Things That Make Me Happy: My Coffee Station

Coffee station with mugs, coffee maker, and photo wall in a cozy kitchen corner.

I’m starting a new little series called Things That Make Me Happy. They might not necessarily be food related, but things that I want to share with you because they bring me joy in some way or another and I hope that they will to you as well.

Organized kitchen shelf with tea bags, supplements, and kitchen accessories, featuring a red electric kettle.

The Inspiration

About 6 or 7 years ago, I was shooting my first wedding in Northern California. The bride was getting ready at her friend’s adorable home and I instantly fell in love with this little coffee/tea set up she had in a corner of her kitchen. I snapped a picture to remember it, and knew that it was something that I wanted to have in my own home someday.

Colorful patterned coffee mugs hanging on a mug tree with a Nespresso coffee machine on the countertop.

Since then I’ve had quite a few different homes, and I have always had a little coffee area that makes me happy. I am a fairly new coffee lover, and also love tea. Something about the process and the smell instantly makes me relax. Since we often are renting, this is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way for me to add some color and personality into my home. I also want people to feel welcome and cozy when they are here. They can walk over to the coffee area and make themselves a cup anytime they want. Another thing I love is that it is not in the heavy traffic area in my kitchen, if I am making breakfast or brunch, no one is in the line of fire.

Colorful family photo collage wall with coffee station and mug display in cozy kitchen setting.

I use a ~~beat up~~ simple white bookshelf that used to be in Ava’s room (from Target) for my base. I have also used a wicker table, but it was really small. I like this set up the best.

Other things I keep in here:

my Nespresso Vertuoline machine (love, love, love)
Vanizio and Caramelizio pods (my two favorites, but I keep some decaf and unflavored for guests)
espresso pods
canisters for storage
mugs
wire drying rack from World Market (I need a bigger one.)
mugs
espresso cups & spoons
syrups & sugars
milk frother

Colorful patterned ceramic mugs stacked on a shelf, featuring floral and whimsical designs.

As you can tell, mugs also make me very happy (and will get their own post).

Baked Bree kitchen pantry with vanilla extract, sugar, eggs, and baking essentials for baking and dessert recipes.

This sugar pourer is also something that makes me happy because I bought it in Italy in a cute little kitchen shop. Every time I use it, I think of that life-changing trip.

Mugs and cups stored on a white kitchen shelf for organized coffee and tea essentials.

I also have a wire basket that holds more cups and saucers (obviously, I don’t have enough. Ha!) and sugar bowls, creamers, etc. I also bought those yellow espresso cups from my favorite cafe in Rome. I keep a few sleeves of pods in reserve and my aerocino pot for making lattes and cappuccinos.