“A place for everything and everything in its place” has been my mission this year, though the inspiration began last season with a few simple projects I hadn’t yet shared. I started organizing these cabinets last fall as part of a cozy home challenge with HomeBody Gathering Place, and the small changes made a big difference.
During our renovation we planned cabinetry in the dining area specifically for coffee prep and our Berkey water filter. We don’t have a professional coffee bar, but the setup we have works well, so I wanted to make it both functional and attractive.
I added peel-and-stick wallpaper to the back of the cabinet for a little charm — it made the whole coffee routine feel more special and was very easy to apply.
Before I describe the organization, here are the main cabinet and organizing items I used:
Cabinet organizer shelf
Wood lazy Susan
Plastic tray under the coffee gadgets
Stainless steel milk frother/steamer
Blue and white buffalo check lidded canisters
Coffee grinder
Botanical coffee mugs
Blue and white geometric pattern mug
This whole project took less than 30 minutes to implement. I wish I had done it sooner, but I’m glad it’s done — the cabinet looks cuter and I’m more motivated to keep it tidy.
Organizing the Coffee Cabinet (a place for everything!)
I reserved the two upper shelves for serving platters since I don’t have another cabinet for them. Our adjustable shelves make it easy to change the layout later if needed.
To maximize space without creating clutter, I added tiered accessory shelves to elevate mugs and corral supplies. Using vertical space keeps items visible and accessible.
This cabinet now holds only the mugs we use most often. A Lazy Susan groups the everyday mugs for easy access, while a few extras sit neatly on the tiered shelves. Extra mugs live in the cabinet below, so this space stays uncluttered.
I added checkered canisters to store coffee beans and spoons. A plastic tray beneath the grinder and the milk frother keeps the shelf surface clean and simplifies cleanup after grinding and steaming.
We still use a stovetop espresso brewer we’ve had for years. It’s simple, reliable, and makes good coffee — someday we might upgrade, but for now this works perfectly.
Organizing Our Berkey Water Filter Cabinet
The Berkey used to sit on a bench in the mudroom, but this cabinet is a safer, more convenient spot. It keeps the filter out of reach of children and pets and makes filling glasses easy. We placed a tray and mat underneath to catch any drips or overflow.
Placing the Berkey on a small stand lets us slide a glass directly under the spout for filling. It’s a simple solution that improves usability.
We may consider a whole-house filter or a different under-sink system someday, but for now this arrangement is working well.
Shelves above and below the Berkey store drinking glasses, electric kettles, and other useful items, keeping everything organized and within reach.
A Place for Everything
Having designated spots for items makes these cabinets more pleasant to use. When every item has its place, maintaining order becomes easier and daily routines feel smoother.
Small Space Tip
Our coffee cabinet doors slide back into the cabinet so they don’t extend into the room — a smart small-space feature if you’re planning new cabinetry. Because the cabinet looks nice, I don’t mind leaving the station open.
Our home isn’t large, so making every space count was important. I wanted a cozy, orderly spot in the dining room where family and friends could gather while making coffee or tea. I’m happy with how this small corner turned into a welcoming, functional area.
Related Posts:
Our Coastal Cottage Kitchen Reveal
Our Kitchen Before and After (with photos of the kitchen and dining room swap!)