The pantry has a rich history in the home. In the past, pantries were essential for storing perishable and non-perishable items, often held in a small separate room designed to keep food cool. Of course, then came along the wonderful invention of fridges, and many saw the pantry as a redundant feature.
In recent years pantries, both large and small, have made a significant comeback. They have become a staple in almost every modern kitchen, and are said to be one of the most desired home features in 2024. Wondering why? It's all for good reason. We all love a clutter-free kitchen, and as we aim to maximise our living space, having a designated area to store food, kitchen gadgets, and other essentials is increasingly important. While most pantries serve a purely functional purpose, that doesn't mean you have to forgo design details. We are thinking glass jars filled with neatly organised dried snacks, a shelf for your treasured Kitchenaid, and a sunny spot for your fresh herbs.
1. Assess Your Space
The first step to designing your dream pantry is to decide where it will be. Start by evaluating the space you have available. This involves more than just finding an empty spot; consider the layout and flow of your kitchen and adjacent areas. Think about how you move around the kitchen and where you naturally reach for ingredients, utensils, and appliances.
If you’re building or renovating, you have the advantage of incorporating a small separate room directly off your kitchen—think of it as an ensuite for your kitchen. This dedicated pantry space can be customised to fit your exact needs, from shelving heights to lighting solutions. For those who prefer a less permanent solution, glass partition walls can create an elegant feature, separating your pantry area while maintaining an open, airy feel.
If you have limited space, creativity is key. Pantries can come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the best solutions are the most unexpected ones. Look around your home for potential spaces: a kitchen cupboard can be repurposed into a compact pantry, or even a hallway closet could be transformed into the perfect pantry.
2. Utilise Vertical Space
No matter how big or small your space is, in every pantry you should aim to maximise vertical space. You can never have enough storage space. If you have a large pantry, it usually just means that you can make it serve multiple functions, store food, pots, pans and kitchen gadgets, it’s still important to make the most of every inch of space.
Tall shelving units provide lots of storage space without taking over all the room. These units can extend from floor to ceiling, providing multiple levels of shelving for different types of pantry items. Place frequently used items on lower shelves for easy access, and use the higher shelves for growing herbs, or for items you don't need as often. Combine open shelving to create an airy feel, with closed cabinets to keep your pantry looking neat and tidy. If you’re really short on space, get creative with small areas. Even a corner of your kitchen counter can be transformed into a mini-pantry with a corner shelving unit.
Our modular shelving is the perfect solution, browse our predesigned units, or better still – design your own. Using our product configurator, and the modular nature of our system, you can create the perfect shelving designed to fit into your space and suit your requirements. Include cubby boxes to showcase certain items, and even include planter boxes to make planting herbs in easy, straight from the box.
3. Choose Smart Storage Solutions
Once you have sorted your main shelving, its time to start thinking about small storage solutions that will maximise your space. Smaller storage solutions can make a big difference in how efficiently your pantry functions. As mentioned before, we love the aesthetic of clear glass jars filled with all your dry goods like flour, sugar, rice, pasta, fruit cereals, even a nice aesthetic cookie jar. Add a label to each container – because they are clear they are also excellent for keeping track of what needs restocking.
Baskets or bins not only look great but are perfect for organising smaller items. Group similar items together – for example, create a basket for snacks, another for baking supplies, and one for breakfast items. This not only keeps things organised but also makes it easy to pull out what you need. Opt for wire or woven baskets to add a touch of style to your pantry.
Utilise the vertical space on the sides of your pantry with hanging storage solutions. Hooks or pegboards can hold utensils, measuring cups, or even small pots and pans. This keeps your shelves clear for food and other larger items.
4. Label Everything
Labelling is key to maintaining an organised pantry. Use labels on jars, bins, and shelves to ensure everything has its place. Clear, readable labels on jars, bins, and shelves help you instantly identify what’s inside. You can use pre-made labels or create your own. You can use chalkboard labels, printable labels, or even a label maker. For a cohesive look, choose a consistent style for all your labels. This could be a specific font, colour scheme, or label shape. Consistency not only looks good but also makes it easier to navigate your pantry.
5. Rotate and Declutter Regularly
A well-organised pantry requires regular maintenance. Make it a habit to rotate your pantry items, moving older items to the front so they get used first. Declutter every now and again to get rid of expired or unused items. Regularly cleaning your pantry will also help maintain its aesthetics and make sure that you are not wasting precious space on items that are not needed. Wipe down shelves, vacuum the floor, and ensure containers are clean and sealed properly.
Creating your dream pantry, even in a small space, is achievable with the right approach and thoughtful planning. By utilising vertical space, choosing smart storage solutions, and maintaining organisation, you can transform any space into a functional, stylish pantry.
