A few weeks ago I had an unexpected moment of inspiration that led me to buy a rattan serving cart—and I couldn’t be happier with it. When we planned our kitchen and dining room, I hadn’t intended to add any furniture beyond the dining table and chairs. But living in the space revealed possibilities that a floor plan alone couldn’t show.
Sometimes you don’t really know how a room will come together until:
1) you try different arrangements, or
2) you spend time in the room rather than only looking at plans on paper.
The rattan serving cart found its perfect spot in our home quite by chance. Below I’ll share why it works well for us, how we plan to use it, and what it adds to the overall design of our kitchen and dining area.
Although I love freestanding pieces for storage and character, when designing this kitchen and dining space we deliberately limited furniture to the essentials. The rooms are compact and open to one another, with few unobstructed walls—two are mostly French doors—so built-ins made more sense to maximize floor space and function. That choice improved flow and storage in the open layout, and I’m excited to share the full renovation reveal soon.
The rattan cart wasn’t in our original plan, but it turned out to be the perfect finishing touch and pairs beautifully with the kitchen island. I love when a room evolves naturally as you live in it—often patience reveals exactly what a space needs.
Earlier this year I wrote about rattan bar carts and never imagined one would fit here, but seeing the room in real life made it clear a small cart would work. Rattan has always appealed to me—my mother had one for years—so once I identified the right size and style, the choice felt inevitable.
To test the idea, we brought in a similar cart we already had. It was slightly too large, but it confirmed that the concept worked in the space. That pushed me to find one with just the right dimensions, color, and proportions. When I did—and it was on sale and I had a credit—I ordered it right away.
The cart is a welcome addition: not too big, not too small. It bridges the kitchen and dining areas, echoing warm textures found throughout the room—cutting boards, wood floors, and metal fixtures—while contrasting softly with the pale cabinets and natural stone. It feels organic, cozy, and as if it has always belonged.
Design often benefits from room to breathe. Leaving a few decisions open allows a space to gain personality over time. Finding an unexpected piece adds delight and helps a room feel lived-in and personal.
My goal for the kitchen was a welcoming, classic, and timeless atmosphere— a space that feels like it has always been part of the home and will grow more familiar and beloved with time. Even though the kitchen and the cart are new, every day they feel more like the family home we want.
How we’ll use the rattan cart—and what’s on it now:
I’m excited to style the cart seasonally and use it functionally. Right now it holds everyday items like cloth napkins, small trays and trivets, coasters, a small cutting board, a vase for flowers, and wood-handled flatware that is both decorative and handy. The lower shelf is great for leaning artwork, displaying potted plants, or storing extra dishes when we host family gatherings. Because it’s on wheels, the cart can be moved where we need it most.
Happy start to the fall nesting season! We’re savoring settling into our home and enjoying the cozy routines that come with cooler weather. I’ll be sharing more updates and seasonal styling ideas, so thank you for reading and being here.
Rattan serving cart (on sale!)
Striped blue and white cloth napkins
Round rattan trays
Blue and white ginger jar
Similar wood handle flatware
Woven charger placemats
Blue rug
Brass ceiling light
Black and white patterned crock (an older canister)
Cabinet color: Classic Light Buff, Sherwin Williams
Flooring: European White Oak hardwood (engineered), purchased locally
See our recent renovation update for more details and progress.
Inspiration and related posts include rattan bar cart ideas, my flea market rattan shelf, and other rattan and bamboo accent pieces. I’ve also collected many favorite rattan photos on a dedicated inspiration board.
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