One of my yearly goals each fall is to get more organized so I can fully enjoy the holiday season. I usually begin with a decluttering push, craving order throughout the house before I can even think about Christmas. Earlier this year I set a few organizational goals for our home, looking at each room to create functional and attractive storage—whether by adding freestanding cabinets, built-ins, or simply reorganizing and beautifying closets.
I didn’t know exactly how the improved storage would come together, only that I wanted each room to feel cozier with the right furniture. I aimed to make the most of the space we have and kept this goal in mind as I shopped and looked for pieces that might work in various rooms.
My dining room dream was to have well-organized hospitality items—cloth napkins and napkin rings, candles, drink charms, serving pieces—kept within easy reach. In our small dining room that required patience and thought. Rather than cramming everything into the kitchen or overstuffing cupboards, I wanted designated storage pieces for specific purposes. I like breathing room and accessibility; there’s no reason every room can’t have practical, attractive storage.
Aside from a few creative spots—like the dresser in our entry—I recently found a couple of small-scale cabinets that fit the dining room while still leaving plenty of space around the table. I was concerned about finding pieces that weren’t too deep or bulky, since this room can feel cramped quickly. For a serving surface I decided our rolling cart works well because it feels lighter and more open.
On the shorter wall opposite, I pictured a really shallow, sturdy cabinet that would be easy to access even when chairs are pulled out. There’s little space between the table and that wall, so I didn’t want drawers or doors that would be difficult to open or that could cause frustration in a tight squeeze. When storage collides with people in small rooms, functionality matters as much as style.
I’m picky about scale and usability—furniture in small homes should minimize friction. Hard-to-manage storage in cramped spaces can be a constant source of annoyance, so I look for pieces that are both practical and calm-inducing.
While browsing shops, I paused when I spotted a small handcrafted rustic cabinet in a chevron wood pattern. It was the perfect size for that short dining room wall. The mixed gray and neutral wood tones complemented our hickory floor, and the piece felt both stylish and unassuming. When I opened the doors I was thrilled: it was shallow yet solid, with useful interior shelves and two small drawers—exactly the kind of flexible storage I hoped to find. Pieces that can adapt to different rooms are especially valuable; they let you rearrange or move without losing usefulness.
I haven’t decided on everything I’ll store there, but I’m excited to have another tidy place for hospitality items and entertaining supplies.
Over the coming months I look forward to organizing the cabinets and deciding which items belong where. This year I’ve made good progress adding functional storage to each room on our main floor—from flea market finds to quality pieces—so now I can plan what to keep in each space.
The variety of storage we’ve added throughout the year shows how a mix of styles and scales can help a home come together: a flea market entry dresser, a gathering room cabinet, family room storage, repurposed office furniture, and secondhand shelving have all found places and purposes in our house.
I haven’t styled the wall or rehung the mirror yet since I just brought the cabinet home, but it’s fun to have something new to organize and enjoy—and new surfaces to display a few favorite items.
Another small rustic cabinet I picked up at HomeGoods over the summer sits in a previously unused corner. It currently houses napkin rings, chalkboard labels, place card holders, wine charms, and wine glasses. Both cabinets are shallow and fit perfectly, providing useful storage without occupying too much floor space. Finding the right scale of furniture makes it surprising how much you can tuck into a small room.
With practical storage now placed thoughtfully around the main floor, the house finally feels more cohesive and ready for fall and Thanksgiving entertaining. These small changes make a big difference in usability and enjoyment.
Do you have room for a china cabinet or buffet in your dining room? Or where do you store your entertaining supplies?
Catch up on the Loving Fall Series: Intro, Day One: Getting In the Rhythm, Day Two: Quiet, Day Three: Cozy Imperfections, Day Four: Rust, Coral, and Orange Fall Inspired Rooms, Day Five: Fall Nights by the Fire, Day Six: Candlelight, Day Seven: Turkish Towels, Day Eight: Fall Traditions with the Pups, Day Nine: Settling In, Day Ten: Displaying Small Trinkets and Treasures, Day Eleven: Christmas Dreaming.