I would prob place 3 slim white (or cream) vases on the left side, and then 2 matching bowls on the right side. Very clean-looking and minimalist... : )

Wow, such a simple idea and I love it. Thank you.

You're welcome! Sometimes simple is best : )

Here are the vases and bowls I had quickly on hand. I think it works. Do you also have a suggestion for replacing the stool. No one sits there, I was just trying to fill the spot.

Yes those look perfect! I think I would replace the white stool with a bench (either iron or wood) with simple lines (no scrolly nonsense) that will sort of just blend into the desk area. Is this like a separate pantry area of the kitchen?

Another thing that's kind of fussy but will neaten things even further, could you switch the positions of the Keurig and the biscuit jar? That way you will be covering the cord better. You could also do an iron stand with some white coffee mugs, not sure how much coffee action your house sees : )) , or maybe your mugs are in the upper cabinets, which is even better...

Yes I agree a darker stool would be better. Yes it is a little space in the kitchen that was originally a desk area when the house was built in 2004. The biscuit jar can be removed and put in the pantry out of sight. We just replaced the backsplash to this lighter color from a dark tile. I have a coffee cup rack as you describe but I found the space to feel cluttered. The Keurig is the only small appliance left out in my kitchen because it gets daily use. I like the spacious feeling of empty counter tops but I may have crossed the fine line between spacious and blah.

It's definitely not blah! I love empty countertops also! Please leave the biscuit jar tthere if it has dog biscuits in it : ) Your new backsplash is beautiful!

Love the vases and bowls...what a quick fix! If you never sit in that area consider a big basket instead. You could stencil something on the front for interest??

Something like this??

Basket are an interesting idea. Thank you.

I really don't think those are for mail sorting, but for cookbooks. Sit at the desk and plan menus, etc. Or the white vases look pretty. The stool is too small. Wow if I had a desk like this it would be a very messy desk in no time, I'm surprised yours is so neat.

We have been in this house for 4 years and that desk has served in many different ways. Usually ending up in a mess.

The white stool is perfect especially with the white vases & bowls. You're done.

The white stool looks awkward because it appears to be bar-height instead of counter-height, is that correct?

The stool is an odd size neither bar or counter height. It also as a rabbit painted on top of it. I bought it at a yard sale thinking it would fill the space. However when I got home with it and realized it was an odd ball I just stuck in there temporarily. That was two years ago.

I like the white vases and also the Keurig and dog biscuits, nice work on the light tile-if it were me I'd add a simple classic black modern chair to subtly con temporize/liven it up, but I don't know how the rest of your decor is or if you like modern-- either a black Eames DSR chair, black Bertoia, or Cherner , Series 7 (knockoffs of this one can be found that are inexpensive) etc:

But unless you're going to bling it out as a coffee corner I think the rug should be replaced.

As you say no one sits to use the area, I would replace the stool with a Thai rice basket--decorative and perfect for additional storage. We use a large one for gift wrapping bows...and another under a glass table as a decorative element.

Do you have a dog? If nobody ever sits there it might be a good cozy, out of the way spot for Baxters bed.

I love how the milk bottles and bowls worked out -- really cute! I'd want to make this into a coffee mecca, with a comfy seat for waiting out my brew. Of course, a space like this would lead me to invest in a high-priced espresso machine too! :))

Do you want to make some more changes? Would you prefer to have a patterned rug as opposed to the coffee mat? It all depends how far you want to take this, it is a rather unique little area...

I really appreciate everyone's input. You all have a lot of good ideas. I agree the rug needs to be replaced or removed completely. Do you feel the nook area is better without a rug at all? I have added additional pictures of the rest of the kitchen to give you a better idea of how the nook relates to the rest of the room. The kitchen is pretty dark with the dark cabinets, granite and wood floors. There is only a small window to the left of the fridge. Wall space is mostly taken up with cabinets.

The view with my back to the sink.

The view with my back to the fridge, looking towards the dinning room.The view with my back to the family room, looking towards the breakfast room on the other side of the sink.

Does this silver bench work ?

I kinda think a small red three legged stool (about the same height as the silver bench) might be more appropriate. It would be a good contrast and it would match the theme of the milk bottles.

What a great kitchen! I love the little tweaks you have done to this area, but I don't think the silver is a good finish for this spot., since you don't have bling anywhere else.

Thank you for the your comments and honest feedback. I agree that the silver is not right. I found this little 3 legged stool. Am I headed in the right direction?

This stool is kinda cute - can u actually sit on it if you need to? I agree the silver didn't work. I like it better w/o the coffee mat, and thank you for switching the positions of the keurig and the biscuit jar - looks better. Should we take a look at what's on the walls there, or would u prefer not?

If it is the right height & is white. Also try a nubby small white rug. If every room was this easy to decorate.........

I think the runner, or some type of rug, should be by the sink cabinet, not under the stools, which strikes me as a bit awkward. You can put sticky pads under the stool legs if you're concerned about the floor scratching.

You could make this area a nice coffee bar with coffee mugs, stirrers in pretty container etc.

Walls are open for discussion, if your not bored of this nook by now. LOL I truly appreciate your opinions. BTW the walls damaged by the installation of the new backsplash will be painted next week the same color.

Yes the rug is under the bar stools to keep the scratches off the floor. The stools have the little fuzzy pads on the bottom. I do have another long rug under the sink, it was not in the picture because I had removed it to clean it.

I'm not happy with this metal piece on the wall in this nook.
The stool is actually a natural colored wood with a silver wicker seat.

Something about that little stool I like, definitely better than nothing. Tall Green plant on left side of desk.

A plant would add a natural splash of color.

A little succulent is easy to keep alive too. That is, if you aren't particularly green thumbed;)

Since it doesn't sound like you're too attached to the white stool it might be a cool diy project to cut the legs shorter and paint it (either red like I mentioned before or another color that you'd prefer). If you go to a little neighborhood hardware store you can probably find some screw in adjustable feet in case you cut it a little wonky

I would prob take the 3 wall pieces off and live with it bare for a few days. Looking at the rest of the kitchen, you seem to have a lot of things hanging on the wall throughout, prob wouldn't hurt to leave the coffee nook walls unadorned...

And I think the finish on that little stool is just perfect as it is... Jmo of course : )

Your uncluttered countertops are like a breath of fresh air : ))

Why not fill in the opening with a pair of matching or coordinating doors and use the space as additional storage.

No bench at all. Leave it open -it looks nice that way. Otherwise, it calls attention to what is a desk that isn't being used as a desk. Or add doors to make more storage.