the drain out. 

Learn from my mistake because I just covered the drain with painter’s tape, and because it wasn’t 100% flush with the drain, water got underneath and peeled the paint.

However, all things equal, considering that only the bottom section has peeled and the rest is still intact, I’d say it’s a pretty worthy update, especially if you’re on a budget. 

Make sure you get the correct epoxy paint that can handle washing and everyday wear. You can find a link for the one I used here. 

Update the Corner into a Reading Nook

The second to last way on this list of 6 affordable ways to update your home is to have a cozy reading nook.

I think this speaks for itself, but the idea is to have an inviting and welcoming area. 

So often homes, whether outdated or not, have almost like an awkward area or vacant corner. And I find people sometimes struggle with how to fill the space. I feel like you can never go wrong with adding an accent chair, ottoman, or bench to create a cozy reading nook. 

Not only does adding these accent furniture pieces add an element of warmth, but it’s also an inviting place to sit or even put items down on. 

For example, I have a classier floordrobe because my clothes are at least on my ottoman and not on the floor. It’s all about perspective!!

Simplicity and Space

Last but not least, the 6th affordable way to update your home without renovating, is to consider simplifying your area. 

I find many outdated homes are filled with visual attention grabbers. 

In other words, certain design elements have harsh contrasts, excessive textures, or even an abundance of curvatures, all grabbing your attention. 

So, while a modern style is simple and sleek, an outdated red brick chimney, curvatures in wooden cabinets, and popcorn-textured walls don’t exactly fit the style of a modern home.

So, if you’re looking to update these areas without renovating, ask yourself how to make the area simple. Also, allow for more space to highlight the areas in your home that you want the attention on. 

This may take the form of making more space in your home by removing unnecessary furniture.

Or it may take the form of what I like to call “covering it up” by, let’s say hanging a picture or TV on that popcorn-covered wall to break up the texture. Or even adding a carpet to outdated flooring.

And don’t be afraid to have the less is more mentality when it comes to physical space.

In the end, having an area to do things, like setting up a table for paint and sip with your friends, is a priceless experience worth making room for. 

6 Affordable Ways to Update Your Home Without Remodeling 

So there you have it! 6 affordable ways to update your home without remodeling. Let me know if the comments if you have done or plan on doing any of these upgrades to your home! Again, check out my online storefront for lots of feminine digital downloads. Until next time! 

The post 6 Affordable Ways to Update Your Home Without Remodeling first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

Buy Now

Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #4

Before I jump into these rustic spring coffee bar ideas, I want to mention a fun fact about myself! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level! So far, this is the fourth one I’ve done, so I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below!

So, for my fourth fun fact, I want to share that I’m Catholic! 

Springtime is especially important for me because of everything I believe in because of my faith. I’ve personally had countless God moments along this path called life and, each time I experience one of these moments, it further increases my faith in Him. 

Pastel Color Schemes: Embrace the Playfulness of Spring

To start the refreshing and rustic spring coffee bar makeover, you’ll want to focus your attention on color schemes.

By embracing the vibrant and soft hues of spring, you can subtly create a sense of lightheartedness and joy that perfectly captures the essence of the season.

One delightful way to embrace pastel color schemes is by selecting spring decor like the robbin eggs in my farmhouse coffee bar. This pop of color to your coffee station will enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.

Picture waiting for your coffee to brew in the morning (only 4 minutes if you have a Bunn coffee maker) and being delightfully captivated by the pastel blue robbin eggs sitting on the edge of the station – it’s sure to make waiting for your morning coffee feel extra special.

Creative Co-Op Boxed Set of 12 Blue Speckled Ceramic Robin Eggs

Buy Now

Pack of 2 Regular Mouth 32 oz Ball Jars with Lids and Bands…

Buy Now

In addition, you can introduce pastel colors through other accessories as well. Consider adorning your coffee bar with pastel-colored jars, vases, or canisters to store your coffee beans, sugar, or freshly cut flowers. These accents serve a practical purpose while adding a whimsical touch to your farmhouse aesthetic.

Remember, the key to embracing pastel color schemes is to keep it light and airy. By using these soft hues judiciously, you can achieve a harmonious and visually pleasing coffee bar that perfectly captures the playful spirit of spring.

Spring-Themed Decorations: Add a Touch of Whimsy

To fully embrace the essence of spring, think about incorporating elements that bring the outdoors inside. One way to do this is by adorning your coffee bar with floral accents. 

Consider placing a vase of fresh flowers, such as tulips or daisies, on the counter or hanging a charming floral wreath on the wall.

These small touches will infuse your space with the rejuvenating energy of springtime.

EZFLOWERY 10 Heads Artificial Tulips Flowers Real Touch…

Buy Now

Comfy Hour Antique and Vintage Animal Collection Cast Iron 3.5″ Bird Figurine, Brown, Indoor Outdoor Garden Decor

Buy Now

HighFree Gold Geometric Plant Terrarium, Clear Gift Card Box for Wedding Reception Box, Succulent and Air Planter, Keepsake and Home Décor

Buy Now

BUNN GRW Velocity Brew 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer, White

Buy Now

Another way to add a touch of whimsy is by incorporating playful and nature-inspired decor. Look for decorative items like birdhouse-shaped chalkboards, statues, and vintage-inspired birdcages that can be repurposed as storage for coffee mugs or stirring spoons. 

Also, don’t forget to include some seasonal elements as well! Spring is a time for growth and renewal, so consider incorporating elements like potted plants or a terrarium filled with moss and delicate ferns. 

These natural accents add freshness to your coffee bar while creating a soothing and serene atmosphere for you to enjoy your morning cup of coffee.

Top Deal

Get all digital downloads for a fraction of the price with this bundle deal!

Buy Now

Rustic Accessories: Bring the Farmhouse Charm

When thinking about the farmhouse aesthetic, rustic accessories play a vital role in creating an authentic and inviting coffee bar. I have a full tutorial here on how I refurbished an old bookshelf into the coffee station that it is today!

(4 Sizes: 12″-13″-14″-15″) BARIEN Woven Placemats Round Set of 10, Natural…

Buy Now

Large Glass Jar with Airtight Lid Set of 2 93 FL OZ(2750ml) glass canister set…

Buy Now

By incorporating elements made from natural materials such as wood, metal, and woven textures, you can infuse your coffee station with the cozy warmth of the countryside.

One of the simplest yet most effective rustic accessories is a woven placemat. Not only does it add a touch of natural beauty, but it also serves as a functional piece for resting your coffee essentials and decor. 

To further enhance the rustic appeal, consider adding mason jars, glass jars with wooden tops, or ceramic sugar and creamer containers. These farmhouse-inspired containers do the trick to add a nostalgic touch to your coffee bar setup while providing storage for the essentials! 

wooden coffee scoop for jars Wooden scoops Small wooden scoop Small scoops…

Buy Now

Barnyard Designs Ceramic Stoneware Sugar Creamer Set, 11oz Creamer Pitcher…

Buy Now

Functional and Stylish Storage Solutions: Organize with Elegance

One of the key elements in creating a well-organized coffee bar is having designated storage spaces for all your essentials. And what better way to achieve this than with a touch of style? 

Consider incorporating open shelves into your coffee bar design. These provide easy access to your coffee cups and mugs while serving as a decorative element. Display your collection of farmhouse or colorful coffee cups for a charming and personalized touch.

TIEYIPIN Farmhouse Decor Metal Wire Storage Baskets, Wood Base Containers Organizing…

Buy Now

Colonial Tin Works Four Hook Mug Rack

Buy Now

Mikasa French Countryside…

Buy Now

Rae Dunn Queen Bee Teapot with Honey Bee Pot with Stir Stick Gift Set

Buy Now

Additionally, don’t overlook the power of wooden bins for both storage and decoration. Use them to hold coffee filters, hot cocoa, or even a small collection of caramel and chocolate syrup. Not only do these bins add an earthy texture, but they also serve as practical storage solutions to keep your coffee bar organized.

If you have limited countertop space, consider utilizing wall-mounted or hanging storage options. Install hooks or racks to hang your coffee mugs, freeing up valuable space and adding a visually interesting element to your coffee bar. To keep things stylish, opt for hooks with an antique finish or choose quirky and unique mug racks that double as wall art.

Another functional storage solution is to repurpose vintage crates or wooden boxes. These can be stacked or arranged as shelves to hold your coffee beans, tea bags, sugar canisters, or even a small coffee grinder. 

Lastly, don’t forget about the power of labeling. I have a tutorial here on how I printed my coffee label. Plus, I’m offering the design for FREE, so be sure to check it out!!

Coffee Bar Ideas for the Farmhouse Home: Refreshing and Rustic Spring Makeover

Incorporate these coffee bar ideas into your farmhouse home to create a refreshing and rustic spring makeover that will leave you feeling inspired every morning! By embracing the farmhouse aesthetic, adding whimsical spring-themed decorations, and incorporating functional and stylish storage solutions, you can transform your coffee bar into a delightful focal point in your home.

The post Coffee Bar Ideas for the Farmhouse Home: Refreshing and Rustic Spring Makeover first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

Buy Now

Top Storage Essentials

I have categorized the different storage containers by type. See them all listed below!

Wicker Baskets

I cannot get enough wicker baskets!! They look good, and you have some flexibility to get a shade that matches your decor!

StorageWorks Wicker Storage Cubes with Liners, Water Hyacinth Storage Baskets…

Buy Now

Honey-Can-Do STO-02882 Nesting Banana Leaf Baskets, Multisize, 3-Pack,Natural

Buy Now

mDesign Woven Water Hyacinth Rectangle Storage Organizer Basket Bin with Topper…

Buy Now

StorageWorks Storage Baskets for Organizing, Wicker Baskets with Built-in Handles…

Buy Now

BARIEN Set of 6 Natural Water Hyacinth Storage Baskets 12.6” x 8” x 7”, Rectangular…

Buy Now

Household Essentials ML-4002 Tall Water Hyacinth Wicker Basket with Handles…

Buy Now

StorageWorks Hand-Woven Large Storage Baskets with Wooden Handles…

Buy Now

mDesign Round Braided Seagrass Woven Storage Basket with Jute Handles…

Buy Now

Plastic and Glass Containers

These are so useful in all areas of the home! Kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, etc.!

Set of 8 Clear Plastic Storage Bins, 4 Large and 4 Small Stackable Storage Containers…

Buy Now

Vtopmart 37 PCS Clear Plastic Drawer Organizers Set, 4-Size Versatile Bathroom…

Buy Now

ClearSpace Plastic Storage Bins – Perfect Kitchen Organization or Pantry Storage…

Buy Now

mDesign Wide Stackable Plastic Food Storage Organizer Bin Basket with Open…

Buy Now

IRIS USA 5 Quart Plastic Storage Bin Tote Organizing Container with Latching…

Buy Now

M MCIRCO 30 Pieces Glass Food Storage Containers with Upgraded Snap Locking Lids – Airtight…

Buy Now

Large Glass Jar with Airtight Lid Set of 2…

Buy Now

Anchor Hocking Montana Glass Jars with Fresh Sealed Lids, Black Metal, 64 oz (Set of 2) –

Buy Now

Wooden Bins

These are also nice storage essentials to organize with! They also have a farmhouse look to them. You can also get ones that are raw wood and stain or paint them to the color you want!

KIRIGEN Stackable Wood Storage Cube/Basket/Bins Organizer for…

Buy Now

LEISURE ARTS Good Wood Wooden Crate, wood crate unfinished, wood crates…

Buy Now

Top Deal

Get all digital downloads for a fraction of the price with this bundle deal!

Buy Now

Metal Bins

These metal bins are so rustic and appeal to the farmhouse look! I can’t get enough of these either!

TIEYIPIN Farmhouse Decor Metal Wire Storage Baskets, Wood…

Buy Now

Farmhouse Baskets Wire Metal Baskets Storage Organizer Fruit Bin with Wood Handles…

Buy Now

mDesign Slim Slanted Metal Wire Kitchen Storage Basket Bin Organizer with…

Buy Now

mDesign Metal Wire Storage Organizer Basket with Bamboo Wood Handles for…

Buy Now

X-Large Farmhouse Wire Metal Baskets Storage Organizer Farmhouse Storage…

Buy Now

Stratton Home Decor Metal and Wood Tray – Farmhouse Round Tabletop for…

Buy Now

Fabric Containers

These fabric bins are perfect for the laundry room!! Mix and match with the other bins, and it’ll look like a masterpiece!

DULLEMELO Fabric Storage Bins, Storage Baskets for Organizing, Collapsible…

Buy Now

GooBloo Large Cotton Rope Woven Basket – 18″ x 17” Tall Decorative Storage Basket…

Buy Now

Unique Storage Containers

Can’t beat the uniqueness of these containers! I have a spice jar tutorial on how to cut my customized labels here! And let’s not forget about the tea holder for my coffee station!

Tea Bag/Sugar Packet Holder, Coffee Station Condiment Organizer, Seagrass Storage…

Buy Now

Churboro 36 Glass Spice Jars with 547 Labels with Shaker Lids – 4 Oz Square Spice…

Buy Now

Suncast 22-Gallon Small Deck Box – Lightweight Resin Indoor/Outdoor Storage Container…

Buy Now

BLU MONACO White Wooden Desk Organizer with Drawer and Gold Handle – Desk…

Buy Now

EAST OAK 120 Gallon Deck Box, Large Outdoor Storage Box with Stainless Steel Rods…

Buy Now

Simple Houseware 3-Tier Stackable Water Bottle Storage Organizer, Clear

Buy Now

Shelves

Every home needs shelves! We have some built-in shelves, and it’s so convenient for decorating and showcasing those random things that would have been sitting in storage. 

Point in case, I just made a post about how to decorate shelves, and I used an antique copper bucket and a teapot that was passed down to us! 

I’ll also be doing another post soon where I showcase the built-in shelves in the dining room. The shelves have plates, placemats, a gravy bowl, etc. strategically placed on them. If I didn’t have the shelves, they would have been sitting in a cabinet never to be seen! 

AMADA HOMEFURNISHING Floating Shelves, Wood Hanging Wall…

Buy Now

YGEOMER Floating Shelves, Rustic Wood Shelves, 4 Sets of Wall Mounted Shelf…

Buy Now

Storage Essentials for an Organized Home

There you have it! The top storage essentials for an organized home! Comment below if you have any of these storage essentials!

The post Top Storage Essentials for an Organized Home first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

Buy Now

Transform Your Bookshelf with This DIY Makeover

My husband and I had this bookcase hiding in our closet for the longest time! Recently, I repurposed a metal filing cabinet (you can read about it here), enabling me to move some paperwork around.

Because the metal filing cabinet is now holding our paperwork, it freed up some space in my desk. I decided to move the books into the desk and repurpose the bookcase.

My goal for repurposing this bookshelf is to turn it into a coffee station! I am hands down, a coffee snob. With my personality type, it is fitting to have a designated coffee station.

Materials

• Spackle
• Wood Glue
• White matte paint
• Paint Roller and Paint Brush
• Sander and Sandpaper
• Circular saw
• Scrap Wood and Small Craft Wood
• Gel Stain
• Optional: Yellow Acrylic Paint
• Tape Measurer
• Screws
• Drill and Drill Bits
• Farmhouse Hardware
• Optional: Hacksaw with Metal Blade

Structural Fixes

To transform your bookcase from old to new, you need to start off by filling in any holes or dents. I had a few dents in mine so, I used spackle (also known as putty) for this.

While drying, I cut wood for the top of the bookshelf. I screwed the piece of wood to the top of the bookcase to give the hardware enough room to slide across.

Depending on your bookshelf, you might not need to do the step above. Be sure to measure the farmhouse hardware to see how much room it needs to slide. Mine needed about 3”.

Next came the door, which in my opinion, makes the bookshelf look so good! For this piece, I cut a scrap piece of cabinet-grade plywood.

I want to note here that when you cut the dimensions for your door, be sure to factor in the farmhouse hardware. When I cut my door, I didn’t have all the hardware and forgot to account for the extra space on top. In my case, I don’t mind the extra-long door, but if you want the door to be exact, make sure you factor in the height of the hardware.

Another important thing to consider is the thickness of the door. For my farmhouse hardware, I didn’t want to go any larger than 1 ¼” thick. Luckily, the plywood was 1” thick, and the scrap piece of wood on top was ¼” thick.

So, after I cut the base of the door, I measured what I needed for the pieces to go on top. Because the door is so narrow, I didn’t want the traditional farmhouse design. I feel like it would have made the door look too small.

Instead, I cut out scrap pieces of wood for the horizontals. For the verticals, I used this craft wood that I bought for a different project that never happened. It ended up being exactly what I needed.

Consider adding a drawer handle if it works on the design of your farmhouse door. There is no good place to put one on my door, so I will not be adding one.

Finally, once I had everything cut, I put the smaller pieces of wood on the plywood to be sure everything fits together. Then, I sanded everything down. I put the pieces back and glued them down using wood glue.

After I assembled the door, I lightly sanded the bookcase.

Top Deal

Get all digital downloads for a fraction of the price with this bundle deal!

Buy Now

Paint the Bookshelf

Now comes the painting part to transform your bookcase! I chose white chalk paint because I wanted something that would adhere to stain. It’s a LOT of work to completely remove stain. I did some research and discovered chalk paint was the way to go.

This paint is on the thicker side, and I had to put on three coats! I went through a good amount of the can! I also used a paint roller because I didn’t want brush strokes from a paintbrush. However, I recommend painting the top part with a paintbrush if you plan on staining the top. I’ll explain more about this in the next step.

Stain the Top of the Bookcase

Next comes the staining part. I chose to work with gel stain for a couple of reasons. One, I wanted something that could adhere to the paint. Two, I liked the concept of the gel enhancing the brushstrokes to look like wood.

Having used the gel stain for the first time, I have some feedback that I want to share with you before you do this process.

First and foremost, a gel stain is a thick stain meant to highlight texture to make it look like wood. I can’t speak for all gel stains, but the one I used is very thick.

Next, make sure you paint the top part with a paintbrush. I used a paint roller, not knowing that the base coat mattered as much as it did.

Choosing the Right Color Stain

This next piece of information has to do with the color of the stain itself. My goal for this piece was a lighter brown. After looking at reviews and photos of what other people did, I decided it was the color I wanted. After putting on the first coat, I realized I was wrong, and there are a few reasons.

So, when I did the first coat over the white paint, I noticed that the stain had purple undertones which is not what I wanted. I couldn’t get a picture to show the purple undertones, but the image below shows the first layer of stain.

The reason why it had purple undertones all boil down to color combination. Brown is a composition of opposite colors. So, for example, if you mix orange and blue together, you get brown.

It’s like black, which is an equal ratio of the primary colors, blue, red, and yellow. To get the opposite color of blue, you must mix red and yellow to make orange. So essentially, brown is the same makeup as black, but the ratio is different.

Because the stain I used was heavy on the purple undertones, that means they used a combination of purple and yellow. So instead of using a different stain, I diluted the purple undertones by adding yellow acrylic paint.

I mixed yellow acrylic paint with the stain in a separate container and got the exact color I wanted!! The only callout here is that the acrylic paint thins out the gel paint. I was okay with this because it allowed me to use the brush and get the brush strokes for the added texture.

If you add acrylic paint to your stain, don’t thoroughly mix it. I mixed it just enough, and it was perfect because it gave a slight variation in the tones on the base layer. This made it look more realistic. I have since used this technique on my headboard as well. You can read about my farmhouse bookshelf headboard here.

After that layer dried, I took a dry brush and lightly dipped the tip of the bristles in the original gel paint. I lightly brushed it on the top of the bookshelf to make it look like wood grain. After I did this a few times, drying the paintbrush off in between, I added character by going in the opposite direction and giving the grain a curvature in some areas.

Attach the Farmhouse Hardware

The final step to transform your bookcase is to add the hardware! The smallest rod for this type of hardware that I could find was 2ft. My bookshelf was just under that, so I had to find a way to extend the bookshelf or make the rod shorter.

Luckily for me, my brother has a hacksaw with a metal blade that can cut through metal. This is why I didn’t have the piece with me when I was doing the measurements for the door. My brother was nice enough to cut the piece for me back at his house.

So, after my brother cut the piece for me, I screwed it into the bookcase. Also, if you screw the centerpiece in as well, the door can’t move past it. I wanted my door to fully extend side to side, so I removed the metal covering from the screw. I decided that the aesthetic wasn’t worth the door not being able to fully shift from either side.

Transforming your Bookshelf with this DIY Makeover Idea

So, there you have it! Hope my step-by-step guide on how to transform your bookcase with this DIY bookshelf makeover idea is helpful! Please comment below or reach out with any questions I would love to hear from you!

The post Transform your Bookcase with this DIY Bookshelf Makeover Idea first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

Buy Now

Coffee Station Ideas on a Budget

Whether you are looking for small coffee bar ideas or coffee station countertop décor, you are in the right place! The list below will help with that! Whether it’ll spark some inspiration or give you the tools you need to decorate your coffee station. So, let’s jump right in!

Considering the Space of Your Coffee Station

My coffee station is an actual piece of furniture, but some of you might only have a countertop with maybe some shelves above.

Before jumping into the décor part, you need to consider the space. Do you have shelves to attach hooks to hang mugs? Do you have drawer space? Or would any storage be out on the counter or shelf?

Know what area you are working with first because it will determine the possibilities and the limitations.

Farmhouse Metal Wire Baskets for Coffee Essentials

I love decorating with baskets! It allows you to put the essentials in one area while looking good. I have filters, extra coffee, and hot cocoa supplies in mine.

You must decide if your coffee station is just for coffee or if you plan on including tea or hot cocoa. I have included these things because I have the space, and in my case, it makes the most sense to put it all together. But if you decide to keep it just coffee, then that works too!

Top Deal

Get all digital downloads for a fraction of the price with this bundle deal!

Buy Now

Making the Most out of the Essentials

I have multiple essentials worked into my coffee station. For example, I like honey in my coffee, so it’s important to have this honey dispenser readily available. Or the filters located in the basket.

Perhaps you have a Keurig and want a little basket of coffee pods. Or maybe you go all out and grind your coffee beans fresh. You’ll want to include the coffee grinder in a way that will make your coffee station inviting.

Coffee Label

Don’t forget to add a coffee label! You can find a guide to the coffee label on my coffee jar here. Adding this feature will help turn the essential (coffee) into a decorative item.

The “Extras” in Your Coffee Bar

This is the fun part and maybe the less budget-friendly tip. But you can’t go wrong with adding a sugar and creamer set or including a mug rack.

Because my coffee station includes hot cocoa and tea, I also added a basket to separate all my tea bags while putting the green tea in a jar (yes, I prefer to buy in bulk lol).

The extras don’t have to be expensive if you work with what you have while adding a few new things. For example, the teapot and honey set were a gift given to me by a friend. For the longest time I didn’t have anywhere to put it, but now I do!

Coffee Station Ideas on a Budget

There you have it! 5 coffee station ideas on a budget! I hope your coffee station is everything you need. It’s so important to start your day on the right foot and if you are anything like me, coffee is the first thing you think of when you wake up! Comment below if you have any tips on how to decorate your coffee bar on a budget! Enjoy your day!

The post Coffee Station Ideas on a Budget first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

Buy Now

Decorating your Kitchen Shelves

For as long as I’ve been living here, these shelves were always so awkward to decorate because they are so narrow. The only time of year I can put something together that looks nice is during Christmas because I have a collection of snow globes. But I can’t have that year-round for obvious reasons!

Recently it dawned on me what I needed to do. I was so inspired and ready to do it! So what are the 5 hacks? Simple, I have shared them below!

Start with What you Have on Hand

Okay, so this seems pretty simple right? Well, it is! Use what you have on hand and go from there. For example, my husband and I received 4 sets of white plates in addition to our day-to-day dishes. I’m in love with the style and wanted to give the sets a purpose beyond what it’s meant for. 

I used the mugs from the set in my coffee station near these shelves. You can read about my coffee station here. But the plates were still in need of a home. The same rule applies to my extra placemats. I got a set of 10 and only needed 6 for the table.

So, with that said, the placemats and dishes were the primary focus of these shelves. I wanted to use them so they had a purpose beyond sitting inside a cabinet. So again, start with what you have and decide on a layout based on those items.

Cutting Boards and Placemats are Your Best Friend

I love some beautiful cutting boards! I have a go-to cutting board conveniently located elsewhere, but kitchen shelves are the perfect area to display cutting boards or placemats. These items are essential because they look nice AND are narrow and tall, allowing you to place them in the back. 

Top Deal

Get all digital downloads for a fraction of the price with this bundle deal!

Buy Now

Balance The Tall and the Short

The 3rd hack on how to decorate your kitchen shelves is to balance the tall and short items together. For example, I have a tall container of wooden serving utensils next to a smaller little bowl. But then, the wooden cutting board behind also offsets the small bowl. So space your kitchen essentials out so that the heights complement each other.

Stick with a Theme

I’ve said this before on the blog, but it’s SO true! Stick with a theme. You don’t want to add things that don’t belong. Like I’d say my kitchen shelves follow a farmhouse theme. I’m not sticking my contemporary metal bowl (even if it did fit) on the shelf because it just wouldn’t belong. 

Decide Placement Off of Color

Okay, this hack is extremely important. Without it, the shelves would not have the same impact. You would risk it feeling unbalanced or even too balanced. So, for this tip, you want to strategically place the different items you’re using by their color. 

For example, white is the color on my shelves that stands out. Notice how the white items make an X when you look at the shelves as a whole. Then there are 2 additional white items, the dip holder and gravy boat. The X made by the larger white items balances it, but the 2 extra white items help add additional focal points, so it’s not too balanced. 

Shop the Look

Wooden Spoons for Cooking, 10 Pcs Teak Wood Cooking Utensi…

Buy Now

Northern Lights Candles, 52602 BlackBerry Brandy Spirit Candle…

Buy Now

(4 Sizes: 12″-13″-14″-15″) BARIEN Woven Placemats Round Set…

Buy Now

Mud Pie Brownie Baker Set, 3.35H X 13.4L X 13.1W, White

Buy Now

MEET WODDS Wooden Tea Cups Natural Solid Wood Tea Cup 4 Pack,Wooden Teacups Coffee Mug…

Buy Now

Gravy Boat, 17 Oz Gravy Boat with Saucer Gravy Bowl for Gravy Salad Spout Milk 1 PC

Buy Now

Acacia Wood Cutting..

Buy Now

Mikasa French Country Salad Plate, 8″, White – F9000-202

Buy Now

KARRYOUNG Acacia Wood Cutting Board with Handle – Wooden Charcuterie Board…

Buy Now

Mikasa French Countryside 40-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 8, White

Buy Now

Whonline 20pcs Artificial Eucalyptus…

Buy Now

Mud Pie Ceramic Double Dip Set of 2

Buy Now

Rustic Feel Like Sunshine Wood Box Sign, Farmhouse Summer Sunshine…

Buy Now

SHEFFIELD HOME Ceramic Kitchen Utensil Holder- Extra Large Farmhouse…

Buy Now

Decorate Your Shelves in the Kitchen with These 5 Hacks

So there you have it! You now know how to decorate your shelves in the kitchen with these 5 hacks! I hope you can let your kitchen shelves shine and give them the full potential they deserve! Reach out if you have any questions and comment below if you used any of these hacks to decorate your kitchen shelves!

The post Decorate Your Shelves in the Kitchen with These 5 Hacks first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

Buy Now

Essential Decorating Techniques to Implement

The core fundamentals of design are emphasis, alignment/balance, contrast, repetition, movement, proportion, and white space. These fundamentals are the foundation of the 7 techniques I have shared below.

Escape the “Uniform” Look

You want your decorations to have a balanced feel without being uniform. The fundamentals of design apply to this technique.

For example, my built-in shelves have an array of different decorations. I’ve implemented the following techniques:

• Alignment/Balance: Some decorations are towards the front, others towards the back. 
• Proportion: The decorations are all sorts of shapes and sizes
• White Space: Especially near the larger items, there is space so the decorations are not overly crowded. Notice that some decorations have more white space than others to avoid the uniform look.

Whether it’s your kitchen shelves, built-ins, or even a flower arrangement, you want to space things out so they complement each other without looking uniform.

Stay with a Color Pallet

Sticking with a similar color pallet throughout the house is an important technique as well! Obviously, if you’re renting or aren’t in a position to renovate, then this technique might be a little tricker. But don’t worry because there are ways around it! For example, a throw rug is the perfect way to add a different color to the floor. 

My coffee station is an example of where I stay with the same color pallet. The whites and neutrals all work together for the feel of perfection. The fundamentals that I implemented here in relation to staying within the same color pallet are: 

• Emphasis: the color orange on the tea tin and caramel container pops out against the whites and neutrals. 
• Alignment/balance: all the colors work together and balance each other out.
• Contrast: the black farmhouse hardware against the white paint of the furniture.

Incorporate Textures

Textures are another technique when it comes to decorating. For example, I have added pillows and a rug to my screened-in porch to add texture.

In relation to this decorating technique, the top fundamentals of design I have implemented on my screened-in porch are: 

• Emphasis: the softness of the cushions emphasizes the desire to sit and enjoy the moment.
• Contrast: the rug and flag texture breaks up the surface to attract the eye to the change.

Top Deal

Get all digital downloads for a fraction of the price with this bundle deal!

Buy Now

Odd Numbers are the Way to Go

Not always, but often decorating with odd numbers is the best way to go. You have to evaluate the situation, but typically speaking, if you decorate with an even amount of decorations, you run the risk of it being too balanced.

For example, the whiskey barrel in the master bedroom has 3 items on it. The odd number of decorations helps balance the whiskey barrel.

In relation to the odd numbers technique, my whiskey barrel exemplifies these fundamentals of design:

• Alignment/Balance: the barrel has 3 items to balance the overall appeal.
• Proportion: the plants and candle balance the large whiskey barrel.

Storage is Your Friend

Don’t forget about storage! Yes, this can be a decorating hack! For example, I recently refurbished my bookshelf headboard and added barn doors to give it the farmhouse look. This technique is one of my favorites because its functional while appealing to the visual sense.

It doesn’t have to be a huge closet, but even a small area where certain items have a designated space. This way, you can stay organized and minimize the quantity of stuff because it will exceed the storage space you have set aside. 

For my farmhouse headboard, I used:

• Alignment/Balance: the doors balance each other because they are on both sides.
• Proportion: the doors are the perfect size requirements for what we need.
• Movement: the hardware allows the door to slide, making the storage easy to get to.
• White Space: there are no barn doors in the center, allowing the middle storage section to cater to more decorations. 

Everyday Items can be Utilized

Yes, you better believe it! Everyday items can be used to decorate! Here is a sneak peek of my built-in kitchen shelves that I recently decorated. This is the perfect example of this decorating technique. 

The fundamentals of design I used for this technique are:

• Emphasis: the kitchen items stand out as opposed to the living room shelves I mentioned earlier. This makes it known that these shelves are in the kitchen (well, technically, it’s in the dining room, but you get the picture). 
• Repetition: again the kitchen/dining room items (for example the placemats) make it clear where this shelf belongs in a house.

Don’t Go Overboard

This sounds so simple, but it can be so easy to do!! I recently decorated my entryway bench for summer and this is the perfect example. You don’t want to go overboard with the decorations.

I could have added a larger bin for shoes or more plants in my entryway, but this is plenty.

The last fundamentals I showcase for this technique are:

• Emphasis: The primary item (the bench) is the main focal point. Everything else is extra.
• Alignment/Balance: there is a large plant and a small table on either side of the bench.

7 Essential Decorating Techniques to Implement in Your Home

There you go! The 7 essential decorating techniques to implement in your home! I hope you found this list of techniques and fundamentals helpful in your decorating endeavors! Comment below if you have implemented any of these techniques and how they worked out!

The post 7 Essential Decorating Techniques to Implement in Your Home first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

Buy Now

I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!

There are a few things you need to know about the first:

Choosing the Right Vinyl Sheet

You’ll want to print this free template on waterproof vinyl paper. This way, if you get the jar wet by washing it, it won’t smudge.

Once you put the label on, I wouldn’t intentionally put water on it. I would still be careful to avoid getting the label wet, just in case. It’s like dropping your phone in the water. Sure, it’s waterproof but do you want to test it?

I used this vinyl for all these types of labels. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and durable.

Factor in the Size of the Jar

My coffee jar can be found here. I love this type of jar and have multiple ones like it. With that said, I made the label to fit this jar. The label dimensions are 4” x 6” with a half inch extra on each side for the sake of it printing properly. Make sure your coffee jar is a suitable size otherwise, the label might be too big or small.

Top Deal

Get all digital downloads for a fraction of the price with this bundle deal!

Buy Now

Coffee Station Location

Try your best to show off your coffee jar! This is a practical yet decorative piece, so you’ll want to show it off!

I will be creating a blog for Thursday on different coffee station ideas so be sure to check it out when you get a chance.

Free Coffee Label for your Coffee Station

Here you go! The free coffee label for your coffee station can be found here! I hope you enjoy putting your coffee station together. Feel free to comment or reach out with any questions! Thanks

The post FREE Coffee Label for your Coffee Station first appeared on Katie T's Home.