The Most Stylish Pantry Ideas – Designs, Trends and Inspiration for Every Kitchen
From up-and-coming trends to the colors and details that make a pantry shine, these ideas will ensure function and style blend seamlessly
Pantries have become one of the most desirable kitchen features, and for good reason. They offer dedicated storage that's easy to access from the main kitchen, allowing the rest of your design to feel more open and characterful. Think of it as a luxurious extension to your kitchen storage.
But the success of your pantry ideas hinges on a seamless design. It has to include the right amount and style of storage for the items you want to live there, while also feeling thoughtfully designed alongside your kitchen. So before you get carried away with decor and pretty baskets, make sure you know how to design a pantry that effortlessly balances style and function.
However, if your pantry is ready to be drenched in color, filled with thoughtful storage solutions, and embellished with charming decorative details, look no further. We've curated a comprehensive edit of ideas, inspiration, and trends to create a pantry you'll be finding excuses to use.
The Latest Pantry Trends
As with any room, there are a few pantry trends worth having on your radar to inspire something fun and unexpected. They are always very tied to kitchen trends, whether it's the materials and colors proving popular or the pantry being merged with other uses (like a bantry, for example) to maximize space. Of all the trending pantry designs, these are the ones we think are worth knowing.
Walk-In Pantry Designs
This walk-in pantry has been treated more like a room than a storage space, with patterned wallpaper and charming color creating a truly inviting scheme.
For a lot of people, a pantry comes in the form of a large cabinet designed for specific food and appliance storage. But walk-in pantry ideas have become all the more desirable, offering more space and a room-like feel separate from the main kitchen.
But as well as adding more storage than a single cabinet, they also open up design opportunities. Less visible from the kitchen, you can get creative with bolder decorating styles, whether it's an unexpected color scheme or a playful pattern.
In this layered Federal home, a walk-in pantry has become a stylish destination, complete with yellow cabinetry, floral wallpaper, and elegant yellow shelves to match the built-in storage. It instantly becomes a confidence zone, yet still feels highly functional, even making space for an extra sink.
Under-Stairs Pantries and Clever Use of Underutilized Nooks
In a narrow under-stairs pantry, take inspiration from this design by making the cabinetry depth shallower than average kitchen units, creating a more accessible space.
If you want to create a pantry without intruding on the main kitchen, this year's trends are making the most of those underutilized nooks around your space. It could be an awkward alcove you don't know what to do with, or that understairs cupboard that's become a chaotic dumping ground.
In fact, under-stairs pantry ideas are becoming far more creative and actually quite luxurious, with thoughtful storage that works with sloping ceilings and materials that soften these darker corners. The design team at Ledbury Studio transformed this under-stairs cupboard into a charming walk-in pantry using soft yellow hues and staggered shelves to make the most of empty walls.
Butler's Pantries
Architectural features deserve to shine in these more functional zones, too. The arched window trim becomes a beautiful focal point in this design.
Some of the most exciting pantry trends this year look back to more traditional interpretations, and one of the most prevalent is the revival of the butler's pantry. Traditionally, these rooms had everything a butler needed to perform their duties, from ingredients to silverware storage.
Although they might not be designed for butlers today, the ethos of a room that holds everything you need for a well-planned meal remains the same. 'A butler’s pantry is one of those spaces that can be both hardworking and beautiful,' says interior designer Lauren Deloach.
'It creates a natural transition between the kitchen and the more formal areas of the home, providing additional storage and preparation space while allowing entertaining to happen effortlessly behind the scenes. I wanted the utility of this space to feel secondary to its beauty. Ultimately, it should serve the way a family lives while still contributing to the character and story of the home.'
Back Kitchens For Harder-Working Zones
Pendant lights above pantry countertops help to create a more layered feel, while also adding much needed task lighting.
If you want your pantry to work harder, then a back kitchen might be a better fit. These secondary rooms pack in all the storage of a traditional pantry, but also act as the main kitchen's overflow, often featuring a second sink, additional appliances, and the hub of kitchen cleaning. It's a pantry-style room that's continuing to dominate trends, for good reason.
'I think the appeal of a back kitchen is that it gives you room for all the behind-the-scenes work while keeping the main kitchen beautiful and welcoming for guests. A traditional pantry primarily provides storage, while a back kitchen takes that function further with countertop space for prep, a sink, and sometimes additional appliances,' explains Kelsey McGregor, Founder & Principal Designer of Kelsey Leigh Design Co.
'You have somewhere to tuck away the mess of entertaining and keep everything you need within reach,' she continues. 'It’s something I love about the “unkitchen” approach – allowing the main kitchen to feel like a thoughtfully designed room where people want to gather.'
The Blended Bantry
This chic blue design is further elevated by marble with tonal veining across the countertops and sink.
If you stay in the know about design trends, you've probably seen the bantry cropping up this year. Defined as the merging of a pantry with a home bar, it makes this room feel more usable, taking it from a storage space to a room that becomes an integral part of hosting.
'In this project, the homeowners wanted to make this space really stand on its own, selecting a beautiful, moody green backdrop and statement marble with an integrated sink,' explains interior designer Katy Anderson, noting that the decor was key to the immersive feel of the room.
'They chose a textured wallpaper and glam lighting, in addition to the ribbed glass cabinets for their glassware for the bar. Designing this space right off the kitchen allowed them to keep the clutter away and tucked out of sight. The bar/pantry is fancy enough for guests at night and still functional enough for the family during the daytime. They just love it!'
Breakfast Stations
Sleek pocket doors ensure this pantry-meets-breakfast station can be used without impeding the walkway.
In kitchens with a pantry cabinet rather than a walk-in design, trends are encouraging you to design storage with a more functional purpose. For some, it might be a coffee station, but for others, especially in family kitchens, a breakfast station integrated into a pantry is proving a valuable choice. Everything you need for morning rituals is in one place and can be closed away for the rest of the day.
'A dedicated station brings a sense of ritual to everyday living, while keeping the practicalities beautifully contained,' explains interior designer Rebecca Hughes, explaining that there are both functional and aesthetic benefits to 'combining integrated appliances and generous storage with open shelving for the pieces you want to display. It’s both wonderfully functional and a lovely little moment of luxury within the home.'
Introducing Warm Tones and Natural Materials
A pantry cabinet doesn't have to have solid doors – the glazing in this kitchen makes it so much easier to find the items you're looking for without opening every cabinet door.
Since reappearing in the trends last year, wooden kitchen ideas have once again become a go-to choice for cooking spaces, adding warmth and organic charm. But it applies to pantries, too – especially pantry cabinets within a main kitchen. It pairs beautifully alongside almost any color scheme and adds a warm, slightly rustic charm.
It's about tactility – in this chic olive green townhouse kitchen, painted cabinetry fills the room, with a small section of wood and glazed cabinetry to create a pantry. The kitchen feels more layered and textured without feeling cluttered or one-tone. It also zones the pantry nicely, giving it its own sense of identity.
Embracing Bold, Dramatic Colors
The glossy oxblood tiles have been taken over the ceilings too, creating a truly immersive design.
Color trends this year are moving away from stark whites towards far darker, richer color schemes. And a pantry is one of those spaces that can handle a more dramatic color, like the oxblood tiles drenched throughout this design.
'We tiled the walls and ceiling in oxblood ceramic tiles, reflecting the reclaimed pendant, with a studded walnut countertop and copper sink. The space below is concealed by a cafe curtain in a check reminiscent of traditional tablecloths,' explains interior designer Isabella Worsley.
Pantry Styles
There are several pantry styles to choose from, depending on the overall look of your kitchen and wider home. This is an area where you want to stick to the same design style as your kitchen for a sense of continuity. So, whether you kitchen leans modern or traditional, luxury or more rustic, these are the key pantry styles to consider.
Modern Design
This modern design proves you don't need the infrastructure already there to create a walk-in pantry.
A modern kitchen requires a pantry in the same style, but that doesn't mean your design has to be white or void of personality. While a modern pantry may feel more sleek in style, there are still plenty of ways to introduce unique design details.
This pantry by Butler Armsden Architects shows how a thoughtful use of materials can create the most sculptural design. Using wooden slats, dividing walls have been crafted, zoning the pantry without completely cutting it off from the main kitchen. Simple open shelving holding everyday essentials sticks to the minimalist theme.
Traditional Style
If your pantry is visible from the main kitchen, always think about the view between spaces and how the two palettes work together.
Traditional style covers a vast, varied range of designs, but they all share a more collected feel. Nothing is too perfect, and storage isn't all hidden behind closed doors. Instead, walls are usually filled with rows of shelves, with hardware and countertops in more classic materials, like marble and aged brass.
The pink pantry cabinets here contrast the beige kitchen, but the small preview into the more vibrant space feels curated and playful. The traditional brass hardware and marble countertops tie it into the main kitchen while retaining its own identity. It proves these smaller spaces are the perfect place to experiment with bolder designs while still feeling inherently traditional.
Shaker Pantry Cabinets
Shaker style is inherently classic, and can work beautifully in most pantry designs.
One of the most popular kitchen cabinet styles, Shaker doors work just as timelessly in a pantry. Of course, there is less of it, but using the lower half of the pantry for closed storage is a great way to create space for those items you use less regularly, as well as less aesthetically pleasing storage.
A Shaker pantry is also a great choice if you have chosen a Shaker kitchen – the flow between spaces feels more intentional and connected. That doesn't mean your pantry can't have its own identity, though. In this design, the kitchen cabinetry is continued into the pantry with a lighter green tone for contrast, making this small nook feel more inviting.
Farmhouse and Rustic Styles
A freestanding pantry gives you added flexibility, both in placement and style.
Farmhouse kitchens – or freestanding kitchens – are the perfect place for an in-kitchen pantry, since you can easily house a vast amount of storage in a freestanding unit. 'A freestanding pantry adds character, softening the uniformity of fitted cabinetry,' says Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune.
'It breaks up rigid lines and creates visual interest, resulting in a kitchen that feels inviting and sophisticated. It also contributes to functionality, providing your kitchen with additional storage or workspace, making it a practical and versatile choice.'
For most people, a freestanding pantry integrated into the kitchen makes the most sense, functionally and stylistically, so choosing a timeless design that feels cohesive with your kitchen scheme is a must.
Luxury Pantry Designs
A luxury pantry relies on stellar material choices to create an elevated finish.
If your pantry is in plain view, why not embrace a more luxurious design? In the same way that marble kitchens feel elevated and timeless, it has the same impact on your pantry, too. It's also a great way to try new materials that may have been out of budget for the main kitchen.
This pantry is a perfect example, framed by glass walls and doors in full view from multiple areas of the room. Drenching the walls and floors in marble creates a chic focal point and makes the pantry feel like anything but a utilitarian space. The gold accents around the door and cabinet edges add a glamorous finish, too.
Pantry Color Ideas
Color is where you can start to have a bit of fun with your pantry design. Keep it the same as your kitchen color in a lighter or darker shade for a subtle transition, or use your pantry color to bring an unexpected hue, tapping into the trend for bold or moody designs. Here are a few pantry colors interior designers say work beautifully in these spaces.
Keep it Timeless with a Light and Neutral Scheme
A ladder connected to the wall cabinets makes it far easier to access taller storage in this design.
A neutral pantry is among the most popular, instantly brightening a windowless space and making it easy to find ingredients and accessories stored within it. That doesn't mean sticking to stark whites, however. In this design, a mig-gray beige hue has been drenched across the cabinets, shelving, and paneled walls for a seamless finish with minimal visual divides.
'This pantry is the entertainer’s dream, beautifully blending form and function. Inset cabinets in Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth, paired with natural soapstone, create a timeless backdrop for its impressive storage: wine fridge, fridge drawers, liquor and small appliance storage, plus dedicated space for barware, serving pieces, and table settings,' explains Sarah Brady, Founder and Principal Designer of Salt Design Co.
'A polished nickel wall-mounted faucet and a classic library ladder add both charm and utility, making even the highest shelves accessible. Thoughtfully designed to handle the demands of frequent entertaining, it feels every bit as sophisticated as the rest of the kitchen.'
Add Drama with Draker Hues
Dark colors don't have to equal a dark pantry, The space shows how light walls can instantly brighten a pantry with deep-toned cabinetry.
The penchant for moody colors lends itself perfectly to a pantry. Burgundy, navy blue, and even rich browns appeal, bringing depth to a space that can easily feel a little boring. It's especially effective in pantries connected to a neutral kitchen, creating a charming jewel box moment. In this design, deep brown was the perfect tone to drench across the cabinetry.
'We chose an earthy bronze paint color for the cabinetry to complement the natural walnut accents and echo the surrounding mountain landscape. I love how the painted and stained finishes used throughout this home play off each other and give a warm, layered feel,' explains interior designer Alex Adamson.
Uplift a Practical Space with Yellow
Color drenching in sunshine yellow shows commitment, and the lack of visual disruptions helps to create a calmer feel.
The renewed love of yellow kitchens is spreading to smaller spaces, creating a bold, colorful haven without the same commitment as a full kitchen. They become functional rooms that radiate joy, rather than a simple white box.
'Yellow is a favorite color because it is cheerful and it brightens up dark spaces,' says Andrew Petherick of Guild Anderson, noting yellow's light-enhancing benefits. 'Most country house larders and pantries are located on the north side of the house, often without a window, so yellow can add a sunny tone to a space with no sunshine'
Create Moody Elegance with Deep Red Hues
Burgundy and marble are a natural pair, but darker countertops are a great choice to embrace the darker palette.
Homeowners are no longer afraid of moody color palettes, and while it might sound counterintuitive to paint a smaller room dark, it's actually one of the most impactful choices you can make. And of all the deep, rich colors that feel elevated and stylish right now, dark reds are topping the list.
From elegant burgundies to richer oxblood hues, these colors are far more versatile than you might expect. This luxurious pantry by Kelsey Leigh Design Co. makes a compelling case for drenching a pantry in dark red, pairing the color with black countertops and brass details for a classic feel. The blue and white striped sink skirt adds an unexpected contrast, too.
Stay Classic with Blue
Adorning pantry walls with decorative plates is a great way to add interest without feeling cluttered.
A walk-in pantry extends from the kitchen, so choosing a color palette that complements the main room creates a seamless cohesion between zones. That doesn't mean matching the colors – your pantry is a great place to add a bolder hue (like blue), especially in neutral schemes.
The pantry in this new-build home in Utah is a chic example of how to get it right. Classic blue cabinets paired with white walls give the space a quiet elegance, while the brass hardware and dark countertops add depth and contrast.
The right colors and finishes are the easiest way to make your pantry look more expensive and elevated without taking the shine from your main kitchen. It's about complementing, not competing.
Go Green For Earthy Charm
Don't be afraid to have fun with pantry walls – the checkerboard pattern adds so much interest to this green design.
There's an enduring appeal to green kitchens due to the influence of earthier palettes, and the same applies to a pantry. Painting your pantry in a warm shade of green, whether it's deep and moody or light and airy, will always lead to a timeless and inviting storage space, as shown in this pantry by Susannah Holmberg Studios.
'Our clients wanted a design that highlighted black, white, and green, but also requested an earthier, natural aesthetic,' says interior designer Susannah Holmberg, who used a mix of paint and stain to bring renewed texture to the design.
'We chose to relegate the green to smaller areas where it could offer a saturated pop, while allowing earthier neutrals to command the rest of the spaces. We chose to stain, rather than paint, the cabinets because we wanted the subtle pattern of the wood grain and the sheer matte texture that staining affords.'
Use Wood Tones For Understated Elegance
If you want to stick to shelf storage throughout your pantry, take inspiration from this design with deeper lower shelves filled with easy-to-access baskets.
A wooden kitchen brings a classic, organic quality to a home, so a pantry filled with this natural material will always be in style. Pairing seamlessly with countertop materials, hardware finishes, and almost any kitchen color, it's the kind of pantry scheme that will evolve with you. Here, wooden cabinetry and shelving sit alongside black countertops for a more understated look.
'This pantry is a study in thoughtful organization and enduring warmth,' explains Laura Tays, Founder and Principal Designer of Minnesota-based Tays & Co. Design Studios. 'The white oak tongue-and-groove paneling, paired with matching open shelves, frames the space in natural grain, while black granite countertops lend a rich, tactile counterpoint.'
Pantry Shelving and Storage Ideas
Choosing colors and decor might be the exciting part of the design process, but your pantry storage is one of the most important factors to get right. Consider which storage types will work best for your space and how you use it, then start to think about how you will organize your pantry for maximum function.
Make Sure All is Accessible with Open Shelving
Painting your pantry shelving the same color as the walls helps to make the space feel larger.
There's a reason pantry shelving ideas are so popular – they make the space feel open and ensure easy access to regularly used ingredients. Unlike kitchen shelving that needs to be kept minimal to avoid a cluttered look, a pantry prioritizes function, so having more open storage ensures everything is easy to find and grab, without rummaging through deep cabinetry.
Shelving is also more flexible than cabinetry. You can add or remove shelves as and when you need, and you can also introduce adjustable shelving to accommodate taller canisters or appliances. These small details are what take your pantry from pretty to a hard-working addition to your kitchen storage.
Maximize Depth with Drawers and Pull-Out Storage
Don't forget to think about the entry to your pantry – an arch always gives an architectural feel.
Shelving doesn't really work so well below waist height, so introducing some closed storage is always useful. But basic cabinetry doesn't make the most of the available space, and often leads to forgotten ingredients and accessories hidden away at the back.
Instead, opt for drawers where possible to really maximize deep storage. They can be easily organized and labeled for ease of use, and various-sized drawers can be introduced depending on the items you need to store in them. You could even create appliance drawers to keep countertops tidy.
Create Organized Storage with Canisters and Baskets
Shelves filled with glass containers rather than mismatched packaging always looks more considered and organized.
How you store and display your pantry storage will directly impact how organized and easy to use your pantry feels. Regular store packaging can look incredibly messy and often isn't designed to store produce well. Instead, decant dried ingredients into glass canisters, place cans on tiered stands (this set of 2 Wooden Tiered Stands is a great option), and put extras in baskets so they are easy to find but not on display.
Glass designs work particularly well because you can clearly see the contents and how much of each item you have left. Amazon has plenty of options, including a set of 6 ComSaf Glass Pantry Storage Containers in varying sizes, a selection of sets of Square Glass Storage Jars with Bamboo Lids, and a more traditional-style set of 2 Large Glass Jars with Airtight Acacia Lids.
Pantry Door and Access Ideas
It's easy to overlook the design of your pantry door ideas, but it's one element you will always see from your kitchen. Plus, it's the route of access between the two spaces, so ensuring it looks elevated and functions optimally is really important.
Pocket Doors
Pocket doors need to be added during in the design phase, but if you're updating the pantry later, a sliding door works just as well.
Pocket doors are a great option for a pantry, whether it's a walk-in space or a freestanding design. Being able to slide the doors open and hide them away makes it really easy to access your pantry without constantly opening, closing, or having to navigate around doors.
The most unique thing about pocket doors on a pantry is that they completely disappear, so nothing is blocked behind an open door, and you can create a more seamless transition between the pantry and kitchen. It means you can close the pantry door or create the illusion of an open-plan layout.
Crittall-Style Pantry Doors
If you choose crittall doors, just remember that your entire pantry is always visible, so you'll need to stay on top of the tidying and organizing.
Crittall-style doors are a great option if you want to see into your pantry from the kitchen, but still want some visual interest that you can't achieve with glass alone. With the black framing creating a square pattern, suddenly the doors become a more layered feature.
In this deVOL kitchen and pantry in a historic home, glazed doors let plenty of light to filter in from the kitchen, while clear glazing keeps the two spaces connected. Gold handles echo the finish used throughout the main cooking space, creating that sense of cohesion without entirely matching.
Glazed Doors
Your pantry doesn't need to be hidden away – painting the doors an unexpected hue makes a beautiful feature of these additional spaces.
For a more traditional look, wooden doors with partial glazing balance the best of both worlds, closing the pantry while still allowing light and some visual access to the storage. And in this kitchen, pink-painted pantry doors add an unexpected design feature.
'The kitchen in this project was part of a large living space, and so we wanted to keep the kitchen units themselves to a minimum, to avoid it looking too utilitarian. The creation of a pantry that was connected to the kitchen, but separated by glazed doors allowed us to give this space unique character,' explains Isabella Worsley.
Pantry Lighting Ideas
Approach your pantry lighting similarly to how you would your kitchen lighting. The best designs start with the functional fixtures that properly illuminate the room, while softer lighting comes second to add warmth and a decorative detail.
Balance Practical and Pretty Lighting
Brass wall lights in this pantry add functional lighting while also acting as a decorative detail.
A pantry is only functional if you can actually see the whole space and find the storage you are looking for. Ceiling and pendant lights are often the most effective here, creating overhead light that covers the entire pantry. In an under-stairs pantry, wall lights often work best to avoid sloping ceilings.
Think about task lighting, too. Under-shelf LED strips are hugely impactful, ensuring there is adequate lighting reaching each shelf, which can easily become shadowed under ceiling light alone. Opt for these Dimmable LED Strip Lights for discreet lighting, or this 2 Pack Rechargeable Motion Sensor Light for a wireless alternative, both from Amazon.
And finally, don't forget to think about warmer accent lighting that makes your pantry feel more inviting. In pantries with counter space, introducing a small lamp instantly brings a more lived-in feel and a new light source that's more useful than you might think. Cordless options are favorable so that you aren't using valuable outlets – this Gold Cordless Lamp from Amazon is perfect for smaller spaces, or for a bolder pop of color, try the Addison Ross Bobbin LED Lamp from Anthropologie.
Pantry Styling Ideas
A pantry might be dedicated to storage, but that doesn't mean you can't get creative with a bit of styling. Whether it's making your everyday staples look more aesthetic or mixing functional details with something more decorative, here are a few ways to make your pantry feel more personalized.
Look To Decorative Storage, Like Baskets
You can also consider some built-in basket storage, like in this design.
So you've decanted all of your ingredients into glass jars, but where do you store the overflow stock and canned goods? Storage baskets are the most stylish option, specifically woven designs like this Woven Rattan Pantry Storage Basket for an organic texture, or these Metal Stackable Wire Pantry Baskets for a more contemporary look, both from Target. And this pantry proves how functional a stylish solution can be.
'Storage abounds: pull-out drawers glide smoothly to reveal layers of dry goods, while decorative boxes conceal clutter with refined discretion. Integrated produce bins die into the shelving – perfect for onions and potatoes – combining freshness with practicality. This pantry flawlessly balances visible order and hidden utility, for a harmony of functional artistry we were going for,' says Laura Tays.
Mix Practical Storage with Display Pieces
A small stool or step is a great addition if you need a boost to reach those higher shelves – choose something small and vintage, like in this scheme.
Once you've organized your storage, add decorative pieces to give your pantry a more stylized look, whether it's a stack of recipe books, a decorative plate, or even collected kitchen artwork. Fill higher shelves with visual pieces, as they are less useful for everyday storage.
In this pantry designed by Lauren Gilberthorpe Interiors, the wooden open shelving is expertly curated, with glass canisters holding dried goods styled with drinkware and a range of recipe books. This mix of practical food storage and more aesthetic decor pieces creates a more lived-in look that instantly makes the pantry feel more inviting.
Give Pantry Countertops a Lift with Decorative Details
Wooden cutting boards instantly add warmth and interest to pantry countertops.
Much like your kitchen countertops, your pantry surfaces can always benefit from a decorative lift. It's important that you don't create a cluttered look that leaves your counters filled and unusable, so choose pieces that strike a balance.
Try displaying your favorite wooden cutting boards (this scalloped design from Lulu and Georgia is a charming choice) along the walls, leaning art on shelves, or hanging a few dried herbs on a pot rack. Choose a pot rack that ties into the rest of your design. If you've used brass throughout, stick to the same finish, such as this Metal Pot Rack from McGee & Co.
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