Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

A kitchen designed to avoid clutter looks stylish and functions efficiently. A pantry is the ideal way to store surplus items, from cans and jars to small appliances, freeing up your kitchen design to look its best. When you can quickly access the contents of your pantry, everything from making breakfast to entertaining becomes effortless.

Any remodel can accommodate a pantry and the right storage solutions take your kitchen design to the next level. Here are our tips for designing the perfect pantry storage solutions.

1. Utilize

A pantry can slot into the smallest of spaces, once your chosen location is not too hot or bright. Why not transform an underutilized coat closet into a tightly organized pantry? Even an alcove with custom shelving will perform well as a storeroom, covered with a sleek sliding door for an elegant finish. Customized pantry storage can also be included as part of your kitchen cabinet storage solutions.  A cellar can transform into a very spacious pantry. With all pantries, make sure the area you choose has adequate ventilation and is at a suitable temperature to store food.

 2. Customize

Custom-built storage solutions maximize your pantry’s potential. Deep drawers can take appliances off your countertops and store cans in a way that you can see and access them easily. Pull-out shelving, rollouts, and lazy susans are also a great way to see the entire contents of your pantry without taking everything out. You can double the amount of shelf storage with shelf inserts and tray dividers to store flat items on their sides.

3. Organize

Make the most of your pantry by storing as much as possible in it. Clear out your kitchen cabinets and countertops and discard or donate broken and never-used items. Anything that’s used infrequently or is seasonal can be kept in labelled boxes on the highest shelves of your pantry. Simply lift down your barbecue accessories when the summer rolls in or reach for Christmas supplies in December. Consolidate more frequently used essentials, such as baking gear, onto a cart or deep tray that can be taken into the kitchen any time. This way, you have a well-stocked and organized pantry and a calm and stylish kitchen design.

4. Containerize

Use airtight containers that keep out light and moisture for food such as spices. Plan your lighting at the design stage to make sure you have ample task lighting and that your wiring is in the right place. Otherwise battery run lights will fill an immediate need but keep a good supply of batteries available.  Less reactive food such as rice or muesli can be kept in clear storage jars so you can see what’s left.  Pay attention to the style of your pantry’s storage containers so they complement the look of your kitchen and link both designs. 

5. Personalize

Once your pantry is organized and well stocked, it’s time to add your style to it and make it a real part of your home. There’s so much you can do in the smallest of spaces. Bold wallpaper or bright paint can transform any room. Notice Boards and blackboard paint let you keep reminders handy. Cabinets, shelving, boxes, baskets and jars should all blend with the style you’ve chosen for your kitchen remodel, so the pantry doesn’t look odd or disjointed. Finally, some pictures and framed photos inject warmth and character into a utilitarian space.

A functional and stylish pantry that contains the latest trends is a welcome addition to any kitchen remodel. Your kitchen countertops, shelves and cabinets can breathe while the pantry does the heavy lifting in the background. Look at our gallery for inspiration from our kitchen remodeling projects and contact our kitchen design experts today for advice on pantry storage solutions.