For over 100 years, this kitchen cabinet has been solving problems we still struggle with today. Before electricity. Before convenience foods. Before massive kitchen remodels. Could it be smarter than the cabinets we install now?
In this video, I open up my century-old Hoosier cabinet and show you how it:
- Creates extra counter space without taking up more room
- Uses layered storage most modern kitchens ignore • Integrates tools and ingredients into one workflow
- Holds hundreds of daily-use items in just four feet
I actually work from this cabinet — this isn’t a pretty piece. And the more I use it, the more I question whether we’ve traded thoughtful design for more stuff. If you struggle with clutter, wasted space, or kitchens that look big but don’t function well… this might change how you think about kitchen organization entirely. This cabinet has one special feature that you can apply to your own space, without even needing an old cabinet! And at the end, I’ll show you a mysterious object I found tucked inside the cabinet… please let me know if you know what it is!
FREE VINTAGE LABELS: Get my printable jar and box labels here: https://jennifermaker.kit.com/vintage-labels
✨ THIS IS WINTER EPISODE 4 OF 10! I’m making 10 Maker Farm episodes this winter, one every week. Simple, cozy, real-life things like this. Each one will share solutions to craft a life you love and offer something tangible that can make a real difference. Subscribe so you don’t miss them!
SEASON 3 PLAYLIST: If this kind of slow, thoughtful approach to home, systems, and creative living resonates with you, the rest of this season builds on the same ideas — you can watch the full series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzaBn2SH5wrDkrvxA6O4a1zqX7Kn1FCCr
ITEMS SHOWN: (includes my affiliate links):
* Mini 4 oz Mason Jars: https://amzn.to/4rX2DmL
* Taller 3oz Spice Jars: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/citronhaj-spice-jar-clear-glass-stainless-steel-90578346
* Vintage Blue 32 oz. Quart Mason Jar: https://amzn.to/46IyHSZ
* Adhesive Label Paper: https://amzn.to/4kEqZ1T
* Matte Photo Paper (for the box wrapper): https://amzn.to/4aweCQT
* Vintage Apron: https://amzn.to/4kHHTNk
* Biscuit Mix Box: https://amzn.to/4tEEB1p
* Marble Rolling Pin: https://amzn.to/4aFk6ZX
* Heart Bundt Pan: https://amzn.to/3Os8Ubq
* Retro Kelloggs Corn Flakes Tin: https://amzn.to/4rX90GH
* Hoosier Cabinets book: https://amzn.to/4rYw0oO
WHERE CAN YOU GET ONE?
I got my Hoosier kitchen cabinet from a farmer on the Michigan-Ohio border (I live in Michigan) whom I found via Facebook Marketplace, and it was $500. If you’re looking for one, Facebook Marketplace may be the most reasonable place, depending on where you live. They are also available on Etsy and eBay at higher prices.
IS THIS LIKE A DREAMBOX BUT FOR THE KITCHEN?
When I first heard about it, that’s exactly what I thought. A DreamBox opens up like this and has drop-down and pull-out elements, but in a modern aesthetic. We have several which we use for storing craft supplies and tools, but I know people also use them for many things. You can learn more about a DreamBox at https://jennifermaker.com/dreambox-discount
MY ORGANIZATION METHOD:
I am often asked about how I organize things. I use an organization system which I call P.A.C.T. — this stands for Purge, Assess, Contain, and Tag. This video just focused on the C and T parts of that system (Contain and Tag), as I didn’t have to Purge or Assess any times as I have only been putting my baking-related items in this cabinet. BUT, if you’re interested, I discuss P.A.C.T. in many of my other organizing videos, such as this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS4Qjog7vqY
LET’S CONNECT: 💬 Have you set up a workstation like this for something that matters to you? Let me know in the comments!