No one can control the chaos that has defined the pandemic, but you can control your pantry. Cans of beans, dried pasta, boxes of tea and that vital secret snack stash is about to get a ruthless makeover. You will gain dominion over that overwhelming jumble, we promise. Flip through for some major kitchen organizing inspiration…
Basket Case
Wire baskets are your best friend when it comes to a pretty pantry. An organized system not only makes meal time easier — “I forgot all about those red kidney beans and enchilada sauce, taco night it is!” it makes grocery shopping a cinch as well. You’ll know exactly what you’re out of at a glance. We are crushing over this tranquil scene by Allo Piller of The Neat Method.
Colour Caper
Professional organizer Ivanka Siolkowsky of The Tidy Moose whipped these dry goods into shape, and the result looks as pretty as a painting! Housing dried spices, and nuts and such in clear coordinating containers makes everything easy to find. Punchy tile and that blue hue is a bonus that makes this pantry pop. Pro tip: Before jarring your goods, do a spice sweep. Ask yourself if you really want that seven-year-old cardamom in your cake?
Open Sesame
This luxury pantry care of handmade kitchen company Humphrey Munson has the charm of a Hoosier, but is updated for today. The old-timey lettering on the drawers and scoop pulls are perfection. Inner shelves make the most of the space — and there’s even room for that space-hogging stand mixer. Cabinetry lighting is smart thinking, too. Close it up, and the beautiful cabinet becomes part of the rest of the kitchen.
Divide and Conquer
If you haven’t got a pantry, you can make one by spacing out the shelving to fit your needs. Check out this custom stunner by Erin Marshall of Live Pretty On A Penny. “It’s legit one of my most favourite spaces in the house, even though it’s just a closet,” she says. You’ll need plywood, a table saw, a steady hand and more to make it. Follow the steps here.
Island Life
This genius idea from interior designer Velinda Hellen brings the pantry out into the open, tucking it to the end of the island. Simple and stylish, the jars are held in place with dowels. And it makes grabbing ingredients very easy. If you’re overwhelmed with your kitchen and/or pantry design, Velinda offers e-design services.
Mix and Match
We’ve all gone to the dollar store and picked up random storage bins. You don’t have to toss them out now that you’re bringing zen to the pantry. A mix-and-match approach works well, as this impeccable pantry by The Tidy Moose‘s Ivanka Siolkowsky proves. Ivanka, a certified Konmari consultant, made sure to leave space around the vessels to make it easy to see what’s what. And group like items together.
Deluxe Walk-In
The walk-in pantry is a luxury, and if you’re redoing your kitchen you might want to carve out some room for one. Take a page from Erin of Sunny Side Up! and make a list before you start construction. Here’s Erin’s: regular drawers, pull-out basket drawers, open shelving for food, open shelving for kitchen accessories, counter space and wall space. Be sure to tour the rest of this stunning space.
Label Love
It’s no fun playing the guessing game when you’re peckish: are those yummy cheddar crackers, or the nasty gluten-free version your hubby likes? Labelling is where it’s at, people. The Happy Housewife’s Lorraine Williams organized her petite pantry using the Talented Kitchen 144 Minimalist Pantry Labels Set. From cursive to farmhouse type, there are tons of labelling options. Or just use a Sharpie.
Calm and Collected
Get your pantry in order and you’ll reduce clutter-causing anxiety. Seriously! It’s a lifesaver. In this highly organized walk-in pantry, Jennifer Johnson of The Orderly Space grouped like items together and then labelled, labelled, labelled. It’s the professional organizer’s mantra! She stowed rarely used items up top. And note: there’s no bulky vacuum cleaner on the floor. Keep the area clear to maximize that calm vibe.
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Nice Spice
When your oregano is lovingly cradled next to your cumin you know you’re doing something right. This spice drawer is a dream. Put this on the “must have” list if you’re planning a kitchen renovation. Reno aside, you can achieve the same vibe in a cupboard or a shelf by decanting your spices into similar jars. Buy bulk, so you won’t feel guilty about chucking the vials — or buy the same brand to create pleasing uniformity.
Bespoke Beauty
We’re getting general store vibes from this beautifully crafted pantry from Humphrey Munson, that’s so inviting down to the ladder. A panelled backdrop and inset lighting is totally in keeping with the pantry’s traditional feel. And a mix of open shelving and drawers means lots of space to show the essentials — dreamy!
Cupboard Envy
Lazy Susans, spice racks and labelled baskets are put to good use in this super-organized cupboard by Jennifer Johnson of The Orderly Space. We love how the spices look like they’re sitting in stadium seats. It makes finding everything a cinch. With a spin, the two lazy Susans are also ready to show off the cupboard’s contents. While the baskets hide everything else. #Pantrygoals
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