8 Ways to Create the Perfect Pantry

How to design a show-stopping pantry that makes you eager to get cooking

Jason Ball September 7, 2011

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When I first posed this ideabook to the editor of Houzz, she informed me the most popular photo on Houzz is of a pantry. This indicates to me that there's a huge need for some solid information on how to create the perfect pantry -— one that is functional and looks good at the same time. Below you'll find tips to creating a pantry you can be proud of, and that makes your life easier every day.

Marie Newton, Closets Redefined

1. Provide easy access. I hear from clients all the time about how frustrating it is to lose things in the back of their pantries. Or how when they're cleaning it out, they find something from the late '70s. Create an opening to your pantry that allows you to see the entire pantry at the same time.

RemodelWest

Here's another great example of how to design a pantry with the best type of access. Two sets of double doors that match the cabinetry make for a nice-sized pantry. By using cabinet doors on the outside, this pantry feels right at home in this contemporary kitchen.

Turan Designs, Inc.

2. For a walk-in pantry, look for a way to incorporate your pantry into the existing cabinetry. There is a huge number of pantries out there (most built in the 1980s and 1990s) that are small rooms within a room. Recently, I've been taking these rooms out and incorporating the pantry into the cabinetry layout.

This photo shows a completely different take on that idea, leaving the walk-in part intact and disguising the pantry door as part of the cabinetry. I really like this idea and will most likely be using it in an upcoming design.

KI3 Design

3. Look for under-utilized space. Often the space at the end of a cabinetry run is difficult to fill with functional storage. In the past several years, we've been seeing large pull-out pantries used in locations like this. It's a perfect use of this space. In this kitchen, the pull-out is used to store spices and baking supplies next to the cooking area.

Bill Fry Construction - Wm. H. Fry Const. Co.

4. Special hardware accessories are great for full utilization of a space. Spinning, rotating, moving, sliding, oh my! This seemingly complicated storage system provides one simple function: use nearly every square inch of this space for storage.

Racks on the doors are perfect for spice containers. The other shelves hold larger items. By using this type of system, you can create a deep pantry and still get to items in the very back without having to crawl into your cupboards. If you are just trying to redo an existing cupboard or pantry, talk with a local cabinet maker about incorporating some of the many storage options.

5. Use height to your advantage. Some kitchens just don't have the space for a large pantry. If yours is one of those, consider a "step" solution. This places the food further back on the shelf up on steps, allowing you to see what's in your pantry.

TEA2 Architects

6. Group your food storage. Aside from the efficiency of putting groceries away, placing all food storage in the same region of the kitchen also makes life easier when cooking. Just be sure to have some counter space in that area as a landing spot when putting groceries away or during food prep.

7. If it's pretty, show it off. My mom always said, "If you can't fix it, feature it." This saying is so apropos here. Pantries are not typically thought of as really beautiful spaces. But why not create one that you're willing to show off? Simple white shelving, pendant light and a set of French doors makes this pantry a showcase.

Witt Construction

8. Take the idea of "pantry" to a new level. Less pantry, more wow! There is something so romantic about a small room completely outfitted with all you'd need to bake a cake or can the year's yield of cucumbers. Do you have an unused closet or small room by your kitchen that might serve this kind of purpose? It could change the way you view your kitchen completely.

More: Pantry organizing products

Related stories:
Your Kitchen: Pretty Pantries
24 Hot Ideas for Stashing Spices
The Modern Butler's Pantry