“A place for everything and everything in its place” is my mission this year, inspired by simple projects I started last season that I hadn’t yet shared. I began organizing these cabinets last fall as part of a cozy home challenge with HomeBody Gathering Place, and the results made daily routines much more pleasant.
During our renovation we allocated cabinetry in the dining area for a coffee station and our Berkey water filter. We don’t have an elaborate setup, but I wanted the area to be functional, tidy, and enjoyable to use. To add a touch of charm, I applied peel-and-stick wallpaper to the back of the cabinet — a small change that brightens the coffee routine and was quick and easy to install.
Before describing the organization, here are some key supplies I used:
Cabinet organizer shelf
Wood lazy Susan
Plastic tray for under coffee gadgets
Stainless steel milk frother/steamer
Blue and white buffalo check lidded canisters
Coffee grinder
Botanical-pattern coffee mugs
Blue and white geometric pattern coffee mug
This project took less than 30 minutes to complete once I had the pieces, and I wish I’d done it sooner. The cabinet now feels deliberate and pretty, which motivates me to keep it organized.
Organizing the Coffee Cabinet (a place for everything!)
I reserved the two upper shelves for serving platters since I don’t have another spot for them. The adjustable shelves make it easy to change the layout later. To make the remaining space more useful without adding clutter, I added tiered accessory shelves to elevate mugs and keep supplies accessible.
Now the cabinet holds only the mugs we use this season — limiting what stays in the cabinet is essential. A lazy Susan makes mugs easy to reach, while tiered shelves display a few more. Extra mugs live in the cabinet below. I also added checkered canisters for coffee beans and spoons to keep things neat and accessible.
A plastic tray sits under the coffee grinder and milk steamer to catch grounds and drips, making cleanup simple. We still use a stovetop espresso brewer we’ve had for years; it’s reliable and straightforward, and the organized cabinet makes using it more enjoyable.
Organizing Our Berkey Water Filter Cabinet
The Berkey used to sit on a bench in the mudroom, but this cabinet is a better home — out of reach of little hands and pets, and convenient for everyday use. The drawer beneath the Berkey pulls out for easy filling, and we placed a tray and mat under it to catch drips.
We put the Berkey on a stand so glasses fit comfortably underneath for filling. While we may consider a whole-house system someday, this arrangement suits our needs right now.
Shelves above and below the Berkey store our blue-and-green drinking glasses, electric kettles, and other practical items. Keeping frequently used items in the same cabinet streamlines daily tasks and keeps the space orderly.
A Place for Everything
Having a designated spot for each item makes these cabinets a pleasure to use. When everything has its place, it’s easier to maintain order and enjoy the routines they support every day. The thoughtful arrangement encourages tidiness and reduces stress during busy mornings or when guests arrive.
Small Space Tip
The coffee cabinet doors slide back into the cabinet so they don’t protrude into the room — a handy feature for compact spaces. Because the station looks nice, I can leave it open and inviting whenever I choose.
Our home may be modest in size, but making each space intentional helps it feel cozy and welcoming. I envisioned a warm spot in the dining room where family and friends can gather while making coffee or tea, and this organized coffee and water station delivers that experience.
Related Posts:
Our Coastal Cottage Kitchen Reveal
Our Kitchen Before and After (with photos of the kitchen and dining room swap!)