Isabella Rossellini's kitchen defines 'pantry perfection' – her sleek storage method is one of the most beautiful ways to bring order to your shelves

A custom Chilean applewood pantry lines the walls of the Conclave actress's kitchen – you can tap into her stunning technique from $42

Isabella Rossellini
(Image credit: Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)

If you're already familiar with Isabella Rossellini's New York farmhouse, the beauty of her pantry may come as no surprise.

The Conclave actress designed a beautiful rural home (named Mama Farm) along with acclaimed architect Pietro Cicognani, and many of its rooms are defined by their natural wooden features. Naturally, this extends into the pantry, where custom Chilean applewood shelves line the entire wall.

In a post, Pietro labels the space as 'pantry perfection,' and consequently, it's serving as an inspiration point as we work through the last of our spring cleaning. Unfortunately, we can't all enjoy a space as sizable as Isabella's (nor can we enjoy the same high-quality wood), but we can replicate her pantry storage ideas on any scale. The secret, designers say, is in her storage baskets.

Isabella has collected a trio of wicker storage baskets (much like these from Amazon) on various shelves in her pantry. If you're working with shelves as large as this, you can space them out, as she has done. However, if you are navigating a small kitchen or pantry, Claire Garner, of Claire Garner Design Studio, recommends stacking your baskets on top of one another.

'I always recommend stacking baskets as they provide a space-saving solution and prevent items from being lost or forgotten at the back of shelves,' she says.

'Wire baskets [such as these from Amazon] are perfect for adding rustic charm, while clear baskets offer a sleek, modern touch. The open design of these baskets makes it easy to see what's inside, simplifying the process of keeping track of your pantry contents.'

Next, Isabella has kept her dried goods concealed (likely in the wicker baskets), which contributes to the sleek, minimalist feel of her pantry. However, Claire reassures that you don't need to keep everything hidden, especially if you easily want to keep track of what you have left.

'For storing dry goods like grains, pasta, and snacks, glass jars with wooden lids are an excellent choice. They not only add a refined, sophisticated look to your pantry but also allow you to see the contents at a glance, ensuring both style and functionality,' she says. 'These jars create a cohesive and organised appearance while keeping items fresh.'

'The key to effective pantry organisation is visibility. By making sure everything is in clear view, whether in stacking baskets or transparent jars, you reduce waste and avoid overbuying. Keep frequently used items within easy reach and group similar products together to make retrieval simple. This approach not only enhances the practicality of your pantry but also elevates its overall design.' When in doubt, use Rossellini's space as a blueprint, and go from there.


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.

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