Do you dream of an organized pantry that looks like Joanna Gaines or Martha Stewart personally arranged your cereal and salsa? A pantry so pretty you just want to stand in it and enjoy the calm? Yeah, me too! You don’t even need more space, not that I’d turn down extra pantry space if they are just handing it out mind you, but you can even accomplish small pantry organization with categories, pantry bins and a few pretty details to give it the WOW factor. If you use these kitchen pantry makeover ideas you too can have dry goods storage bliss!
Open the Door
Photo by Rafterhouse
It starts before you even open the door because it is the door itself that sets the tone. If you are going full out pantry revamp don’t forget this important detail. A pop of color, a repurposed antique door, frosted glass, even decals added to the glass can make the pantry standout in the kitchen.
If you need the extra space from over-the-door storage make sure you have a solid pantry door so you can’t see it through the glass. The idea is to reduce clutter and create some areas of zero empty space unlike the usual pantry scenario of shove it on a shelf and pray it stays in place. I can’t be the only one who resorts to this method at least once in awhile!
While I love the look of this antique door with a window I’m not sure I’m organized enough to keep a pantry inspection ready all the time! I’ll admit it does provide extra motivation, though.
Walls
Photo by Sugar Pie Farmhouse
This farmhouse pantry from Sugar Pie Farmhouse is a kitchen pantry dream! The beadboard on the walls gives an automatic country feel and really makes this space special. It provides a nice background detail often ignored in a humble closet which is really what a pantry is after all, a food closet. Adding the signs above and antique touches make it as interesting as any other room in the house.
Check out her site to see the before and afters with the curtains on the bottom. It takes a space that was organized but visually less appealing and makes it crisp and clean. When all else fails CONCEAL IT!
Utilize those Corners!
Photo by Decor Chick
These lazy-susans in the pantry of Decor Chick were hand-made but you can cheat and place premade lazy susans in any awkward corners to ensure that you are getting the most use out of your space.
Little Details
Photo by House of Smiths
House of Smiths upgraded her pantry with the simple steps of adding some crown molding to the front of the shelves. Such a simple idea but it really makes them pop. And again, the detailing with a vinyl wall stencil, makes the walls an interesting feature rather than a utilitarian bore. She even has it available in her shop!
Containers
Photo by Shanty 2 Chic
Shanty-2-Chic has gone hard core with the containers. Having everything in the same size provides a very uniform look. They also have a tutorial for chalkboard labels that is cheap, easy, and stylish. You can’t beat that! They wrote on them with chalkboard ink and it’s easy enough to make new ones but the downside is if you are switching containers frequently this may become a hassle. Or if you’re anything like me you may prefer a pretty font rather than your own handwriting!
Photo By Classy Clutter
Classy Clutter organized hers by using pantry bins labeled by category. Using categories helps with item location and makes it easier to give everything a place to live. Instead of the open the door shove on shelf method that prevails in the messy pantry.
Photo by Eleven Gables
Don’t forget natural baskets as an option like those used by Eleven Gables. It provides a natural and neutral look that helps keep the pantry looking clutter free! Her site has other photos of her gorgeous pantry/laundry/craft room. It is so bright and airy it might almost make laundry enjoyable!
Photo by Joanna Alderson
Label it!
Photo by The Creativity Exchange
Keeping everything labeled is essential to knowing what’s in your pantry at a quick glance. These labels available on The Creativity Exchange are FREE printables in a cute hand-lettered font. Fortunately, someone else’s cute hand-lettering not mine! You might also consider using chalkboard labels that you can change at a moment’s notice if you frequently change brands or types of foods that you place in the storage containers.
Instructions
Photo by The Country Chic Cottage
Don’t forget the instructions when emptying boxes to pour into a container. You can put them on the bottoms of containers, cut out and tape to the back, or cut out and keep in a file. You can also print them out like The Country Chic Cottage and attach to the containers for items you frequently buy. I love the old-fashioned look to these labels! Instant farmhouse charm!
Uniform Color
Photo by Do It On A Dime
Pick a color and stick to it. Do It On A Dime organized her whole pantry using Dollar Tree items. She used blue throughout the pantry for the storage bins which helps tie the whole design together. Even if you want an all-white pantry the consistent color scheme provides a more relaxing space. You also want to make sure all your pantry storage containers coordinate not only in color but also design to prevent a cluttered appearance. It also makes it easier to stack bins that are all the same size or shape.
Utilize Additional Space
Photo by In My Own Style
If you don’t have enough room in the pantry using every little corner becomes key. You can add over the door shelving like In My Own Style did with her pantry. Or you can consider a cheaper option by hanging a shoe organizer over the door like Mom Always Finds Out. It became an automatic snack station. This has the added benefit of keeping kids just at the door of the pantry and not into its depths messing with your organizational system. Or is it just my kids that rummage through the pantry like small hungry tornadoes?!?
Rolling Pantry Storage Bins
Photo by I Can Teach My Child
If you need bins that can easily be pulled out on the bottom of your pantry consider making your own like I Can Teach My Child. She didn’t design them initially for the pantry but they would be perfect as bins on the floor. They have a nice farmhouse vibe, too, especially when painted white or given an aged appearance. She also gives step by step instructions for creating them instead of buying more expensive versions at the store.
Only Baskets
Photo by Morganize With Me
Morganize Me takes full advantage of the idea of creating zero spaces in the pantry. She doesn’t use any special containers to empty food into but rather uses wire bins to separate all the products. It contains the chaos to each little basket that is categorized and provides a more relaxing appearance without having to transfer containers after every shopping trip. It keeps items contained and provides clear spaces between the baskets for visual appeal. The best part… she says it took just 15 minutes to bring order to the pantry! I’m all about that!
It’s not the Type A appearance of some of the pantries but if we are being honest it’s probably the most functional especially if you have kids.
I hope you’ve been inspired to organize your own pantry and use the special touches to create a space that makes you look forward to meal prep time!
