Why are Pantries the New Craze? Well, it isn't obvious is it? The Organization, the means to find things instantly without searching through a overstocked cabinet, I mean who wouldn't want that? Watching this trend evolve has been super interesting to say the least. Starting with people turning small closets into pantries, just to free up some space that was being used to just clutter up more stuff.
As Home design and organization evolves, we find ourselves wanting larger areas to store big appliances and food that isn't so appealing if sitting on a counter. It really isn't as hard or as intimidating as you would think, either. Think about it, it is shelving and cabinets, which you can grab just about anywhere from Home depot to Amazon. Then it is all about how you organize it. You can grab the same style plastic containers, Baskets and Jars with lids to truly organize it with pro skills.
What do you do when you have small Space to work with?
Unless you are in a Rental, you truly have a lot of space in your home that you are unaware of. Most walls have very large space between them. Sometimes we have a closet or a wall that is not being used at all, that we can expand off of and sometimes it is right there in plain sight, but your unaware it exists. Try under your stairs, there is so much room under there that you can create a half bathroom, a pantry or even an office. The possibilities are endless, depending on the size and shape of your staircase. Then there are some houses that have two dining rooms, do you we need a room that we never go into but twice a year? Try expending the kitchen and making that area a large walk in pantry.
When it comes to expanding a smaller closet, check the walls, sometimes you can find 2-3 more feet in the, which is what you would need for the shelving. then you can get super creative with a counter and drawer space as well. You can display larger appliances without the clutter that they tend to bring on kitchen counters. You can grab Chalkboard labels that can hang from baskets and the sticker ones to put on the outside of each jar to really show off your organizational skills. To Really Maximize your space, try a rolling Kitchen Island. They add real charm and double as a storage unit while in the pantry.
Check out these amazing ideas for smaller closet Pantries. I would incorporate so many of these ideas into one charming space.
If you have the space, then you have to utilize the rolling ladder. Not only is it the most awesome thing in this pantry, but it has the built in capacity to not have to store an ugly utility ladder. Then the next thing you need to incorporate is the Sheet Pan and Cutting Board Slots. This is one of my favorite necessities in a pantry. Keep it Rustic and or Modern Looking by Utilizing Jars with Front Lids and scoops for the bulky supplies like flour and sugar. Have one Shelf Dedicated to Your Stand Mixer and another that can hold your Air Fryer and Food Processor without clutter.
What if I can't renovate?
Well, it isn't as hard to reorganize as you think. Even if you are in a rental, most places encourage you to improve on where you live, you can just ask. But, if not, try these awesome organizational tools, that won't hurt a thing.
Secret spaces are the best, like shown above....it is like our own little kitchen get-a-way. But when you can't remodel, what do you do? that is easy.... You can add Shelving or Baskets to give yourself more space!
Built in Wine Racks and Slide out drawers can not only be charming, but allow you to truly see what you have to use and cook with. Utilize the Back of doors with Classy Hanging Baskets and Shelving to hold spices and canned food.
I know this! House Hunting is exhausting, especially when the list of things you want in your home can be long. A Walk in Pantry, a Walk in Closet, space to entertain and eye appealing design is what most people want. So, don't worry, let's create the space with what we have. Let's aspire to be creative in our own little spaces. Show me a Unique design that has you inspired to change things up, comment below so I can check it out too. Xoxo Haley Fox