Adding a pantry-like corner to my compact kitchen with shelves and baskets has been a game-changer in functionality. However, the potential ‘forever chemicals’ that my plastic baskets could be leaching onto my pantry items has been worrying me for a while.

I am replacing mine with beautiful handwoven water hyacinth seagrass baskets with labels from Wayfair. They look lovely, add a further country cottage touch to my kitchen, and crucially, are non-toxic, as they’re made with natural materials and no plastic.

For years now, I have been on a drive to remove all potentially harmful materials from my kitchen, and after switching to one of the best non-toxic air fryers, I have been slowly replacing my food containers and anything with microplastics in my kitchen storage.

These Natural Baskets with Reusable Labels Are Perfect for Pantries

My current pantry baskets have been exceptionally useful, but they are made from cheap plastic and certainly not BPA-free. This harmful toxin is not one you should have near any food items, as the risk of leaching into ingredients or onto food packets is real and worrying.

That's why I've been gradually making simple kitchen switches to remove these materials.

BPAs have been linked to increased health risks in humans, whilst microplastics continue to seep into our waterways and harm wildlife and the planet.

One study. published in Nature Medicine found micro and nanoplastic concentrations in the human body, including in the brain, kidney, and liver. The extent of the damage it can cause is unclear, but some studies have linked it to inflammation and risks to heart health.

The natural materials of the Wayfair set, which measures 12"(L) x 13"(W) x 5"(H), are made from seagrass and water hyacinth, both being natural and fast-growing resources. One is courser and the other softer. Choosing to shop for items like this is a great way to be more sustainable at home.

It’s worth noting that professional organizers have previously told us that adding beautiful natural baskets and storage solutions around your home, especially in busy spaces such as pantries, acts as a protective factor now as ‘biophilic decluttering’.

This simply means that when you combine natural materials, such as hyacinth or seagrass, with a storage solution, it will make it easier to keep things organized because they look so nice, and that in itself is a motivating factor for decluttering and maintaining your tidiness.

What Shoppers Say

Rated 4.9/5 on average, customers praise the basket's quality and how nice it looks. Many have chosen this set for organizing their pantries as I have, but they’re also pictured in shopper submissions in cabinets, shelving in other rooms, and used across living spaces.

One happy verified shopper that rated it five stars said they ‘finally have a pantry that doesn’t look like a tornado ran through it.’

Another five-star rating from an anonymous shopper said these are ‘the perfect baskets for my walk-in pantry. [I] love that I can label them!’

Indeed, having reusable labels that wipe clean with ease will mean that any time you reorganize a basket or overhaul your pantry from one season to the next, you can rename your basket easily.

Using labels is a top home organizing tip, as it means everyone in your household can follow your system, and that will allow everyone to help put things back in the correct place, easily find what they need, and move forward maintaining it with ease.

What to Shop

I’ve been on a mission to replace toxic items across my kitchen for some time now. Here’s my favorite, and they’ve so far stood the test of time for durability and convenience.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, clear out unsafe materials hiding in your everyday kitchen essentials by delving into the best non-toxic coffee makers and cookware.

Ants can be a great sign that your yard is healthy and thriving, but they can quickly become a nightmare once they enter your home.

If you like to avoid chemical pesticides or want a quick fix to prevent a full-blown ant invasion, you might look to vinegar to kill ants and stop the invaders at your door.

Vinegar is a superpower ingredient to keep in your home, able to kill mold and remove odors from all sorts of spaces and surfaces, all without harsh chemicals. But is vinegar really that effective in getting rid of ants in your home? Here, pest control experts explain why they wouldn't recommend it.

Does vinegar kill ants?

As effective as cleaning with vinegar can be, it is not a good solution when wanting to kill ants. At most, the pungent smell of white vinegar will deter them temporarily, our experts say. As a smell ants hate, vinegar disorient them and when sprayed on their trails, disrupts their pheromone scent.

Therefore, pest control pro Bryan Clayton, co-founder of Greenpal warns that relying on vinegar to kill ants is a common pest control mistake.

He explains, ‘Relying too heavily on natural deterrents is a common pitfall people often tumble into. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for using natural pest control methods whenever possible, however, pests are tough little critters. They're wired to survive, and while your homemade vinegar spray may deter them for a while, it's usually not enough to clear out an established infestation.’

What to use instead

To eliminate ants in your kitchen for good and get rid of ants on lawns, Gene Caballero, co-founder of Greenpal says, ‘It's important to identify the type of ants you're dealing with to determine the most effective control methods. For example, if you're dealing with fire ants, their nests can be large and aggressive, requiring specialized treatments.

‘Bait stations are an effective way to target ants at the source. Place ant bait stations near the ant nests or along their trails. The ants will be attracted to the bait and carry it back to the colony, which helps eliminate the entire nest. Choose ant baits specifically formulated for the type of ants you're dealing with.'

Gene continues, '‘Alternatively, consider commercial insecticidal treatments [such as Raid Ant & Roach Killer, from Walmart] to directly target ant nests. Look for insecticides labeled for ant control and follow the instructions carefully. Apply the insecticide around the nest or along the ant trails. Take care to protect beneficial insects and follow safety guidelines to minimize environmental impact.’

FAQs

What attracts ants?

One of the biggest draws for ants in your home is uncovered sweet or carbohydrate-rich food. Anything from pastry crumbs to slightly overripe fruit can look like a feast to them. Keep your home clean and your trash bins tidy and away from the exterior of your home to discourage ants from straying too close to your property.

What does baking soda do to ants?

Baking soda, like vinegar, is not an effective way to kill ants. Baking soda is only effective against these pests if they ingest it, which they are unlikely to do as it is not appealing to them.

If you are dead set on using baking soda to kill ants, you can try mixing it with powdered sugar to make it more appetizing, but there are more effective methods that will protect your home more quickly.

As with any pest, prevention is always better than a cure. To prevent ants, make homemade bug sprays using a one to one vinegar to water ratio to deter them, whilst also keeping your home clean, limiting potential food sources that might draw them in. Or, try getting rid of ants with a bar of soap.

It is also worth brushing up on the ways insects are entering your home so you can block up sneaky gaps and stop them in their tracks.

Keep in mind ants come inside homes looking for water and food, and to escape wet, hot or cold weather.

Whether your pantry is a simple affair that's built into cabinetry, freestanding or a full on walk-in design, it will need regular, thorough cleaning.

Due to the nature of what you're storing in your pantry, keeping it organized, clean, and free from food build up will keep pests away. It will also stop unnecessary wastage.

Our cleaning experts give us the lowdown on how to get your pantry spick and span, with kitchen cleaning tips to really make it shine, the products that work best and specialist advice on what watch out for.

What you'll need

What you use when cleaning your pantry is vitally important, says Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless.

• Microfiber cloths from Target for dusting and wiping
• Myers Multi-Surface cleaner from Amazon or a DIY vinegar solution (use one part vinegar to two parts water)
• Vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment
• Shelf liners available from Amazon for easy maintenance
• Bins or baskets from Target for organizing items
• Walmart Label maker or Target masking tape and a marker for labeling

1. Empty the pantry completely

The first step is to remove everything from your pantry. This is a great opportunity to check each item over as you do.

'You’ve got to start with a clean slate, so it’s very important to clear everything out to see what you’re working with,' advises Rhona Wilson, quality lead clearer at FreshSpace Cleaning. 'Check expiry dates as you go, and get rid of things you know you’ll never eat. For those heavy or awkward items, use a sturdy laundry basket to lug them in and out easily.'

A basket with handles will make life easier.

All prices correct at time of publication.

2. Start cleaning from the top

According to seasoned professional cleaner Rhona, 'You should always clean from top to bottom, including pantries.'

Start by removing any cobwebs from the ceiling and clearing dusty corners. We love Amazon's BOOMJOY microfiber feather duster with extendable pole that will help you reach the top without a ladder, but if you do need steps, the Cosco 2 step steel design stool from Target will come in handy time and again.

3. Dust and clean

Once you've cleared your ceiling cobwebs, work across the shelving, moving downwards.

'Use a microfiber cloth to dust shelves and corners and then vacuum up any crumbs or loose debris, especially in hard-to-reach areas,' says Karina.

Using one of the best vacuums will make the job easier and if your current model is too cumbersome, consider a handheld design instead. Most of the best cordless vacuums convert into a handheld, such as our tried and tested best budget pick, the Ultenic U12 from Amazon.

Below we've sourced our top 3 handheld vacuums, each with their own plus points.

Then, sanitize your shelves as it's easy for spills to go unnoticed, especially at the back.

'For wiping down, lightly spritz a microfiber cloth with your favorite all-around cleaner. My bet for this is the Lysol lemon variant from Amazon, as it cleans and deodorizes. Let it dry before adding anything back,' advises Rhonda.

Karina adds, 'For sticky spills, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping.'

4. Wipe down the walls and floors

It can be easy to forget the walls when cleaning, but it's equally important to give these a freshen up too.

'Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the walls and vacuum or mop the floor,' says Karina. For mopping we really like Method's almond cleaning product Squirt + Mop from Target, it's ideal for sealed wood and laminate flooring and it has a great long lasting scent.

Don't get your walls sopping wet to avoid the risk of mold in your home.

5. Add shelf liners

If you've found some spills and sticky spots when cleaning out your pantry, invest in some shelf liners to make the job easier next time. They will keep shelving cleaner and some have a textured surface to better grip and keep jars and tins in place.

Rhonda believes they're an essential part of your pantry, 'Before you put anything back, lay down shelf liners or cut-to-fit parchment paper (such as Target's parchment paper roll from up&up™). This will keep shelves cleaner for longer and make future cleanups easier. If you’re worried it’ll move, put double-sided tape underneath. You can always use rubbing alcohol to remove the tape residue. Trust me, you’d rather do this than deal with sticky syrup drips or oil!'

Prevention is always the better option – it's easy to make home cleaning mistakes that make our chores harder, so laying some shelf protection is time well spent. A roll of non-adhesive but grippy Gorilla shelf protector, from Walmart will make this a cinch.

6. Reintroduce your organized products

According to cleaning whiz Karina, pay extra attention to every item. She says, 'Wipe down each item before placing it back and check it's intact.' This will help you catch any rips, tears or sticky residue that might attract insects, and keep your pest proof your pantry.

Then be really organized with where you place things, 'Group items by category and store in labeled baskets or bins. Place frequently used items at eye level and heavier items on lower shelves,' Karina adds. 'For those deep shelves, you can add rises or tiered organizers to see everything at a glance,' suggests Rhonda.

Tiered storage solutions are pantry organizers professionals always buy.

Meet our experts

It's always worth having a deep clean especially when food is involved, and we recommend tackling your pantry seasonally, or at least twice a year: tackle them after the busy festive season and ahead of summer when pest activity spikes.

'Cleaning your pantry may feel like a chore, but it creates a fresh and organized space that makes cooking and meal prep so much easier. You’ll love the results!' says Karina.

Next, clean your kitchen cabinets.

Borax is often considered a powerful cleaning agent and effective laundry booster, but, while a naturally occurring mineral, it can be harmful to both humans and pets, particularly if ingested or inhaled.

So, what are the non-toxic alternatives that still pack a potent cleaning punch? As it turns out, the answers might already be nestled away in your pantry or at the back of a kitchen cabinet.

Here, we spoke to professional cleaners for their top tips for cleaning a kitchen naturally, and the best natural borax substitutes they use for busting grease and grime and leaving surfaces sparkling.

Non-toxic alternatives to borax

1. Baking soda

Around the house there are so many things you can clean with baking soda, as Alicia Sokolowski, eco-cleaning expert, co-CEO and president of AspenClean explains, 'Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is mildly alkaline, which makes it effective at breaking down grease, neutralizing odors, and lifting stains. Its fine texture also gives it mild abrasive properties for scrubbing.'

Therefore, it's an ideal cleaning tip as it can be sprinkled directly onto countertops, sinks or stovetops, and scrubbed away with a damp sponge to lift stains and residue with ease.

Sokolowski recommends the AspenClean Green Powder Cleaner SuperScrub available, which is a versatile product for tough cleaning challenges, 'enhanced with organic lavender and tea-tree essential oil, known for its cleaning and disinfecting properties.'

You can also use baking soda to neutralize kitchen odors and banish odors in your closet with a baking soda hack, simply by placing an open container in a discreet place. As one of nature's best natural deodorizers to use around your home, really, this can be utilized everywhere and anywhere.

Demonstrating the startling versatility of baking soda, Sokolowski also suggests using baking soda in laundry, adding half a cup to enhance detergent performance and deodorize clothes naturally.

All prices correct at time of publication.

2. White vinegar

Much like baking soda, white vinegar is a pantry staple and eco-friendly sustainable cleaning swap that professional cleaners and tidy homeowners alike rely on for a sanitized space.

Matthew Baratta, VP of operations at Daimer Industries, an industrial cleaning company, recommends cleaning with vinegar with a simple 1:1 vinegar-to-water solution.

'It's a good starting point for cleaning glass shower doors and appliances like the oven,' he says. 'If you are just making a regular cleaning spray, add a 1:1 vinegar-to-water ration in a spray bottle. You can also add a bit of lemon juice and dish soap (such as the Dawn Ultra Liquid Dish Soap available at Walmart) to help mask the smell and improve the efficiency,' although, when used alone, the scent will dissipate over time. 'Use the mixture as you would any standard spray cleaner.'

But, as Baratta warns, while vinegar is effective for cleaning and getting rid of mineral and hard water stains, it will not kill all virus-causing germs, so for high-touch surfaces you might wish to use a diluted rubbing alcohol solution (two parts rubbing alcohol to one part water) instead.

You can also use white vinegar in laundry, for whitening and deodorizing, and wash towels with vinegar to restore their softness.

3. Lemon juice

As an alternative to borax, pros also love cleaning with lemon juice, which acts as a natural degreaser and antibacterial agent. 'It also cuts through hard water stains and leaves a fresh, natural scent,' says eco-cleaning expert Sokolowski.

Handily, you can use lemon juice to care for a wooden chipping board, when paired with coarse sea salt, such as the Tuscanini Coarse Mediterranean Sea Salt available at Amazon. 'Sprinkle coarse salt on a wooden cutting board,' advises Sokolowski. 'Then, use half a lemon to scrub, squeezing slightly to release the juice, before rinsing and drying.'

You can also clean a microwave with lemon, by filling a microwave-safe bowl, such as the Mainstays - Gray Round Plastic Cereal Bowl available at Walmart, which costs only 50 cents, with one cup of water and two tablespoons of lemon juice. 'Heat for three to five minutes, then wipe down the inside,' says Sokolowski.

And, for tackling hard water stains, Punteha van Terheyden, head of Solved here at H&G tried cleaning stubborn faucet limescale with lemon juice, and said it 'worked like a charm.' Sokolowski recommends it too, adding, 'Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush,' such as the Clorox Medium Scrub Brush available at Target.

The other kitchen cleaning hack we love is putting lemons in your dishwasher. It helps where your detergent may fail and leaves your dishwasher and crockery squeaky clean.

4. Commercial, non-toxic cleaners

While products from your pantry make great non-toxic alternatives to borax, there are also ready-to-use natural commercial cleaners, too.

For example, Joy Mangano, who has over 25 years in the cleaning industry, recommends her latest invention, CleanBoss Botanical Disinfectant, available at Amazon.

This botanic disinfectant has a patented hyper-powerful formula kills germs faster than even some of the most toxic cleaners, but without the need for scary warnings or disclaimers.

'It's the result of 15 years of research on a patented formula powered by the industry's highest concentration of botanically derived Thymol, not chemicals,' says Mangano. 'It's all natural with zero toxic warnings. Just spray and let CleanBoss work its magic, and wipe down to dry. No rinse required.'

We also love plant-based Method cleaning products, such as the Method All-Purpose Cleaner, Pink Grapefruit available at Amazon, which cuts through grease and grime with a fresh citrus scent.

5. Sodium Sesquicarbonate

You may not have heard of it, but sodium sesquicarbonate is commonly considered a borax substitute, and is a blend of baking soda and washing soda, says eco-cleaning expert Sokolowski, providing the benefits of both. 'It's excellent for water softening, odor control, and heavy-duty cleaning.'

For laundry, simple add one tablespoon to your best washing machine for cleaner, brighter clothes, particularly effective for getting dingy whites white again.

You can also use sodium sesquicarbonate to clean a carpet without a machine, suggests Sokolowski, by mixing one tablespoon with two cups of water and spraying onto carpets to neutralize odors. Once dry, simply vacuum. Learn more about our carpet cleaning tips in our dedicated guide.

And, when it comes to cleaning a bathroom in 30 minutes or less, combine one tablespoon of sodium sesquicarbonate to clean shower grout, tiles, and tubs.

If you're looking to truly make your home non-toxic, these are the non-toxic home essentials that Chiana Dickson, content editor on Solved, swears by.

In theory, I should have plenty of food storage space in my kitchen – after all, it is just about the biggest room in our house, plus we have a great, big full-height larder unit serving as our pantry, too.

However, thanks to life being a little busy right now and me not necessarily being the most organized person in the world, this larder unit is often a total jumble of dried goods, rarely-dishes, out-of-date packets and tins – in short there is no order whatsoever to it all.

So, when Homes & Gardens asked me to call in the help of a professional chef to get my pantry ideas in order I jumped at the chance – plus I knew just the person to come to my rescue.

1. Preparing for pantry organization

My good friend Abi Partridge is a private chef, caterer and former owner of one of the most chic bistros in our region. Her own kitchen is a stylist's dream and so I decided to ask her for her help to get my pantry ship-shape and stylish.

Before the big pantry organization day arrived, I sent Abi over the dimensions of my larder unit, including its width, the height of the shelves and their depth. This was so she could work out what kind of storage and pantry organization ideas would work best. She then set to work looking through her not inconsiderable stash of canisters, jars, containers, trays and baskets to see what could be reused, as well as sending me off with a list of things to buy.

'We want to re-use and re-purpose rather than buying everything new,' she said. This is her general ethos – and the reason her own home looks so effortlessly 'thrown together'.

2. Decluttering the pantry

First things first, Abi instructed me to completely clear out the pantry so that we could see exactly what we needed to store, as well as the kind of space we had available to work with. This is also the number one Jeremiah Brent pantry organization rule, so it's definitely expert-approved.

As I worked through the piles of dried goods I was more than a little shocked at how much was way past it's expiry date. Some were years out of date! Slowly the waste food caddy and garbage bags filled up, the countertops were covered with 'stuff' and the pantry got emptied. This also happens to be the first step of the Chaos Decluttering Method if pulling everything out before decluttering a space appeals to you. The time-box elimination method will also work well here.

After completely decluttering, it was time to clean your pantry. Get vacuuming and wiping off the sticky, crumb-covered shelves ready for the restock.

3. Grouping like with like

Next, Abi suggested that we should organize all the items that were previously in the pantry into categories. So, tins and cans went together, cereals, condiments, jams and spreads, baking items, drinks and so on.

Abi drew out boxes onto a sheet of paper and categorized each one – tea and coffee, herbs and spices and so on – so we had a visual reference to work from.

Once we had these separate groups it became far easier to see how the space would need to be organized, highlighting what I had the most of, as well as the kind of pantry storage ideas and containers that each would need. Abi began to play around with layouts for all the jars, tubs, baskets and boxes we'd need once we had this inventory.

3. Decanting dried goods

Abi suggested we decant all the open packets of dried goods into clear storage jars, available in bulk at Amazon. I had bought a roll of blackboard labels that came with a chalk pen, but rather than label them all this way, Abi had another idea.

As we decanted, she cut the labels off the empty packets and stuck them to the jars using clear sticky tape – something that saved time as well as meaning with had the labels for other uses. If you like the concept but not the look, place them underneath your jar so you can check usage, best by and nutritional info.

Cereals, pulses, grains, seeds, nuts and dried fruits all went into airtight jars, available at The Container Store, neatly and clearly labeled, while for the oils, vinegar and cordials we used a funnel, available at Walmart, to transfer them to empty milk bottles which we identified using the blackboard labels.

I was left wondering to do with all the odds and ends leftover in the packets that didn't quite fit into the jars. We used Ziploc bags, which have many surprising handy uses around the home, to store these, labeling them clearly and tucking them all away in their own basket at the back of the pantry for when a restock was required.

4. Creating pull-out storage

Rather than paying out for snazzy pull-out shelves, Abi had a much better idea. Using robust metal trays she had picked up at a car boot sale, we sorted out all my herbs and spices, tinned goods and packets, breakfast spreads and chutneys into these trays on the lower shelf of the upper section.

These now pull out smoothly to allow me to see everything quickly and with no need for rummaging around at the back of the unit – perfect for anyone looking at ways of organizing kitchen cabinets without spending a fortune.

I am so pleased with my newly-organized herbs and spices and no longer dread sorting through a jumbled plastic box to find what I need.

5. Making up baking baskets

I love baking and as a result of making some rather ambitious birthday cakes for the children over the years, have quite an extensive stock of random equipment, strangely shaped cookie cutters and a ton of flours, food dyes and sugars.

Using beautifully rustic baskets, which we labeled using brown paper labels tied with string, we separated these all out to make finding everything easy. As they aren't one of my pantry staples, we popped these baskets on the highest shelf. They're still accessible if I need them, but not taking up prime real estate in my pantry.

6. Prioritizing items

When everything had its own container, Abi asked me to think about the items I needed access to most frequently and we put them in order, from those that needed to be close to hand at all times, to bits and bobs that only get used occasionally.

This is where it is really important to think about how your individual kitchen ideas will work alongside your pantry organization.

Sauces, tinned good, rice, pasta, cordials and vegetables such as potatoes and onions were all given prime positions, while things like serving dishes that are rarely needed got packed up into smart picnic hamper-style baskets on the bottom shelf.

7. Add the finishing touches

Step into Abi's apartment and you would be forgiven for thinking your had walked in on a perfectly styled photo shoot, so it was inevitable that she'd introduce more than a few stylish yet practical elements into my larder unit.

Abi suggested we use the inside of one of the pantry doors as a huge shopping list so I ordered a roll of this adhesive chalkboard paper from Amazon. It was super easy to cut to size and stick on to the doors, plus it came with a chalk pen to make things easier. I now have no excuse to run out of the essentials as I can just jot them down as and when I'm all out.

On the downside, my children are already using it to write rude notes to each other... time to find out the best way to clean a chalkboard!

Meet the expert

FAQs

What kind of light do you put in a pantry?

You have several options here. If you are dealing with walk-in pantry ideas, the likelihood is that you will want to have your lights wired in as you would in other rooms in the house, but if you are retrofitting or working with a larder unit like mine, other options might be less disruptive and cheaper.

If you are using overhead lighting, consider directional spotlights or track lights to ensure you are illuminating all the right areas.

Battery-powered LED lights are perfect for all kinds of spaces and are particularly good for small pantry ideas, being simple to install and cheap to buy. They can also be dotted about to ensure each and every corner is visible. Some of these battery light are also motion sensor so will come on and off as the doors are opened and closed.

If you have an outlet within your pantry you have other options too, including LED light strips and under-cabinet lights that are designed to be plugged in.

And, finally, one idea I am considering is battery-powered string lights – they might not be the most practical option but they would look so pretty.

If this has left you longing for a dedicated space to store your dried goods, it might just be time to look into how to build a pantry.

Few things remain as perfect after 25 years, but in the case of Martha Stewart's pantry storage method, timelessness rings true. Stewart first offered a tour of her set's pantry back in 1998 – but her tips translate to the most contemporary of spaces. Her most translatable lesson? Glass storage jars and boxes will always have a place on every pantry (or kitchen shelf).

'This is perhaps my favorite room in my new set – this is the pantry. Every home, if you can have it, should have a pantry,' Stewart begins.

'A room like this can be so orderly and so old-fashioned at the same time. Many of my older friends have pantries in their basements or in closets, but to have a whole room devoted to the storage of all this delicious excess is really handy. This is also an excellent place to keep dog food, cat food, scales, twine, and my collection of old French bread boards on the wall,' Stewart begins.

She then demonstrates how to use glass refrigerator jars (much like these from Amazon) to organize a pantry – and ensure it stays tidy. 'These are old-fashioned refrigerator jars, and sugar is layered with vanilla beans. On the top shelf, [I keep] things that I need but I don’t use very often. It’s really great to have a pantry.'

Shop the essentials

Stewart's old-fashioned refrigerator jars are not the only glass storage solutions on her shelves. She goes on to show off her giant jars (with painted green lids that complement the gray-green hues of her pantry cabinets.

'What a great way to utilize great big oversized jars that you find at antique shows and tag sales. We painted the cap of these big jars to look good in the pantry; this is great for dog food, cat food, and whatever. Grains [should also be kept] in tightly covered jars,' she says.

'Spices [should be] tightly covered, teas tightly covered, jams and jellies[should not be kept] in bright sunlight. Homemade jams will last a lot longer if they’re kept in a cool, rather dark place. It’s also very important to use containers to [your] best advantage. These old refrigerated jars look great in a pantry. Also, if you’re going to buy six or ten boxes of brown sugar, always use the box in front first and keep the newly bought product in the back of the line.'

Plus, in true Stewart style, she brings a unique flare to her pantry. 'Let me point out that I collect old-fashioned canning jars that have good, tight caps. It’s also very important in a pantry to know what things have to be kept out,' she says. We can't all have an antique canning jar collection as expansive as hers – but they do serve as a reminder that pantry storage can be personal, sentimental, and good-looking.

The new year is the perfect opportunity to rethink pantry and kitchen storage – and if there's any method that will prolong in 2025, it's this. After working for over 25 years, we really can't go wrong.

If you have ever taken a floral design class, chances are you will have come across floral foam. Often in the form of a lightweight green brick, once soaked in water it acts as a foundation in which to create a vast range of different designs, and it serves as a water source for your blooms. Unfortunately, it is also incredibly harmful to the environment.

I trained as a florist eight years ago at a prestigious London flower school, and I was taught how to arrange into foam. The environmental issues were not discussed, even such a short time ago. Since then, however, there has been a monumental shift in awareness about the environmental pitfalls that come with using floral foam, and a big movement towards more sustainable floristry practices. Just search #nofloralfoam on Instagram and you'll see what I mean.

Ever since I discovered how harmful floral foam can be, I’ve made it my mission to only use sustainable floral foam alternatives that can be reused time and again. If you're interested in eco-friendly garden ideas, these are bound to appeal to you, too.

What is wrong with using floral foam?

We don’t actually know what goes into floral foam because the ingredients are not printed on the packaging or found anywhere on the internet. What we do know is that floral foam does not biodegrade, is not reusable, and contains microplastics. When it is disposed of, these microplastics can and do get into the water supply and the air.

From personal experience, I know breathing in microparticles of dust that fly into the air when handling dry floral foam can cause coughing and aggravate breathing issues. The UK’s Royal Horticultural Society no longer allows it to be used at any of its major flower shows, and the Slow Flowers Society in the US also advocates for alternatives.

Of course, when the high society florists of Constance Spry’s era in the 1920s and 30s began creating beautiful table centers and urn arrangements, floral foam had not been invented. It was patented in the 1950s and became attractive to florists because it was so easy to use and inexpensive. Before this, chicken wire, water and moss were commonly used to keep floral designs hydrated and to provide structure for flower stems, and we can learn much from these designers of the past when it comes to sustainable mechanics.

It is much safer for you and the planet to use eco-friendly floral foam alternatives. Each one of these 12 options provides equally good structure for a design, and can either be reused or composted afterwards.

1. Chicken wire

Chicken wire, available from Amazon, is an inexpensive and easy way of creating a structure for your flower and foliage stems within any vessel, provided it is watertight.

The idea is to create a pillow form out of a flat piece of chicken wire, by bending it back on itself a couple of times. This will give you multiple layers and a 3D grid within which to design. The chicken wire pillow should be snug inside your choice of vase or vessel, and ideally, it should sit half an inch higher than the lip of your vase. Secure it with some floristry pot tape - I use this one, available on Amazon, over the top to ensure it doesn't move, and simply fill your vase with water.

The great thing about these grids is they can be used time and again, just dry them off each time they are used to prevent rusting.

There are different gauges and sizes of chicken wire available - I find it more efficient to use the smaller grids, in fact, this hardware cloth wire roll from Amazon would be absolutely ideal for the job.

2. Moss

For me, there is nothing better than using a natural material as a base for a design, and moss is so versatile.

You can use it within vases - even glass ones - to create structure. It can form the base of a Christmas wreath or a funeral tribute, and you can even encase it in cylinders of chicken wire to create what we fondly call 'mossages' in the floristry business, to use for creating large-scale installations.

You can use any type of moss, but my preference is to use sphagnum moss, available from Walmart. It retains water extremely well, so all you need to do is soak it before use and it will keep your stems fully hydrated.

3. Flower frogs or kenzans

In the Japanese floral art form of Ikebana, kenzans - also commonly referred to flower frogs or pin frogs - are an essential tool for creating beautiful, structural floral designs.

They are usually made of metal, and consist of a heavy base with a grid of sharp needles that resemble tiny sword blades. You simply have to secure the it into the base of your vessel using a strong putty - I use floral clay, available from Amazon - then you place your stems into the pins to create your design.

Kenzans come in a huge variety of sizes, from tiny half-inch ones through to plate-sized pins. If you've never used one before, I would recommend practicing with different sized flower frogs; this set from Amazon would be ideal for getting started.

4. Straw

Although straw would be ineffective in arrangements that require water, it does form an ideal base for some designs, such as Christmas and fall wreaths.

The advantages to straw are it is much lighter than moss, meaning less weight on your front door. Plus it stays dry, so if you are creating a seasonal table center design no moisture will harm your dining table.

It's also super low cost, and you can also use hot glue on it if creating a design with dried or faux flowers.

5. Flower tubes

Flower water tubes are really handy to know about, especially if you want to create a larger flower arrangement.

They are clear, plastic tubes with removable silicone lids, and usually come in packs of 100, such as these flower tubes from Walmart. They are available in different lengths and widths, so check the product information if ordering online.

All you do is fill them with water, put the lid back on and place the flower stem that you want to keep hydrated through the hole in the lid to give the stem its own individual water source. They can be washed and re-used time and again for all kinds of floristry projects.

6. Vessels with built-in grids

Often when you look in vintage ceramic vessels that are designed especially for holding flowers, they will contain an in-built metal grid to help keep your flower stems in place. They are usually removable, and therefore washable, and help enormously when arranging into a somewhat tricky shape.

These might be more difficult to get hold of, but they do exist. Wedgewood and Dartmouth Pottery are two of the brands I look out for all the time. I suggest keeping an eye out in thrift stores or on sites such as Etsy and Ebay to see if any come up.

7. Oshun Pouch

The Oshun Pouch is a relatively new invention, created by Kirsten VanDijk of New Age Floral. Her mission is to promote and pioneer sustainable, eco-conscious products for the floristry industry.

In doing so, Kirsten has invented the Oshun Pouch, a 100% sustainable, biodegradable, and home-compostable pouch, that expands when hydrated. Once so, you place your stems into the pouch and arrange them as desired. It's recommended to keep the pouch hydrated by topping up the water in your vessel on a daily basis.

I have never arranged into an Oshun Pouch before, so I cannot vouch for its ease of use. However, as a zero-waste floristry product, I am super keen to try it.

8. A potato

Ok, bear with me on this one, because it really does work. You can use a potato to arrange flowers into because potatoes hold a lot of water, and they have a very sturdy structure.

A potato works especially well if you're creating a winter or festive flower display, as strong, evergreen foliage will hold up well. You can slice the back off it if you're planning to hang it on your door, too.

To arrange into a potato, first make a hole for your stem using a wooden or metal skewer. It will be much easier than trying to push your flower stems into it directly, which will most likely cause it to break. If you are using this method with fresh flowers, you might need to select ones with strong, woodier stems rather than hollow ones, as they will last longer.

It is, of course, fully compostable, and so easy to use. You could also do the same in summer with a watermelon!

9. Agra Wool

Agra Wool is a branded product made from biodegradable basalt mineral rock fibers. It is similar to floral foam in shape and the way it is used. You cut the blocks to the required size, then soak in water before placing your flower stems into the Agra Wool.

I have used this on professional jobs and personally have found it hard to get on with. It's difficult to get certain stems into the material, and ideally, you are meant to push your stem all the way through the material, rather than simply insert a small section, as you would with foam, which can be tricky.

However, it is compostable, and so if you are looking for really similar floral foam alternatives this might be the product for you.

You can find Agra Wool blocks available on Amazon.

10. Pebbles

Pebbles or decorative rocks, such as these from Walmart, make a beautifully attractive alternative to floral foam, and can even form part of a design if on show.

When placed in a vessel they form a strong and sturdy structure, capable of holding up multiple heavy flower stems.

In my experience, combining pebbles with chicken wire or twigs is a great idea to give a little bit of additional support.

11. Willow twigs

Sustainably foraged willow twigs are a wonderful, natural way to create structure within a bowl or urn. You can use any kind of twigs, but I find willow, hazel and beech to be very effective as they will bend into place but won't snap.

I have used twig bases within a compostable bamboo bowl to make eco-friendly funeral tributes, and it works well in creating a foundation. The result is a very natural-looking arrangement, with lots of wild movement.

12. Pot tape

By using floristry pot tape you can fix a simple grid pattern over the top of a wide vase, to instantly create a structure. Floristry pot tape, available from Amazon or a local craft store, is reinforced, making it super strong and durable.

The only downside to pot tape is it doesn't tend to be reusable, and it isn't a compostable material, so would need to be disposed of in regular household waste.

Aside from the vital environmental benefits, what I love about using more sustainable floristry techniques instead of floral foam is that the end result always looks more natural. Your stems will benefit from much greater movement, and you can create some really elegant, professional-grade designs with these methods. For more inspiration on making your cut flower arrangements look professional at home, you might like our pick of the best vases to suit your style.

Kitchen storage is something everyone has to consider. Appliances, food, and kitchenware all need a home, which is where additions like a pantry, larder, or even a back kitchen come in handy. But what is the difference?

Designers often recommend these additional storage spaces, but understanding what each actually is and how they differ from one another will help you decide which is the best choice for your kitchen ideas.

And who better to ask than the experts who have experience in designing multiple kitchens? Here, designers explain the difference between a larder, pantry, and back kitchen and how they choose the right one.

What's the difference between a larder, pantry, and back kitchen? 

If you're designing or revamping your kitchen, you've probably been considering different storage solutions. Larders, pantries, and back kitchens are all viable options, but what are the main differences?

Usually the smallest of the three, a larder is often a freestanding piece of kitchen furniture, although it can also be introduced as part of built-in cabinetry. It's integrated into the kitchen, rather than being a room off from the main space.

'A larder is typically a more traditional style of food storage, with cool shelves often reserved for perishable items like butter, cheese, or fresh produce. We often design larders as a more open, aesthetically pleasing space within a kitchen featuring bespoke cabinetry,' explains interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.

'A pantry traditionally refers to a smaller, dedicated space for storing food staples, dry goods, and sometimes small appliances. Often located just off the main kitchen, pantries are much loved for their simplicity and functionality, offering quick and easy access to everyday essentials,' she adds.

A back kitchen is slightly different from a larder and a pantry. Where food and sometimes small appliances are stored, a back kitchen has a greater function. 'A back kitchen is essentially a secondary, larger space designed for the more utilitarian aspects of food preparation and storage,' says Lauren.

'Sometimes referred to as a scullery, it is where messes are hidden, and tasks like dishwashing, baking, or even flower arranging can be managed. Back kitchens often accommodate larger appliances, extra sinks, and generous storage for cookware, making them a practical and discreet addition to busy households.'

How to choose between a larder, pantry, and back kitchen

Whether you choose a larder, pantry, or back kitchen will depend on the space you have and what your desired use is. Do you just want some extra food storage, or do you want a separate space dedicated to the more functional aspects of a kitchen?

'A pantry tends to be much smaller than a back kitchen and only really needs to have lots of shelving for storage rather than additional work surface. Where space is not available then a larder is the perfect choice,' explains Jayne Everett, creative designer at Naked Kitchens.

The benefit of a larder is that it can be customized to suit the space you have in your kitchen. It can be a simple shelved unit for food, or something slightly larger with drawers and various compartments. It's the best choice if you don't have space for a pantry and if you want to specifically store goods that need to be kept cool.

There's also the added benefit that a larder can add a real design statement to your kitchen. 'I love a larder as it's such a multipurpose piece of furniture. It is always the cabinet our clients love to show off in their new kitchen, and understandably as they are fabulous,' adds Jayne.

If you are just looking to store dry goods (particularly cans and dried ingredients), a pantry is your best choice. They really vary in size, from small cupboards to walk-in storage spaces, so you can customize them to suit your space and needs. This is usually the choosing point between a larder and a pantry.

'A pantry is ideal if you’re looking for compact and efficient storage for dry goods and smaller appliances. For those who enjoy cooking and entertaining, a larder adds a sense of charm and organization, with everything beautifully arranged and within reach,' adds Lauren.

A back kitchen, however, is a much larger space and investment. 'If cooking and entertaining are a frequent part of your lifestyle, a back kitchen offers that extra space to work without cluttering the main kitchen,' says interior designer Becky Shea.

It's the more luxurious choice, but it's incredibly functional for anyone who does a lot of cooking and hosting. You will need a big space to accommodate a back kitchen, but interior designers assure you it's a worthy investment.

'While all three serve unique purposes, the back kitchen holds a special appeal for me. It offers so much versatility, functioning as a behind-the-scenes workhorse that allows the main kitchen to remain a serene, welcoming space,' says Lauren.

'Back kitchens can also be beautifully designed, incorporating textures and materials that make them an extension of the home’s aesthetic rather than just a utilitarian space. They’re particularly well-suited to modern family life, where the balance between practicality and style is key,' she adds.

There's no denying that all of these options add plenty of benefits to your kitchen. There's no right or wrong choice – they're all fabulous options, it simply comes down to household needs.

'A pantry, larder, and back kitchen each serve unique roles, but they’re all integral parts of a well-designed home. Choosing between them really depends on the needs of the family and how the kitchen is used,' says Becky.

For designers, the practical decision is a larder for a charming feature and to store cold foods, a pantry for more storage space for canned and dried goods, and a back kitchen is the luxurious choice for creating a space dedicated to the more functional needs to act as 'an overflow' of the primary kitchen.

Similar but performing different functions, this expert guide fills in all the blanks to help you choose the best option for your kitchen. Whether you choose a pantry, larder, or back kitchen, you can create a stylish addition to your space.

If there's one place in the home you will usually find me, it's in my kitchen, and, more specifically, around my fridge.

I absolutely love cooking at home, but more often than not, I find that having a fridge stocked full of ingredients can lead to a funky-smelling fridge, particularly if you're a fish or cheese lover like me.

So, while researching how to get rid of fridge odor I came across this simple cleaning tip trick that uses only coffee grounds and salt to neutralize bad smells and keep your fridge smelling fresh. As I had both on hand, I decided to give it a go – and was both surprised and impressed.

Using coffee and sale to deodorize a fridge

Originally, I saw this hack in a TikTok video, posted by @anna.viktori, or Anna Knows, who regularly shares useful cleaning hacks for the home.

In the video, she asks, 'Did you know about this trick?' And, as I certainly hadn't, and wanted to get rid of fridge smells, I decided to put it to the test.

You will need:

• Coffee grounds: which can be dried and reused from your best coffee maker, or purchased, such as the Amazon Fresh Colombia Ground Coffee available at Amazon, which is similar to what I used.
• Salt: such as the Great Value Plain Salt available at Walmart.
• Tin foil: such as the Reynolds Wrap Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil available at Amazon. That's it!

Step 1. Combine the salt and coffee

First things first, tip your coffee grounds onto a flattened piece of aluminum foil and sprinkle the salt on top. I used a fork to combine them both, to make sure they were mixed well.

Step 2. Poke holes

Then, poke holes in the foil. In the video, creator Viktori uses a cocktail stick to do so, such as the Diamond L'Elegance Extra Long Wooden Toothpicks available at Walmart, but as I didn't have any to hand, I just used a fork, which worked equally well.

Step 3. Wait

Then, all you have to do is wait. It's really as simple as that! I waited 24 hours, and was amazed at how well this unassuming parcel works to eliminate strong odors in my fridge, helping to keep my food fresh and banish bad kitchen smells.

Why does this trick work?

You have probably heard about using coffee grounds as a fertilizer for healthy houseplants, or maybe even about cleaning with coffee, but why is this one of the things people with nice-smelling kitchens always do?

Well, much like when you clean with baking soda, coffee grounds work by absorbing and neutralizing kitchen odors, and masking bad smells. Like the rolled oat fridge deodorizer trick, the combination also saps up excess moisture.

That being said, it's still important to know how to clean a refrigerator and do so regularly, as this trick is not a solution to keeping your fridge hygienic.

And, if you're wondering how often you should clean your fridge, it should be given a quick clean with sanitizing spray, such as the Method All-Purpose Cleaner available at Walmart, and a microfiber cloth, at least weekly, and a deep-clean every month. If you prefer not to use chemicals, why not try cleaning with vinegar for an eco-friendly alternative, and don't forget to pay special attention to the dirtiest part of your fridge – your vegetable drawer – as rotting vegetables are one of the main causes of foul odors.

FAQs

Why does my fridge smell?

If your fridge smells bad, it is likely caused by food and drink spills, which create a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. Your fridge may also be harboring hidden moldy spots in the kitchen, so make sure you're clued up on how to clean a refrigerator door seal of mold.

How do you remove fishy odors from your fridge?

One of the best way to remove fishy odors from your fridge is by using a homemade vanilla vinegar cleaner, which leaves it smelling fresh without the use of harsh chemicals.

Is moisture in your fridge also causing premature spoilage? This cheap household staple is the key to eliminating mold in your fridge with zero effort.

It's not every day you find something you have in common with Khloé Kardashian, but in the case of pantry organization, she's relatable. The socialite, like all of us, is no stranger to the simple joy of a beautifully arranged kitchen or pantry – and, like us, she turns to clear storage bins to make the process simpler.

To be specific, Kardashian uses Clear Plastic Storage Bins (available on Amazon), and looking at their spec makes her choice understandable. These shatter-resistant clear bins are mindfully designed with a smooth grip handle, making them easy to transport between cupboards. They're stackable and the perfect size to slot into almost every sized pantry, refrigerator, or kitchen cupboard – but they can similarly be used in the bathroom, closets, or home office. Like all storage bins, they make organizing a pantry simple – whether it's a large-scale space like Kardashian's or a more compact kitchen (where the organization is, arguably, even more vital).

'I love a bin,' Kardashian shared in an interview with People. 'If you're going to buy one thing, make it these Lucite compartments; they’re like Tetris blocks – you can fit them into any space.' She adds that the storage containers are perfect for a dorm or apartment. Plus, their minimal yet modern look means 'they go with anyone's aesthetic.'

Plus, these bins are not solely responsible for order in Kardashian's kitchen. In the interview, she shared that she's 'gone crazy in her pantry' and especially loves acrylic styles with handy rotating trays and dividers. This Lamu turntable (from Amazon) has a 360° smooth rotation, making it easy to grab whatever we require in our pantry.

You can use them for snack storage or 'in a kid’s closet with art supplies and rubber bands,' Kardashian explains. 'I can give you a long list of things you can do with these – you’ll find a need for them, I promise you.'

Beyond the pantry (and kitchen cupboards), this turntable is suitable for a coffee bar countertop or in your home office with snacks –making it the pefect, Kardashian-approved housewarming gift.

Stainless steel is one of my least favorite finishes. Despite the name, it always manages to look dirty and stained – even right after cleaning. These smudges and streaks are the bane of my existence.

When I heard about a trick to clean and polish stainless steel with olive oil, I was skeptical. How would rubbing an oily substance, something notorious for causing streaks and marks, onto the metal make it look any better? Since I was at a loss for what else to try, I gave it a go.

To my shock, it genuinely worked to clean my stainless steel appliances and now it looks better than new – and here’s the proof.

How to polish stainless steel with olive oil

One thing I learned quickly about this method is that the olive oil itself does not actually clean anything, and assuming it does it certainly a stainless steel cleaning mistake to avoid. It is not a cleaning tip for killing bacteria or getting rid of kitchen grease. Instead, it is a finishing touch that restores the surface of the stainless steel.

This is something Glen Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company confirmed, ‘Oil of any kind is not a cleaner. It’s a sealant that protects the metal from moisture but will not clean your stainless steel. Once you clean it with an actual cleaner, you can then put a light film of olive oil on the surface and rub it in with a microfiber cloth to help keep the moisture off the surface and damage your stainless steel.’

Because of this, I started off cleaning the stainless steel on my best electric kettle with my everyday, multi-surface cleaner to remove any spatter marks and grease from my hands, buffing it with a clean microfiber cloth, and then drying it off. The result of this step was as usual – large, blaring streaks marring the trims and making my kettle look dirtier than it was before.

With the trims dried off, I used a clean paper towel with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil dabbed on, and buffed the areas again to clean my electric kettle handle and trims. To my shock, the streaks disappeared immediately. I expected to see lines of oil or new streaks, but the stainless steel looked flawless – more so than the day I bought the kettle.

Noticing that the trims and handle then felt a little, well, oily, I went back over the areas with another clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess. Again, to my surprise, no more streaks reappeared. The stainless steel still looked perfect and was no longer at all slippy.

Much like cleaning with vinegar or cleaning with lemon juice, taking olive oil to my stainless steel kitchen appliances proved once again that common pantry staples are surprisingly versatile.

Elizabeth Shields, operations manager at Super Cleaning Service Louisville, explains, ‘Olive oil adds a lovely shine to stainless steel surfaces. When you buff it in, it leaves a protective film over the steel to restore that sleek, polished look that sometimes gets dulled over time. If you’re in the middle of cooking and notice your pots or appliances look a little dull, you can grab that bottle of olive oil without having to make a special trip to the store. You don’t have to worry about any overpowering scents, too.’

I now wonder if it would work to clean a stainless steel sink or clean stainless steel pans to get rid of the rainbow patina that appears with frequent use. I will update this piece when I give it a go.

I was also pleased to see that, after a day of use and the kettle living on my kitchen counter next to where I cook, the stainless steel on my kettle still looked flawless. This polishing trick isn't a quick gimmick, after all.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Olive oil has certainly been a game changer for this small area that previously annoyed me, and there are several other everyday items you can clean with olive oil that I will have to test. Such as polishing stainless steel by cleaning it with old socks. Sounds strange, we know, but it works a treat for a shining finish.

Is there truly anything better than a spa-soft towel after getting out of a bath or shower?

All too often, however, towels end up hard, stiff, and scratchy from incorrect washing and drying methods which damage the fibers. While tumble dryer balls can work to re-fluff up these fibers, as someone without a dryer, I was keen to find alternative methods to refresh and revive my towels.

So, I asked professional cleaners and laundry experts for tips on keeping towels soft – even without a dryer.

How to make towels soft without a dryer

Why do towels become hard and scratchy?

'Towels can become hard from a variety of factors that occur during the washing cycle,' says Ken Doty, COO of The Maids. The most common are:

• Mineral buildup: Washing your towels in hard water can leave mineral deposits on the fibers, leading to them feeling stiffer as they accumulate.
• Detergent residue: Using too much detergent is a washing machine mistake to avoid, as excess causes buildup, reducing the absorbency of towels and making them feel stiff and scratchy.
• Using too much heat on a drying cycle: If you do have a tumble dryer, drying your towels on a heat setting that's too high can damage towel fibers and negatively impact the softness of the fibers. 'This can also be caused by using hot water during the washing cycle,' adds Doty.

How to make towels soft without a dryer

1. Wash with vinegar and baking soda

There are many things around the house you can clean with vinegar and clean with baking soda, and adding them to your laundry cycle can make your towels feel soft without a dryer and make towels last longer, too. Wondering how to use baking soda in laundry and how to wash towels with vinegar?

'A method that has been proven to regain softness and help prevent fibers from being damaged is to add one cup of white vinegar, along with half a cup of baking soda, to your wash, in either one or two full cycles,' says cleaning expert Doty. 'Do not use your detergent in this cycle.'

To try this method, we recommend using the bestselling ARM & HAMMER Pure Baking Soda, available at Walmart, along with the Great Value Distilled White Vinegar, available at Walmart, which, distilled to a 5% acidity, will also deodorize and sanitize your towels.

'Vinegar will break down the mineral deposits and detergent residue, while baking soda helps neutralize odor and soften the towel fibers,' explains Doty. You may also use half a cup of vinegar with a normal amount of detergent, 'though less is often better in this instance,' he adds. When doing so, make sure you know where to put vinegar in a washing machine, and when to add vinegar to laundry.

2. Dry with a fan

After mastering how to wash towels, the way you dry them can affect their softness, and get them feeling full, fresh, and fluffy again.

'The simplest way I can explain to people is that their towels become hard from over-processing,' says Justin Carpenter, founder of Jacksonville Maids. 'The best way to dry them is the same way that hairdressers make sure hair is soft, and dry the towels with a fan.

'First, whip the towels to loosen the fibers, then hang the towels and dry them with a fan using low to moderate speed.' Our guide to the best fans recommends the Shark FlexBreeze Pedestal & Tabletop Oscillating Fan with Remote available at Amazon as the best of the best, if your old fan needs replacing, or if you don't have one already. While there are many benefits of air-drying laundry outdoors, this should be done inside, using a clothes airer such as the Joseph Joseph Eclipse indoor clothes airer, which is perfect for small spaces, and available at Amazon.

If your towels still feel hard and scratchy, there are signs you need to replace your towels to look out for, such as a loss of absorbency, visible wear and tear, fading, or a crusty feel.

FAQs

How to hotels keep towels soft?

Hotels use specialized detergents to ensure their towels are soft and clean, which are specifically designed to clean dirt and oils while being soft on the fibers, much like washing towels with baking soda and vinegar.

Once yours are soft, learn how to roll towels for a spa-like, luxury look.

Next, learn why these are the towel colors to avoid in bathrooms, and what to buy instead.

A well-organized pantry is the cornerstone of the perfect kitchen, but not all storage is created equal. There are some types of storage you should never use in a pantry to keep your space tidy, accessible, and efficient.

While many of these organizers might seem like a good idea at first, there are seven items our home organizing pros have identified can make your life 10 times harder. From flimsy containers to the wrong baskets that will quickly lead to clutter and wasted space, our pros share what to steer clear of and what to use instead.

Keep your pantry organization both aesthetic and functional with these great expert-approved tips.

Storage you should never use in a pantry

Picking out the right pantry storage ideas might feel like it comes down to trial and error. Luckily, these professional organizers have done the hard work for us and identify what specifically to avoid at all costs.

1. Wicker baskets

Beautiful woven and wicker storage baskets are a key part of home organizing, but they have no place in a pantry Tina Priestley, professional home organizer and founder of Read. Set. Refresh. begins.

She says, ‘Wicker baskets can be tough to clean because crumbs from things like chips, cookies, and crackers can get stuck between the weaves. A better option is to use OXO Good Grips Airtight Containers, available at Amazon, which are great for keeping dry foods like pasta, cereal, and rice fresh and easy to store without trapping messes.’

2. Storage that is more decorative than practical

There is no harm in gearing your home storage ideas towards aesthetic organizing tricks, however, in a practical space like a pantry, it's best to gravitate toward functionality over appearance.

Laura Price, founder and creative director at The Home Organisation says, ‘There’s nothing wrong with incorporating beautiful and decorative storage products throughout your home, especially when they help keep clutter at bay. However, in a pantry, it’s crucial to prioritize practicality and ease of cleaning. Opt for containers that are designed for functionality. Look for stackable bins, airtight jars, and easy-to-wipe surfaces that can withstand spills and messes.’

Prices accurate at time of publication.

3. Opaque containers

One of the most common pantry organizers professionals always buy are acrylic containers. However, they will always gravitate towards transparent containers that display the contents, never opaque containers that hide mess – and for good reason.

Tina Priestley, professional home organizer, says, ‘If you can’t see what’s inside, you’ll forget what you have, leading to wasted food. For clear visibility, the Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage Set, at Amazon is great for storing grains, beans, or dried fruit while making it easy to see when you’re running low.’

4. Containers that don’t use all the space

No matter if you are organizing a narrow pantry or walk-in pantry ideas, avoid picking storage that wastes space. It's commonly said that the amount of stuff we keep expands to fill the space we have, so even the biggest of pantries will need good storage optimization to avoid wasted storage or a temptation to keep clutter.

Laura Price, professional organizer, suggests, ‘To maximize space in your pantry, it's essential to select storage solutions that make the most of each area. Start by measuring the dimensions of each shelf, then choose storage containers that fit snugly to eliminate any wasted space. This ensures every inch of your pantry is utilized effectively, keeping it organized and functional.’

A common cause of wasted space in a pantry is containers with sloped sides. This not only limits how much you can store inside them but reduces how many you can slot onto a shelf beside each other. It is a much better idea to pick containers with straight sides instead.

5. Low-quality containers

Picking up low-quality containers is a common kitchen storage mistake that makes your pantry harder to manage on a day-to-day basis, Laura Price, professional organizer, points out.

‘When organizing your pantry, it’s crucial to choose sturdy, durable containers. Low-quality containers can easily break or leak, leading to spills and messes that undermine your efforts to keep things tidy.’

Leaks and cracks in sub-par containers can also lead to pantry pests and scupper steps you have taken to pest-proof your pantry.

6. Wire baskets

Wire baskets usually seem to be a good option for organizing a kitchen as they allow fresh food items and products to breathe. However, Alysha Fenn, founder and CEO of Making Space Today, suggests being selective and never using wire baskets with large holes to organize a pantry.

She says, ‘Avoid largely ventilated wire baskets or baskets with an uneven surface for boxed food items, canned goods, bottles, etc as bottles and boxes can easily tip, leading to spills and messy baskets. We recommend using acrylic bins instead.’

7. Fixed spice racks

The art of organizing spices has a bit of a cult following. There seems to be nothing more satisfying than seeing a video on social media of a perfectly organized, uniform spice drawer with every custom container filled to the brim. In real life, however, this usually makes your pantry significantly less functional.

Tina Priestley, professional home organizer, explains, ‘Spice racks often run out of room quickly and can be hard to organize. Store spices like oregano, paprika, or cinnamon in stackable containers such as the ComSaf Bamboo Airtight Spice Containers, at Amazon, for better organization and easy access.’

Choosing the right pantry storage solutions makes all the difference in maintaining an organized and beautiful kitchen. Avoiding purely aesthetic pantry trends and instead opting for storage that fits your cooking routine is the best low-effort kitchen organizing technique that will keep your kitchen working as hard as you do.

Cleaning your shower head properly takes a bit more than wiping away the limescale on the outside. You have to really get into the nozzles and remove all the built-up residue of limescale and bacteria.

And our cleaning experts have one preferred way of doing it, marking pantry staple vinegar as the best way to clean your shower head using regular household items.

Years of experience knowing how to clean a shower has given our pros invaluable insight into all the best tips and tricks, which they share in this four-step simple guide.

Why cleaning your shower head is important

'Cleaning your shower head frequently prevents mineral buildup, improves water pressure, and ensures smooth, clean water flow,' says Ben Johnson, cleaning professional and CEO of Big Ben.

Removing limescale from your shower head will improve the water water quality, keeping it in better condition for longer as well as improving your hair and skin.

Here 's what you will need:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda (optional, but makes a difference) - available cheaply at Amazon
• Heavy-duty plastic bag or a Ziploc freezer bag available at Walmart
• Rubber band or zip tie
• Soft brush
• Microfiber cloth

1. Prepare your cleaning kit

White vinegar is great for cleaning around the home and will easily dissolve much of the grime and minerals in your shower head, as well as making the exterior sparkle and shine.

This bathroom clean will be easier if you're able to unscrew and remove the shower head but, if that's not possible, use a plastic bag and a tight rubber band to seal around the shower head instead.

'If your shower head is straightforward to take away, unscrew it from the pipe. This makes deep cleaning simpler however is elective if the pinnacle is difficult to take away,' cleaning whizz Ben explains.

To remove it, 'Use a wrench or unscrew manually, wrapping a cloth around the head to avoid scratches,' advises Daniel Anderson, professional cleaning expert and CEO of Gorubbishgo.

2. Soak the shower head

Depending on how often you clean your shower, there could be a great amount of build-up there and soaking will tackle stubborn grime and mineral deposits. It will also banish 'pink mold', which is actually a result of bacteria.

'Carefully pour vinegar into the plastic bag, being careful not to fill it all the way to the top,' says Kerry Sherin, home expert from Ownerly. Filling it to the top will cause it to spill once the shower head goes in.

If you've removed your shower head, simply place it into the bag and tightly secure a rubber band to the hose. If not, carefully bring the bag up to the shower head, and secure it in the same way.

'Let it soak for at least half-hour to an hour,' Ben recommends. Or, as Kerry advises: 'For a better clean, leave the shower head to soak for several hours or overnight.'

'When the time is up, take the bag out and pour the vinegar down the drain. Run hot water through the shower head for [at least] one minute to get rid of any dirt that is still there,' Kerry states.

3. Brush and scrub

'Use a tender brush or [old] toothbrush to clean the bathe head, focusing on the nozzles where mineral deposits generally tend to build up,' says Ben. It's important to use a soft brush to avoid damaging the nozzles or your shower head's finish.

To be extra safe, Ben recommends the OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set from Amazon, as it's 'best for scrubbing small crevices on your bathe head without scratching.'

'If the buildup won't go away, clean the area with baking soda and a brush, [being] careful around the valves,' Kerry adds. Baking soda makes things much easier to clean and will help get the more stubborn residue off.

If any nozzles are still clogged you can use a toothpick to clear them, then brush the grime away.

4. Rinse, wipe clean

Rinse once again with hot water to clear the remaining residue away. 'Lastly, buff the shower head with a soft cloth to get rid of any water spots and bring back its shine,' Kerry finishes.

While you're at it, rinse down the rest of your shower space - one of the many things you can do after every shower to make cleaning easier.

Now that your shower head is looking pristine, learn how to remove limescale from shower glass, how to clean mold in the shower, and the best way to clean shower grout.

Here at H&G, we spend countless hours garnering interior inspo via our screens, that is, from celebs' social media pages and films/TV shows. One figure who bridges the two is none other than rom-com filmmaker (and cult-favorite home stylist) Nancy Meyers.

The Something's Gotta Give and The Holiday director is no stranger to creating cozy and appealing interiors in her movies, so naturally, her Instagram page is a treasure trove of home ideas, with plenty of snaps of her California property on display.

The latest? A peek into her 'butler’s pantry,' which, according to the caption, features 'No butler. Just pantry.' Most notably, she has personalized her space with wall art, cookbooks, and antique accessories, providing visual stimulation and practical organization methods all in one. Needless to say, it's giving us some pantry ideas that are refreshingly easy to follow.

While pantries may be thought of as simple spaces to store dry goods, experts say that making them feel true to one's indivudal tastes with decor is a fantastic way to make the space feel even cozier and visually pleasing.

'Incorporate elements that reflect your style into your pantry,' suggests Westchester-based deesigner Nina Lichtenstein. 'Consider adding a small rug or mat with a pattern that ties into your kitchen decor. Install under-shelf lighting to brighten the space and highlight your carefully curated storage solutions. Even a simple touch like a decorative basket for storing reusable bags can add personality and charm.'

While kitchen storage solutions are primarily practical, Lichtenstein says that there is no reason that units cannot be stylish.

'Elevate your pantry's look with decorative storage containers,' she suggests. 'Choose matching glass jars with wooden lids, sleek metal canisters, or labeled ceramic containers. These not only keep ingredients fresh but also create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing arrangement on your shelves.'

We can see that Meyers has opted for a wicker tray to house her antique silver teacups and bowls, which add a nice element of texture and contrast against the metallic pieces.

The artwork in Meyers' pantry is also a clear highlight, adding some color to the otherwise bare, white wall. Lichtenstein says there are a couple of ways to approach decorating the walls of a pantry.

'Personalize your pantry with a touch of wall art or a patterned backsplash,' she says. 'A simple framed print or a peel-and-stick wallpaper can bring color and character to an otherwise utilitarian space.'

To take it to the next level, she recommends labeling any jars or containers for both easy access and a uniform look.

She continues, 'Custom labels add both function and flair. Opt for stylish fonts and colors that complement your kitchen’s decor. Label everything from spices to snacks, making it easy to find what you need while keeping the space looking polished.' For a Meyers-inspired starting point, we love these accessories below. The wicker tray is particularly inspired by the filmmaker's space.

We recommend mixing materials (for example, silverware on a wicker tray) to keep a pantry looking interesting. However, storage is key, so ensure that a variety of jars, baskets, and containers are in place to keep a pantry looking tidy.

A pantry is one of the most complex working spaces in the home! Things constantly move in and out of it, and most family members use it. Your pantry ideas need structure to stay tidy and organized even during your busiest seasons. 

The best pantry organization ideas often come down to the smaller details. If you’ve added bins, decanted everything, and are still struggling with a cluttered-looking pantry, here are six reasons why your pantry storage ideas may still look cluttered.

1. There is a lot of retail packaging

Retail packaging is designed to grab a consumer’s attention. It’s colorful with bold colors and a giant print.  While it may look great in a store, it will be overwhelming in a pantry. Non-food items and pantry staples like paper towels can be loose without the packaging, while food items work well in canisters. Here are some suggestions for things to remove from the packaging.

• Paper towels 
• Pasta 
• Spices 
• Flour 
• Nuts and seeds 
• Cereal Grains

Sometimes, we must keep the retail packaging, and that’s okay.  In that case, do your best to ensure the labels are lined up and everything looks as tidy as possible.

2. You aren’t using the right types of bins

Opaque bins with labels are most useful when you want a clutter-free pantry. The bin's solid structure hides its contents, so your eye sees only the bin and not all the little things inside. Plastic, bamboo, and natural woven materials are the most popular materials for a pantry. We still use clear or wire bins in pantries, so don’t count them out entirely.  Wire bins are great for produce that needs to breathe.  Clear bins are good for kids’ items, so they can easily see and access what they want.  For a clutter-free look, the items inside a translucent bin must be tidy, which may not always be practical, so keep that in mind.

3. The items on the floor aren’t contained

Many pantries have floor space, and tossing large things under the bottom shelf is so easy.  Items on the floor will immediately close in the space and make it feel cluttered.  If you must have things on the floor, try containing the items in large baskets.

4. Canisters aren’t working for you

I love a pantry with beautiful canisters filled with various foods and ingredients.  They are sleek and eye-pleasing. I also love that you can see how much of an item you have left at a glance. However, canisters aren’t for everyone because they require maintenance. Before you invest in canisters, ask yourself if it’s realistic to think you will take the time to refill them. A quick way to a cluttered-looking pantry is when there is an empty canister and packaged food beside it. If you want to try canisters, start with just a few items and buy canisters that are a little larger than you think you’ll need.  If you love it, then you can expand to other items. If it doesn’t work out, use opaque bins to contain the items, and you’ll still have a clean look.

5. Labels are too specific

Labels are like Goldilocks. You don’t want too few labels because there won’t be any structure in your storage, but you don’t want your labels to be so restrictive that you have items that don’t belong anywhere. Labels need to be just right. Before using every label in a printed set, consider what you need in your home. Everyone’s pantry will be different. 

Here are some general labels you may need. 

• Breakfast 
• Baking 
• Snacks 
• Smoothies 
• Entrée Ingredients 
• Sweet Treats 
• Grains

6. It’s time to clean out

Sometimes, it’s simply time to clean out.  Go through your food items and toss or donate items that are expired or you know will not be eaten.  Learn from what you discard to make better buying decisions next time. 

If you think you’ve tried everything for a clutter-free pantry, and it still doesn’t feel tidy, one of these reasons may be the culprit.

The rise of the kitchen over the last few years has come as no surprise to any kitchen designers. They’re optimized for storing bulk-bought items, hiding away awkwardly-sized or ugly appliances, and stashing vegetables and wine at a cooler temperature. 

But how do you create a pantry or walk-in pantry from scratch? Should you use a pre-built kitchen cabinet, or are bespoke units more affordable and easier to achieve the customized finish we’re all after? 

Below, we’ve turned to some of the best kitchen designers to take you through the step-by-step process of designing and building a pantry to be proud of.

 Building a pantry: Where to start?  

For decades pantries were a staple of any kitchen – often kitted out to store fresh food, tins and pots. They’re not just practical in the sense of outsourcing lesser-used goods, but pantries are designed to keep produce at a more ambient temperature so it stays fresher for longer. 

Telling someone you have or are installing a pantry is often received with nods of approval – or even envy – as many kitchens had them taken out in the heydays of long-life bread and preserved fruit. Now, homeowners are growing their own vegetables, sourcing bulk bags of rice, pasta, and flour, and cooking weekly meal prep with small appliances from scratch to avoid ultra-processed foods. In this light, the merits of the pantry cannot be denied; pantries aren’t limited to just serving one function, they’re also a kitchen status. 

'Along with kitchen islands, pantries are high on the list of the most sought-after items for a kitchen,' explains Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport Kitchens. 

 Decide on the size and shape of your pantry 

'The size of your pantry will depend on how important it is to the overall feel and purpose of your kitchen,' advises Alex Main, director of The Main Company. 'If you’re a keen cook, then it’s best to maximize pantry space if you can to ensure it can store as much as possible - from fresh food to dried food and cooking utensils. If you’re limited on space, then creating a pantry that houses your most used and regular cooking essentials is also a great option. If space allows, why not incorporate a walk-in pantry? Not only does it provide ample space but it helps to zone the kitchen and it can be entirely personalized to you.'

Richard Davonport adds: 'Pantries can come in many different formats, from beautiful larder-style cupboards to a dedicated space that is zoned off from the rest of the kitchen, known as a butler's pantry. They are both a practical addition but also can make a real design statement in your kitchen.'

Expect a minimum size of a pantry to be at least 28 inches deep and 40 inches wide, but if your space is smaller than this there are fantastic fitted cupboard larder-style designs that work in pretty much any kitchen, as well as plenty of small pantry ideas that can maximize spaces. 

'When it comes to kitchen design, we’re seeing the biggest demand for cabinets that are devoted to staples, rather than dedicated walk-in storage, unless it is a full renovation or new build project. At this stage, people can create smaller rooms that function as a pantry,' Richard Devonport concludes. 

Choose the main function of the pantry to inform the design 

'This will vary depending on each homeowner and how they prefer to use the space, but a combination of deep shelving and drawers is often best for an efficient and well-organized space – paired with well-designed task lighting,' Alex Main explains.

If you’re a keen baker of breads or pastries, a marble or quartz worktop is a great investment for resting and proofing, especially if you have a different material for the rest of your kitchen work surfaces. Electrical outlets are a must for those looking to stow away microwaves and toasters. Coffee machines are at home in this spot too, creating a breakfast nook with everything you need.

Leave the spaces beneath the kitchen countertop as large open shelving for stand mixers, food processors, and other bulky appliances, and use your favorite cottage country kitchen ideas to choose a curtain to conceal them. 

Match or contrast: should your pantry stand out or blend into the kitchen? 

Opting to mimic the rest of your kitchen with the same door fronts is an elegant way of hiding the practical space, but it isn’t the only option. 

'If you opt for a walk-in pantry, it can operate as a separate space so you can design it as you wish so it is personalized to you,' suggests Alex Main. 'Otherwise, if you opt for a pantry as part of your overall kitchen cabinetry, matching the style and color to the rest of your kitchen will result in a more cohesive and seamless final look that is sophisticated.'

Richard Davonport continues: 'A pantry cupboard can either be a fitted piece as part of your kitchen or as a standalone piece of furniture. There isn’t a hard and fast rule as to which is the best option and instead will be decided by working with your kitchen designer to assess the space you have and the style that you prefer.'

 Get to work adding in storage 

Pantry storage and pantry organization ideas add purpose and visual definition. While open shelving is useful for tins and tubs, really consider what you will be putting in the pantry and act accordingly. 

'Start by deciding what you’d like to store and create zones within the pantry,' Richard Davonport says. 'For example, for dried foods, opt for easy-to-see containers like glass jars. Baskets and boxes positioned on shelves are great for storing snacks and other food like bread, while deep drawers are beneficial for storing heavier items like tins and sauces – or even perishables like fruit and vegetables.'

Hooks for net bags of onions or potatoes (foods that like the dark and space around them to breathe) are very useful and add a rustic charm to storage, while uniform and labeled drawers for spices will provide a polished finish. 

A pantry – or even a well-stocked and organized cabinet – is your kitchen’s fuel store. Ideally, you should be able to rustle up a quick meal from the contents, have piquant ingredients ready to spice up the plainest dish (hello, crispy onions and dried chilies), and be tidy enough to navigate easily. For me, getting your kitchen storage right is one of the most important aspects of a home, and it would appear that businesswoman and KUWTK star Khloe Kardashian shares the same sentiment. 

Earlier this year, we spoke about The Home Edit-designed pantry's interior design, but here we explore how to replicate her exact organization method using the best storage and organization buys from Amazon, so you can start organizing a pantry that you'll cherish forever. 

Whether you have a pull-out larder or a walk-in pantry, organizing your pantry storage by decanting foodstuffs into coordinating containers will make your kitchen look more luxurious and create a sense of uniformity and tidiness. But ask yourself whether it’s a task you’ll be able to stay on top of when life gets busy. 

‘Decanting into beautiful glass jars, similar to Kardashian's pantry, always looks picture-perfect on social media but isn’t always as neat in reality. It’s an extra task after grocery shopping, so won’t suit everyone’s natural tendencies,’ says professional organizer Katherine Blackler, founder of SortMySpace. 

‘Grains and pastas don’t always come in matching volume sizes so you will still need to have an overflow area for the opened packets. And you should decide whether you always empty a jar fully before topping up to ensure you don’t leave very old produce at the bottom of the jar.’

If you wish to replicate Kardashian's space, look out for plenty of storage solutions that blend beautifully without their environment, but also work on a practical level too.

‘Baskets are a practical way to store vegetables and fruit, allowing air to circulate to keep them fresh. They also add beautiful texture to your kitchen,’ says Simon Temprell, interior design lead at Neptune. Choose baskets to suit the depth of your shelves. Smaller baskets can be used as condiment carriers, bread baskets, shallow box trays for organizing spaces or utensils, or as a tote for drinking glasses. ‘They can be a lovely way to bring warmth to work surfaces,’ Simon adds.

Below, we've sourced the majority of the items Kardashian used in her impressive space, along with similar alternatives, as recommended by experts.

Shop the canisters 

Shop the turntables

Shop bins and baskets

‘Treat your pantry ideas like any other room in your home and consider the end result from an interior design perspective,’ says Jaime Frow, founder of Thoughtfully Organized Homes. 

Jaime suggests choosing a color palette as you would in any other space in the house, investing in lighting, or adding rows of baskets and bins, and carefully choosing kitchen countertops. 

‘A functional and beautiful interior can make all the difference to the way you use your larder or pantry, as well as how it makes you feel when you open the doors,’ suggests William Durrant, owner of Herringbone kitchens. ‘Think shelves, drawers, cold shelves and a stone backsplash. Electrical outlets are a must, as both pantries and larders are ideal places to house a toaster or a coffee machine.'

If it’s easy to find ingredients and equipment, cooking will be more enjoyable, while good pantry storage ideas can make the room feel less cluttered and more spacious.

Kitchens and garages don't appear to have all that much in common (one is a place to prepare food and entertain guests – the other is for practicing DIY and fixing our cars, after all). However, Giada De Laurentiis just bridged an unlikely gap between the two spaces, and we're left wondering why no one ever thought of doing so before.

The celebrated chef and Giada at Home star broke pantry conventions by taking this storage solution outside her kitchen (and the surrounding rooms) to her garage – and, though it's an unlikely setting, it's qualified as one of her favorite spots in her house.

'I realized I’ve never shown you one of my fav corners of my house, my personal Giadzy pantry,' De Laurentiis says. Giadzy, her Italian lifestyle brand, comprises everything from online recipes to travel tips and authentic food goods – the latter of which fills the shelves of her garage pantry.

'I’ve got a birthday party that I’m going to tonight, and one of my favorite things to do is to kind of create my own box from my own personal Giadzy stash in my garage. I love an organized pantry,' she comments. So, what does a figure like De Laurentiis keep in her pantry?

'Down here, I’ve got cookbooks, and then I’ll pick an array of pasta. [We have] super longs, we’ve got the shorter ones. [Also] my olive oil, which I find is so glamorous,' she comments. The Italian-themed shelves are similarly neatly stocked with tomatoes, ceramics, olives, flours, cookies, jams, candies, and chocolate.

In creating a pantry in her garage, De Laurentiis has reminded us to use all space around our property cleverly. Even if our garage is outside or not attached to our main home, it shouldn't stop us from considering it as a place to store goods (and when they're as beautiful and tasty as those in De Laurentiis's pantry, it's only inevitable that we'd want to bulk buy).

Alongside thinking outside the box in terms of space, kitchen designer Tom Howley recommends considering the height of our spaces, too.

‘Utilising the full height of the room and the depth of the cabinets means every inch serves a purpose. We also use smart hinges to allow the doors to be opened to 180 degrees to allow maximum reach and light, which is great for dark corners,’ he explains.

We can also make the most of our pantry space by arranging our shelves in a regimented way. Here are the essentials we swear by, no matter where our pantry is found.

The pantry can be for much more than storage. Though these shelved spaces get lumped in with closets as a boring spot to sequester rarely used dry goods, we don't subscribe to this limited view. Clearly, neither does Kris Jenner.

Jenner has transformed her pantry into an artfully designed dish room. The walls and shelves are color-drenched in a warm eggshell shade, allowing her formidable china collection to shine. Jenner's collection features plates, bowls, and tea cups with intricate, colorful patterns from brands like Hermès and Gucci. Under-shelf lighting illuminates each row of china, lending a cozy, intentional look to the display. More than a pantry, it's a strategic museum of her favorite dishware.

Experts approve of Kris's method of displaying china. Professional organizer Melanie Summers tells Homes & Gardens: 'Kris Jenner’s dish room is a stunning example of combining functionality with style. The horseshoe-shaped layout, with shelves lining three walls, is incredibly effective for several reasons. By displaying each china pattern against the wall with the rest of the dining ware set stacked in front, it allows for easy visibility and access.'

It's clear that the closet design has both beautiful and functional benefits for Kris. Summers continues, 'This setup not only makes it simpler to design themes and tablescapes but also elevates the space's aesthetic. Instead of merely storing dishes, it turns them into a statement piece within the room.' For when she are home alone, it's a display, and when people are over, it's easy to host.

Whether you have an entire closet or just a display cabinet, learning how to properly organize your dishware can only benefit your home. Summers says: 'For readers looking to recreate this look, I’d recommend starting with a clear plan of the space and the types of dishware they want to display. Investing in sturdy, adjustable shelving units can help accommodate various sizes and shapes of dishware. Make sure to arrange the dishes with the most visually striking patterns at eye level, as this will create an immediate impact.'

Furthermore, replicating the look is all about the proper closet lighting. Summers says: 'Additionally, incorporating lighting, such as LED strips under the shelves, can highlight the beauty of the china patterns and add a touch of elegance.'

Shop the edit

In Kris Jenner's dish room, design is king. The pantry never needs to be a forgotten space ever again.

Gwyneth Paltrow provides the ultimate lifestyle inspiration. The Goop founder and actress prioritizes wellness in all things, and the organization of her home is no exception.

The pantry idea in Gwyneth Paltrow's Hamptons home, put together by The Home Edit, is a work of art. Paltrow's all-white shelves are filled with snacks in wicker baskets, clear jars with grains, and rows of bottled beverages. Open side baskets on the top shelf provide backstock space for lesser-used snacks.

Suzanne Roynon, interiors therapist says: 'The Home Edit have inspired countless kitchen transformations and around the world, we’ve seen cupboards and pantries upgraded from a jumble of packets and boxes to streamlined, eminently usable spaces thanks to the clever storage solutions on offer. In this recent post displaying Gwyneth Paltrow’s pantry organization in her Hampton’s Home, the team has worked with Gwyneth’s pared-back, clean, natural, and minimalist style in their choice of white shelves and matching accessories.'

Most notably, Paltrow's home uses a brilliant home organizing tip to lighten and brighten the room: white paint. Roynon states, 'Using white products will automatically brighten up the inside of cupboards by disguising the multitude of packaging colors which can look somewhat chaotic. It’s easy to take down the box and select exactly what you need rather than pulling individual items off a shelf. If being able to see what’s in a box is more important than visual appearance, you’ll also find a wide range of clear plastic products, or those, like Gwyneth’s, made of more natural, ecologically sound, materials.'

Furthermore, Gwyneth's team at The Home Edit has expertly chosen the perfect containers for food storage. 'In terms of practicality, the glass jars are environmentally friendly and reusable, and that’s definitely a theme with this design, ' Roynon tells Homes & Gardens. She continues, 'The team has left space at either end of the shelf for the jars at the front to be moved across to access the ones at the rear. It’s these little touches that make the space usable because no one wants to complicate life by unloading a shelf to find the right ingredient mid-way through baking.'

She adds, 'Up on the top shelf, the open ‘Tosca’ baskets have been used to contain packets, perhaps for easily available back-stock. They are perfect while the packaging is unopened but won’t contain rice or lentil spillages, so bear this in mind if you choose them for your home. The white wicker baskets have a detachable, washable lining, which is great news because, inevitably, debris will drop into them from stored items or the shelves above. Similar baskets are widely available across the USA and Europe.'

However, what's just as important as what is there in Paltrow's walk-in pantry is what's not there. Roynon says: 'What really makes this pantry stand out is the amount of empty space. Nothing is crammed in, and the shelves provide abundant opportunities for fresh air to circulate around the storage options. Gwyneth is known to follow Feng Shui principles for her home, and this room is no exception.'

Shop the Look

Paltrow's pantry organization is the blueprint, and it's so easy to recreate. With a bit of feng shui knowledge, some organizational baskets, and a coat of white paint, you're halfway there.

Pantries are like magnets to pests. With such a range of smells and foods drawing them in, it's important to implement some measures to keep them at bay so an infestation doesn't take over and render all your food inedible. 

The rules are pretty much the same for most pests. Like getting rid of pantry moths, making your pantry an unattractive environment for them keeping on top of pantry storage, cleaning tips, and strategies for keeping them away from the treasure trove of snacks your pantry holds is key to keeping it pest-free.

Nothing undermines efforts to make your pantry look expensive more than the trails of pests or the pests themselves, so adopting preventive measures before any issues arise is the best way to go. This guide can help you understand common reasons pests are attracted to and get into your pantry and the techniques to deter them for good. 

How to pest-proof your pantry 

'Pantry pests – including Indian Meal Moths (IMM), Confused Flour Beetles, Saw-toothed grain beetles, to name just a few – can be a real challenge once an infestation is established,' says Joe Malinowski, vice president of pest management at Pest Authority. 'They will infest numerous products that are grain-based – rice, flour, cereal – and they love bird seed.' However, this doesn't mean these are the only things that attract pests and encourage them to stay. Spills, open food, and moisture are all risk factors for encouraging pests, which is why a pantry is such a vulnerable spot.

1. Vacuum seal food

One of the best things you can do to pest-proof your pantry is to keep your dry food in airtight containers. This reduces the potency of the smell that could attract pests, but it also makes your food inaccessible, giving pests no reason to stick around. Plus, this pantry storage idea can also help you stay better organized, so it’s a win-win.

Georgios Liakopoulos, pest exterminator at Fantastic Pest Control adds: 'Paper and cardboard are easy for larvae to chew through to get to other food, or to get into containers that aren't tightly sealed. If you are reusing old containers, make sure you clean them thoroughly.'

2. Incorporate natural deterrents

Natural pest deterrents are a great addition to any pantry. Not only are they a non-toxic way to keep pests out, but they are also often items that belong in pantries anyway. For example, many of the smells ants hate will likely be a part of your indoor herb garden.

One of these pantry staples is bay leaves. Ina Ivanova explains: 'Pests avoid this herb because of its pungent and distasteful smell. You can place bay leaves in canisters and packages in your pantry or leaves can be sprinkled on shelves and inside cabinets or placed over countertops.' We recommend using this Earthborn one-gallon bucket of bay leaves from Amazon, for a long-term solution. 

You can include other, more generalized methods to keep pests away like the best pests-repellent plants, homemade bug sprays, or coffee grounds to keep bugs away, or use tailored techniques for insects that are common in your area or those you have spotted in your pantry, such as vinegar to get rid of moths.

3. Keep trash out of the pantry

'If you have a walk-in pantry, don’t keep your kitchen garbage in there,' advises Brett Bennett, director of operations, PURCOR Pest Solutions. 'Pests are drawn to garbage bins often more so than the food left out in a kitchen, so by placing your garbage bin in your pantry, you effectively draw pests to that very area. 

'Keep your garbage bin elsewhere, make sure it is sealed, and take it out daily.'

4. Ensure it is well sealed

As another layer of protection, after ensuring all food is sealed, you can reinforce your pantry by checking for any gaps and cracks pests might be entering through and sealing these. You can use caulk, weatherstripping, and expandable foam to do this. 

5. Clean it regularly

Pests love leftover food in the pantry, so regularly clean your pantry shelves, sweep floors, and vacuum crevices to remove crumbs and residue, which attract pests. In addition to routine cleaning, clean up any spilled products immediately. When your cupboards are free of crumbs, and spills are immediately cleaned, pests can't get a free meal.

'You don't need to use harsh chemicals when cleaning,' says Georgios Liakopoulos. 'Not all over-the-counter pesticides are effective, and they can be harmful if mishandled or mixed improperly, especially around food. You can replace almost all chemical cleaners in your home with distilled white vinegar, either alone or mixed with water or other natural cleaners.'

Cleaning with vinegar is a great way to clean your pantry naturally, and it also contains acetic acid, which will disrupt the nervous system of many pests, leading to their deaths, so if they do get in, they won't be around for long.

6. Check groceries for pests

If you are noticing pests in your pantry but can't seem to work out how they are entering your home, pantry, or food storage containers, you may inadvertently be bringing them in with your groceries. 

Always check your groceries and food deliveries for pests and thoroughly wash any items, such as fruit and herbs, before putting them in the pantry.

7. Rotate food

Pantry pests love decomposing organic matter, so part of pest-proofing is organizing a pantry with food storage ideas that can help you reduce food waste, meaning food gets used before it expires and becomes more enticing for pests. 

'Some of the best measures a homeowner can take is to rotate products, especially if they keep a large number of products in their pantry,' recommends Joe Malinowski. 'Using older products first, keeping products in plastic containers with tight sealing lids and labels to keep an eye on the expiration date, and disposing of products they fear may be infested or out of date are all best practices for pest-proofing a pantry.'

8. Maintain a dry environment

Pests thrive in moist environments. Ensuring your pantry stays dry can dissuade pest infestations. To do this you can use dehumidifiers or place silica gel packs from Amazon in areas where moisture is often present and wipe up any spills immediately. 

'Once an infestation of various pantry pests becomes established, you will likely need to call in a professional pest management company to provide a thorough inspection of the entire home with a specific focus on the pantry area,' says Joe Malinowski.

Implementing pest-proofing measures to avoid a full-blown infestation will ultimately save you time, money, and stress.

Located an hour outside of Manhattan, this New Jersey kitchen designed with deVOL Kitchens cleverly marries rustic and modern details for a kitchen that's full of character, yet doesn't compromise on function. 

A fairly small kitchen, its design was carefully considered to maximize space while crucially, wall cupboards were avoided to ensure a light and airy feeling throughout. The contrast of modern finishes, namely Carrara marble, with the prominent rustic wood, results in a space that's full of intrigue. 

To learn all about the design of this charming Shaker kitchen, we spoke to deVOL Kitchen's Creative Director Helen Parker, who talks us through the core design choices of this unique space. 

'This kitchen is deceptive, it has openings at both ends of the room, one to a pantry and the other to a dining area,' explains Helen. 'This helped the room feel spacious because it was part of a bigger area, family dining room, comfortable seating, and wonderful outdoor views. Incorporating a large range cooker and Belfast sink shows just how much room there really was in this kitchen, yet it still felt atmospheric and full of character.'

Balancing the room's original features by carefully integrating newer additions was fundamental to the design of the space. Through considered kitchen color choices and kitchen countertops, the contemporary finishes pair beautifully with the old wooden elements. Helen elaborates: 'This was a combination of wonderful original features and a simple cupboard choice that was finished in a light paint color with Carrara marble kitchen countertops, ensuring acknowledgment of authentic features and introducing furniture that was new, but so simple in its look, that it only enhanced the room rather than being a distraction.'

Separate from the main kitchen, a pantry was also considered in this kitchen remodel. A smart way of effectively providing extra kitchen storage space, the pantry is not only an efficient space but continues the kitchen's running theme of traditional, natural materials. 

'The original pantry was such a bonus and so full of personality, it allowed the customers to store much of their crockery and ceramics in beautifully restored dark wood cupboards, making them look even more delightful,' Helen explains. 'This additional room made it much easier to keep the main kitchen simple and free of wall cupboards.'

Keen to ensure the design of the space only enhanced the standout original windows, the kitchen shelving was cleverly designed to fit around them, while adding brass rails further reflected its rustic feel, as Helen explains: 'The stunning windows in this house were such a beautiful feature, so it was very important to keep them as the main focus in the kitchen, so understated painted Shaker shelving and aged brass rails were designed and fitted around the room to give extra storage and display for the customers' collections of quirky and unique vintage finds and copper pans.'

Rather than choosing bulky wall cabinets, the open kitchen shelving allows for a much more delicate look and maximizes the room's natural light. It also allows for decorative and functional items to be displayed, leaning into a slightly eclectic look:

'Open shelving was a great option here and so much more pleasing than heavy wall cupboards that would have blocked the light from the windows,' says Helen. 'Open display is perfect for everyday objects and being able to see all your precious and sentimental possessions together and on show – it gives the room its own unique look.'

Through thoughtful design choices, this modern rustic kitchen shows how contemporary elements can work seamlessly in a home that's full of old character. The shaker-style kitchen cabinets bring the room to the present day as a functional family home, while historic details remain the star. 

I must admit, I find the pantry restocking videos all over social media incredibly satisfying. Filling uniform jars with dried food goods and decanting packets of food into neat boxes scratches something in my brain. 

That being said, this craze is an incredibly wasteful way of organizing a pantry. From emptying plastic bags and trashing them immediately to overspending on unnecessary amounts of plastic organizers, there is no denying that the craze perpetuates mass consumerism, often with very little practical payoff. 

After years of forcing myself to keep up with the pantry organizing trends, I wanted to find a way to have the same satisfying home organization method without the waste that came with bulk buying and over-organizing. Here's how I started de-influencing pantry restocks at home. 

De-influencing pantry restocks

Full disclosure, ‘restocking’ my kitchen by decanting food goods into sealed jars and boxes is something I have been doing for a while now. Not just because of the aesthetics but because my kitchen often struggles with moisture issues, meaning that food expires more quickly than it would normally.  

When we talk about creating ‘waste’ in home organizing, we are often looking at excess food that we purchased to make a cabinet look full or save money in the short term but won’t manage to consume before it expires or the excess home organizers (usually made of hard plastics) that we likely could have gotten away without, but bought anyway because we saw it online.  

This is how I avoid creating excess waste when restocking a pantry and even organizing a fridge while keeping the space ‘aesthetically pleasing’ and practical at the same time.  

1. Use glass and metal containers over plastic

Plastic home storage containers are some of the most readily accessible and most commonly used organizers, but they are not always the best for your space or your food, and they create a significant amount of waste when you decide they no longer work for you.

As an alternative, I try to use glass and metal containers in my kitchen to decant food goods that would fall victim to my kitchen’s moisture problem (usually anything in paper or cardboard packaging), and leave everything else in their original packets and put them behind closed doors to keep my kitchen neat. I then have a few plastic bins to keep these loose packets from falling all over my shelving. 

I learned that it is about working out the time and place for the best kitchen organizers rather than buying them because you see them everywhere online.  

2. Use mesh bags for fresh produce – not plastic bins

In many influencer videos and images online, fresh products are washed and stowed away into sealed plastic bins and stacked in the cabinet or refrigerator. However, I learned through trial and error that this is one of the worst ways to store food if you want it to last longer than a day or two. 

More often than not, fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables need to be able to breathe to prevent them from rotting prematurely – this is why they come in plastic bags with holes in them. Sealing them up causes garlic, potatoes, and onions to sprout and soft fruits to become mushy. Using washable mesh storage bags is a far better food storage trick to extend the life of your groceries – not only does it help your produce last longer while keeping them neat and contained, but it can help you cut back on plastic reliance if you pick up loose produce from your local grocery store or farmers market.  

3. Reuse washable containers for food storage

If, like me, you want to start organizing your home without spending any money, then reusing washable food containers from your grocery shop is a great way to keep your pantry organized without creating additional waste. 

Many food items come in sturdy jars (such as coffee) that can be washed out and used to store something else that comes in less robust packaging or needs an airtight container to stay fresh. Not every organizer needs to be a professional item designed and marketed specifically to organize your kitchen.  

4. Don’t decant everything

I learned this the hard way – you don't need to decant everything!

Viral pantry restocking videos leave no food or packet untouched. Everything is reassigned to a new home in a bin or jar. However, more often than not, the food items you buy at the store are in packaging designed to keep that food safe and dry. They wouldn't be packaged up for sale like that if it was not. As such, they can stay in these containers if they work for you or if you are organizing a small pantry and don't have the space to stack up bins and waste shelves on bulky jars. 

Not decanting everything also helps you to save time when unpacking your weekly shop, helping you to get through your to-do list without feeling burnt out at the end of it. 

5. Don’t buy decanting ‘tools’

When decluttering a kitchen one of the main categories professional organizers tell you to clear out are single-use tools and appliances you purchased on a whim and barely touched. ‘Tools’ you use to help ‘restock’ a pantry are very common among them. 

Items such as tongs and mini scoops are often bought to match the aesthetic of viral restocking videos. Still, they are, more often than not, utterly pointless and take up valuable space in your kitchen storage, not to mention waste your money.

The bottom line

Aesthetically restocking a kitchen to make a pantry look expensive is certainly a great way to make your kitchen visually appealing, but the process we see online is often not a direct representation of what is realistic for those of us who don’t film visual organization content for a living. 

While this process can be soothing, and the videos a satisfying way to switch off for a while, the practice often promotes the mass consumption of home organizers and bulk buying food – leading to both plastic waste and food waste if the items are improperly stored or are not used up in time. 

All in all, if you love this method of organizing your pantry and you do not feel pressured to meet a certain standard or spend beyond your means to achieve it, then it can be cathartic, but for the majority of us, restocking a whole dedicate ice drawer or preparing a guest bathroom drawer with hundreds of excess toiletries, is not a realistic life goal. 

FAQs

Can I cut plastic out of my grocery shop?  

If you are looking to cut plastic out of your grocery shop, consider shopping at zero-waste stores or farmers' markets to pick out fresh produce and measure out the grains and dried foods you need, rather than buying them pre-packaged from the store. Using washable mesh bags and glass jars can help to cut back on plastic even further.  

What are the best alternatives to plastic containers?  

The best alternative to plastic containers is glass. Glass is not only easier to maintain and clean (and doesn't leach chemicals or plastic into your stored food) but is also recyclable, so it can have another life if you decide to get rid of it without it going to damage the environment.  

The satisfying restocking videos we scroll through can be a great way to get motivated to declutter and organize. Still, it is important to separate the aesthetics from the practicality when using the techniques in your own home. Consider what it is you like about the satisfying decanting clips. If you like the uniform look, consider which food items in your space realistically could work in uniform jars (like your flours, or grains). If you only find the sounds and visuals of the video satisfying, this form of organization might not be for you. 

The bottom line is that organizing trends and motivating videos are brilliant inspirations for your home, but they should rarely be followed to the letter.  

Cover image: Ivymore Living Large Glass Storage Jars 

Old-fashioned butler's pantries are enjoying a resurgence in popularity ‘as we realize how useful storage furniture really is’, says Tom Howley, founder of his bespoke kitchen brand. 

‘Designs can offer a huge capacity, roughly equal to six wall cabinets, so food items are all located in one convenient area.’ While some attribute the increased interest to the revival of homebaking, and others feel the trend away from wall-hung cupboards has made pantries more necessary, Andy Barette of McCarron and Company believes they are also something of a status symbol. ‘They certainly have their place and can free up the main kitchen for everything else, rather than storage. It’s a trend that I can’t see dying off,’ he says.

Future kitchens and pantry ideas are about dispelling any notions of a pristine, glossy, show home, and introducing some modern rustic features into a butler's pantry have the immediate effect of creating a warm, lived-in home environment. This is exactly what interior designer Jake Arnold sought to achieve in American actor Aaron Paul's Idaho home. Crafted to resemble a frontier cabin, Arnold curated this walk-in pantry to look cozy, cosseting, and warm, perfectly in keeping with the house's cabin-like architectural style. 

While butler's pantries are predominantly included to solve a kitchen storage problem, they should be designed with just as much thought and consideration as any other room in the home. 

‘A pantry can be a cheerful place to help transform mundane and everyday tasks into enjoyable experiences,’ suggests interior designer Mary Graham of Salvesen Graham. ‘Decorative details and interesting materials turn a utilitarian space into somewhere joyful to be,’ she notes. Unsurprisingly, many people are turning to nature for their inspiration. 

The use of natural materials has increased considerably during the pandemic and will strengthen in appeal as marble, granite, and unpainted cabinets become a firm fixture. Not only do they have a rich aesthetic quality, but they are increasingly being recognized for their health benefits (reducing the amount of chemically treated items in the home). 

With this beautiful design, Arnold demonstrates how the materials add warmth and depth to a small pantry. Arnold is a master at creating dimly lit, charming spaces. In a conversation with Architectural Digest, Arnold talks about curating cooning refuges that are 'womblike, never tomblike.' As the materiality of the space is so tonal, the addition of the floating wood shelves, filled with neutral serveware, enabled moments of curation and interest.

Shop the pantry edit

Decorating a pantry can be the perfect opportunity to let creativity flow. Although a purely functional space, small rooms like these can handle a more experimental approach to decor, since they're often out of sight from a home's main living area. 

Shea McGee's very own, newly decorated pantry proves exactly that. Making a statement by channeling a dark green paint across all of the cabinets, the pantry forms part of the interior designer's wider family home remodel – and it's arguably one of the most dramatic changes yet. 

Although Shea McGee's signature style is widely known for its pared-back look and neutral color schemes, the designer opted for a brave new look in the pantry, making a change from its previously all-white color scheme. Safe to say we're obsessed with the transformation, and it's giving us all the more reason to delve deeper into the design world's current trend around decorating with dark, moody hues. 

So far this year, we've seen endless appreciation for decorating with dark hues, creating spaces that feel cozy yet sophisticated. Trending forest green has been embraced widely, from Joanna Gaines' Rose Shed to dark green kitchen cabinets topping the kitchen trends.  

It's no surprise then to see Shea McGee channeling this color trend in her own home, proving that this look is here to stay. By doing so in the pantry, the interior designer maintains a light and airy look throughout the rest of her home, but demonstrates how you can afford to go a bit bolder in these slightly hidden, smaller spaces.

'Going dark in the pantry is something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time,' explains Shea. 'It is a window-less, small space, and it’s going to feel like a window-less, small space, regardless of the color of the cabinets. And going dark and dramatic just felt like a really fun surprise in this small room.'

Since the existing pantry was painted white, the new color scheme shows just how much of a transformation changing your paint ideas can make. Shea explains that the cabinet color is the only thing to have changed during its remodel: 'Everything, except for the paint color and styling, has stayed the same. So, the countertops, the backsplash, the faucet, the hardware... it is really the paint that has completely transformed the feeling in here.'

Often, people think that small rooms that don't have much natural light should be balanced by decorating with bright whites to counteract their lack of light. While there's some truth in this, the opposite approach can be far more effective. Instead of trying to make a naturally dark room appear light, lean into its darkness for a moody scheme. By using a prominent dark paint color, as Shea does, you'll end up with a space that feels embracing and cozy, while these hues also tend to feel sophisticated. 

Green room ideas appear to be one of the most popular dark color trends at the moment, but other colors will create a similar look. Farrow & Ball's Railings is a blue-black that is perfect for creating a classic, timeless space. Or, tap into the unexpected red trend with Backdrop's Self-Portrait, a rich wine color that will create a look just like the pantry space pictured above, designed by Alice Grace Interiors. If you want to keep in line with Shea's aesthetic, then opt for the very paint color used in her pantry space: Inspiration by Portola Paints. 

If you're feeling inspired to experiment with dark color trends, the pantry is a great space to do so, especially if you normally prefer decorating with neutrals. Of course, you can also follow the same approach in other small spaces throughout you home, such as in a laundry room or utility room or cozy nook.

Multi-purpose spaces are always more complicated to keep in order than single-use rooms. Organizing combination pantry-laundry rooms is a case in point, because these hard-working spaces have to fulfil quite distinct functions.

A combination walk-in pantry laundry room should be laid out from the initial planning stage to make organizing and using it a breeze. However, you can retrofit practical systems into even the most poorly planned out spaces.

Whether you're dealing with limited space or looking to enhance the efficiency of this important room, we have expert tips that explain how to maximize storage opportunities to create a seamlessly functional room where your laundry organization and pantry organization ideas coexist harmoniously.

How to organize laundry-pantry combination rooms 

When organizing a laundry-pantry combination room, it's important to personalize the space to meet your specific needs. Consider what items you need to store, how you use the space, and what tasks you need to accomplish.

For example, if you do a lot of folding, you may want to designate a specific area for this task. If you frequently use the pantry area, you may want to install pull-out shelves for easy access. If you have children, you may want to designate a specific area for their backpacks and shoes, and so on.

1. Designate zones

'Clearly defining areas within the room for laundry and pantry purposes can streamline organization,' says Georgina Ross, interior designer and founder of Simply Tablecloths. 'This might involve delineating one wall or corner for pantry items and another for laundry, with storage solutions tailored to each.'

Determining where certain items and categories of items will be placed will depend on the ease of access you need and where certain tasks will be done. 

For instance, if you have a washer-dryer next to a laundry prep table, it will make the most sense to store laundry items in the closest closet. On the other hand, if you need to access pantry items most regularly, these should be kept in the most accessible spaces.

2. Use integrated cabinetry

In rooms where space is limited or multifunctional spaces, utilizing integrated cabinetry is a great way to maximize space while adding a seamless and cohesive look to the space. 

'Custom cabinetry that spans the length or height of a wall can unify the space while providing substantial storage,' says Georgina Ross. 'Cabinets with a mix of open and closed shelving can hide less attractive items while displaying more aesthetically pleasing ones.'

Consider your space and storage needs when installing customized storage solutions. For example, if you need a dedicated spot for an ironing board, designing your cabinets with a space where they can easily be tucked away and pulled out would be a convenient addition to this room. Similarly, if you have limited space in your pantry-laundry, consider installing floor-to-ceiling cabinets or have them custom-made to fit over the door or windows. 

By understanding your day-to-day needs, you can find storage solutions that make using this space more convenient and well-organized without compromising aesthetics.  

3. Make the most of vertical space

Making the most of vertical space in any room is a great way to maximize storage without compromising floor space. For example, in compact spaces, stacking the washer and dryer can be a game-changer. This not only frees up floor space but also allows for additional storage space.

Alternatively, 'If you have a side-by-side washer and dryer, start by adding shelves or cabinets above them,' recommends Judy Granlee-Gates, decluttering expert and author of Bigger Living Smaller Space. 'This makes for great storage for daily use laundry supplies on the lower shelf and back stock or lesser used items up high.

'If you have free wall space, consider a collapsible clothes drying rack or two that lets clothes hang dry out of the way and collapses flat when not in use. You can also add a closet rod over the washer and dryer if you prefer.

'For smaller items, snacks, and even cleaning supplies, grab a few over-the-door shoe pocket organizers. Attach to the door or wall and fill with items for daily use. These are a game changer for organizing small spaces.'

Additionally, a great way to dry clothes in a small space is using ceiling-mounted racks, such as this Höllsen ceiling drying rack from Amazon. This will allow more floor space for pantry item storage.

4. Label everything

With closed storage or items kept in containers, it can be a good idea to label sections or storage boxes to keep items organized. This will make finding an item and putting it back in its designated place easier. We like this handy bluetooth label maker, from Amazon, for this task.

'Another way to help keep items organized but separate is to use different color products or labels,' recommends Amanda Liford, professional organizer and owner of Easy Life Organizing. 'Your pantry items could be in white bins, and the laundry items in black. 

'If you use bin clips, use different color bin clips. If you use the same color, it makes it harder to find exactly what you want without thinking.' 

5. Incorporate flexible storage solutions

Flexible storage solutions can accommodate for your changing storage needs and the diverse items stored in this multi-purpose room.  

'Utilizing adjustable shelving in these combination rooms offers flexibility to accommodate items of varying sizes. This can be particularly useful for storing bulkier laundry items alongside pantry goods,' says Georgina Ross. 

'Additionally, consider furniture that serves dual purposes. A fold-down table mounted on the wall can act as a temporary workspace for folding laundry or prepping pantry items, then fold away when not in use.' A bench with storage underneath can also provide seating while hiding storage baskets or pantry items.

Incorporating pull-out drawers in lower cabinets can enhance accessibility and organization, and pegboards or magnetic spice racks provide flexible storage that will allow you to rearrange items and access them easily.

Finally, consider using rolling carts or bins that can easily be moved between laundry and pantry areas to provide flexibility for sorting and transporting items. Amanda Liford recommends this 3-tier rolling cart, from Amazon.

6. Systematically arrange supplies

'Store lesser-used items or extra food up high or down low and everyday items on shelves that are easy to access,' recommends Judy Granlee-Gates. 'Employ clear bins, baskets, or lazy Susan’s to combine small items together, keep snacks in one place, and make access to all easier.'

You can also find space-saving storage racks for pantry items, such as plates and mugs, such as this plate holder organizer, from Amazon. This can help prevent clutter and make it easier to find what you need.

FAQs

'In terms of design, maintaining a harmonious color scheme and consistent material choices can help the room feel cohesive and well-designed, despite its dual function,' says Georgina Ross, interior designer. 'Light, neutral colors can also make the space feel larger and more open.'

Don't forget to check off some of the things you can get rid of in a laundry room without a second thought, too, ti keep the space functional.

Kim Kardashian’s style has long been the blueprint for monochromatic interiors, and the socialite and businesswoman’s home champions minimalism and neutral colors. Apparently, Kim's commitment to the minimalist aesthetic extends even to her closets. 

Kim Kardashian's minimalist pantry storage consists of rows of monochromatic dishware alongside simple baskets and jars for food preservation. Professional pantry organizers and design experts alike are captivated by the look.

Jennifer Ebert, color expert and digital editor at Homes & Gardens is a huge fan of the aesthetic of Kim's storage idea. 'I love the way that Kim chose dishware to match her shelves. It creates a chic and cohesive look in the pantry. The lighting under the shelves is another excellent feature of this space, giving the pantry a warm glow and sophisticated appeal.'

However, in Kim's own words, her pantry idea goes beyond aesthetics. 'It's so necessary to be extra organized when having four kids who all have different dietary needs, dairy sensitivities, and different likes and dislikes,' Kim told Poosh. She continued, 'Also, we have friends and family over all the time and need to be aware of different sensitivities, allergies, and diets, such as gluten-free or nut allergies, so it's important to have things organized at all times. We also switched everything in our house from plastic to glass.'

If you are looking for a new organization technique, the baskets and bins used by Kim for food storage are the preferred pantry organization method for professional organizers. For instance, Juliana Meidl, a Detroit-based professional organizer at Serenity at Home, swears by the jars Kim uses for dry food. She states,' I do often recommend moving frequently used food items into clear jars. Using clear canisters with good lids is a better way to keep those items fresh versus keeping them in the original packaging.'

She continues, 'Another benefit is when items are stored in clear bins, you can always see when you are running out. This helps prevent having multiple bags of the same item because you can't find what you have.'

Juliana also recommends Kim's snack baskets for organizing a small pantry. She states: 'We do use baskets for non-perishable items often. They are especially a great option for snacks. When clients want snacks easily accessible for their kids, we often use baskets on the floor or the lowest shelf.'

Shop Kim's Storage

Kim Kardashian's innovative pantry is a great example of how your interior style can be extended to any space in your home. No matter your preferred method for organization, it should feel like an extension of you.

If your New Year's resolution is to get more organized, Khloé Kardashian's pantry has all the inspiration you crave.

The socialite's food storage takes the form of vertical shelving in a greige, natural wood closet. Food is organized in various baskets, jars, and lazy susans. Each container is meticulously labeled. Notably, the pantry is not only organized but also aesthetically pleasing, providing an elevated hint of interior design in the functional space. 

The iconic organizing duo, also known as the Home Edit, is responsible for Khloé's pantry organization, and their signature style certainly shines through. Led by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, The Home Edit became famous for merging traditional organization with a distinctive, cutesy interior design style. 

Khloé's pantry epitomizes this simultaneously visually appealing and practical approach. From the labeled Cereal Dispensers to the Clear Drawer bins, the look is meticulous and intentional. 

‘This highly organized look elevates the walk-in pantry from a purely functional space to an oasis of calm in Khloé’s home. It’s an inspiration to remind us that every part of the home can benefit from following interior design principles and that attempting to infuse a bit of personal style into every space is always a worthwhile pursuit,’ says Jennifer Ebert, Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. 

Furthermore, professional organizers swear by the techniques used in Khloé’s clever kitchen storage system. Sarah Dunn, a professional organizer at Ready Set Organize, states: ‘Using jars or decanting your dry product offers a few benefits. First, they provide a uniform look, and uniformity makes any space look and feel more organized. It also helps you see how much you have left, which makes it easier to know when you need to restock. Our suggestion is to always buy air-tight containers, which help keep the food fresher longer, so you can minimize food waste.’ 

Sarah continues on Khloe’s condiment storage, noting: ‘Using lazy Susans is a great way to store condiments, oils, and spices. It makes accessing them super easy and ensures nothing gets lost in the back of the cabinet. This also helps reduce food waste and duplicate purchases.’  

For those hoping to use the same techniques for organizing a small pantry, Sarah has several tips. She says, ‘The key to recreating this look in a smaller pantry is to use vertical space as much as possible. You can purchase double-stacking rotating trays for smaller items like spices, honey, and canned food. Another recommendation is not to over-purchase food for your sized pantry. Negative space, or the space between the baskets, bins, and rotating trays, also gives the appearance of organization.’ 

For inspiration for seamless, aesthetic storage solutions, look no further than Khloe Kardashian’s pantry. No matter your interior design style, organization is always in.

For Khloe-inspired storage, we're picking up some similar style solutions below. 

Christmas can be both a blessing and a curse for food lovers and hosts alike, with so much cooking and baking to be done and food to store, it's often difficult to keep track – however, organizing your pantry for Christmas can reduce all the stress and hassle of seasonal prep.

From ensuring all items have a dedicated and easy-to-access space in your pantry to ensuring no items expire or go forgotten about, having a systematically ordered pantry can really help to get organized for Christmas. This, in turn, can make the whole holiday feel like a breeze, rather than the insurmountable task it can become with a disorganized pantry.

Our experts have shared their top eight tips and ideas for organizing your pantry for Christmas. 

How to organize your pantry for Christmas

Prepping for the holiday season is not just about choosing the perfect ingredients and decorating your home, it's also about getting your kitchen ready for the festivities, and as the cooking and baking hub of any home, your pantry should be the first place to organizing for Christmas, no matter if you are hosting on the day or just wish to stock up on seasonal treats for your family.

1. Declutter and take inventory

'First and foremost, when thinking about pantry organization for the holidays, it's essential to declutter and remove outdated, unused ingredients to make space to stock up on holiday baking and festive meal essentials,' advises Karen Miller, interior designer and owner of the Miller Design Group. 

This can allow you to take inventory of what you have, helping you plan your Christmas meals and ensuring you don't purchase items you already have.

'Christmas is the perfect time to donate non-perishables to those in need and make space for holiday essentials,' says Muffetta Kruger, founder of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants. 

2. Categorize items and create seasonal zones

To organize your pantry, dedicate a section of your pantry specifically for Christmas items.

'Arrange items into categories such as baking ingredients, canned goods, snacks, beverages, and festive treats,' recommends Muffetta Kruger. 'This makes it easier to locate items quickly during the holiday rush.'

You can also store your holiday serve ware, seasonal table linens, and Christmas table settings such as crackers and candles in this zone.

Angela Rubin at Hellamaid recommends, 'Designate an area for your baking essentials, such as mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spatulas. Having a dedicated space for these items streamlines holiday baking.' 

'Use spice racks or tiered shelves to organize your spice collection. Alphabetize them or group by cuisine, making it effortless to find the right spices for your holiday recipes.'

You can label shelves based on their function, making it more convenient to access items and ensure other family members store items in the correct place.

3. Incorporate storage solutions

'Opt for airtight containers to preserve the freshness of baking supplies, nuts, and other perishables,' advises Muffetta Kruger. 'Prioritize accessibility by storing frequently used items at eye level and within reach and in manoeuvrable storage options, ensuring easy access while preparing those delightful Christmas recipes.'

Clear storage

Clear storage is the best method to store dry goods items such as Christmas crackers, flour, sugar, grains, or seasonal treats since it means you can locate items at a glance and monitor what you are running low on to avoid needing to run out for last minute ingredients on Christmas eve. This is one item professional organizers always buy for their pantry.

You can opt for stackable containers top maximize the vertical space you have.

Adjustable shelving

Adjustable shelves maximize space utilization, ensuring that you can accommodate taller items. 'Pantry needs can change, especially around the holidays so, if possible, invest in adjustable shelving or expandable shelf risers to accommodate larger items or additional purchases,' Mohammad Ahmed interior Designer and founder of The Home Guidance.

We recommend these KIKIBRO adjustable shelves, from Amazon.

Vertical space

Make the most of your pantry's vertical space. 'Don't forget the back of the pantry door or empty wall spaces. Install hooks, racks, or pegboards to hang aprons, measuring spoons, or even hang Christmas stockings filled with treats,' advises Mohamed Ahmed. 

We recommend this KITCHIFYTARQ over the door pantry organizer, from Amazon, perfect for easy to access items such as spices and cling film.

Install pull out shelves and lazy Susans

You can find removable baskets and lazy Susan's for your pantry to keep items in deep spaces accessible, or to make organizing your pantry for Christmas easier, you can install more permanent options in your pantry cabinets.

Angela Rubin recommends, 'Pull-out drawers or baskets help keep smaller items, like spices, condiments, and baking supplies, organized and accessible.'

4. Create a rotation system

To prevent items from getting lost in the back of your pantry or letting them expire, implement a rotation system. Place older products in front and new purchases in the back.

Gretchen Boyd, president of NYC House Cleaners recommends, 'Implant a first in first out system in your pantry in which you can arrange your all products according to their expiration date. 

'For example, you can arrange the product that has a close expiry date first and then put the product that has a far expiry date. By this method, you can easily ensure that there is no expiry product remaining in your pantry.'

You can use can label items with their expiry date and keep items that need to be used sooner than new items on hand with can dispensers, such as this 2 tier can dispenser, from Walmart.

5. Efficient lighting

Good lighting can transform the look and feel of your pantry, making locating items and organizing it easier, meaning you won't miss out on any items. Consider adding motion sensor or LED lights to brighten up the space, making it easier to find what you need during those late-night Christmas baking or cooking sessions.

We recommend these ABCidy motion censored lights, from Amazon. You might also want to add some festive string lights to enhance the seasonal atmosphere.

6. Plan for leftovers

'Designate a specific area for storing leftover ingredients and food to minimize waste and encourage creativity in repurposing holiday leftovers,' suggests Muffetta Kruger.

This can mean you store carefully open items such as sugar, biscuits, crackers, raisins or nuts so they are kept in airtight containers and used up quickly, maintaining an organized space.

7. Create a festive shopping list

Muffetta Kruger suggests, 'Designate a section of your pantry to create and maintain a shopping list for holiday essentials. This helps streamline your shopping trips and ensures you have all the necessary ingredients for your festive feasts.'

You can also create a designated section for your Christmas recipes and meal plans to help you stay organized and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients.

8. Decorate your pantry

Now to add some seasonal flair to your organized pantry.

'Embrace the holiday spirit by adding a touch of Christmas décor to your pantry,' recommends Muffetta Kruger. 'Hang festive tea towels, string up lights, or place small ornaments to infuse the space with cheer.' We love this around the world doors Christmas dish towel, from Anthropologie.

FAQs

Whether you have a large or small pantry, simply putting some thought into how best to arrange and categorize your pantry items can elevate it as well as the flow of your whole kitchen. 

There are a handful of spaces in a home that are both highly desirable and highly functional. But rather than making two of these coveted features separate you might wonder if you should combine a walk-in pantry with a laundry room.

Putting them together could, perhaps, make better use of the square footage available and maybe also satisfy the walk-in pantry ideas of the keenest cook, and deliver on laundry room ideas that prioritize practicality and style.

Yet these two useful spaces have individual requirements so we turned to interiors professionals to ask if this is a viable combination and, if so, how to make it work.

Combining a walk-in pantry with a laundry room: the verdict

While it is a valuable addition to any home, there is a best place to put a walk-in pantry, according to kitchen designers, that promotes efficient food preparation. A laundry room, meanwhile, providing you follow laundry room design rules can be successfully created in various locations.

So, what do experts think when it comes to putting the two together? In their view, it is possible to combine a walk-in pantry room with a laundry room. However, it is not an ideal combination because of the different requirements of the two areas.

‘I don’t recommend combining your laundry room and pantry into one room,’ says licensed home inspector and owner of Property Inspection Pros in Baltimore MD Sol Kruk. ‘Laundry rooms have higher humidity levels and often fluctuate in temperature,’ Sol explains. ‘The highs and lows of the temperature paired with increased dampness can cause food to spoil or mold quicker than usual.’

However, there may be good reasons for wanting to put them together. ‘This setup primarily offers streamlined functionality and space efficiency,’ says Adrian Pedraza, owner of The California Home Buyer. ‘By having food storage and laundry facilities in one area, homeowners can save time and effort, which is a boon, especially in homes where space is a constraint. Furthermore, this integration aids in better organization. A spacious walk-in pantry can comfortably house both kitchen and laundry necessities, making it easier to keep the household organized and tidy.‘

Cost might also count in a decision. ‘In terms of restoration or construction, establishing one unified area may be less expensive than constructing two distinct rooms,’ says Adrian. ‘This may be a crucial factor in cost-effective home modifications.’

If you’re tempted by the idea of combining a walk-in pantry with a laundry room, these are the design nuances you need to know about.

Create zones

The distinct functions of a combined pantry/laundry room demand zoning. ‘Create clear divisions within the combined room to separate the pantry area from the laundry area,’ says Shlomo Cherniak, owner of Cherniak Handyman Services. ‘This can be achieved through the use of partitions, curtains, or different flooring materials. This separation helps maintain cleanliness and prevents cross-contamination.’

Plan separate storage

The room as a whole needs adequate storage for both pantry contents and laundry necessities. ‘Plan the layout of the combined room to maximize storage space for both the pantry and laundry needs,’ says Shlomo Cherniak. ‘Install shelves, cabinets, and storage solutions that accommodate the items you need to store, whether it’s food, cleaning supplies, or laundry essentials.’

To keep pantry items at their best, store them in cabinets. ‘If you must pair the two rooms into one, I recommend using closed cabinets for the pantry part of the room,’ says Sol Kruk. ‘This will help regulate the temperature and keep some humidity at bay. Also, run a dehumidifier to help reduce the moisture levels in the room; this will help reduce the chance of mold.’

Cut appliance noise

There’s no avoiding the presence of appliances. ‘Be mindful of noise from a washing machine since it could destroy the pantry serenity,’ advises interior designer Artem Kropovinsky.

‘Laundry machines can be noisy, especially during the spin cycle or when running at high speeds,’ agrees Shlomo Cherniak. ‘If the laundry room is combined with a walk-in pantry located near living areas or bedrooms, the noise from the machines may cause disruption.’ The takeaway? ‘Consider soundproofing measures or locating the combined room away from quiet areas.’

Create ventilation

A laundry room has a moisture level that isn’t desirable for a walk-in pantry, as we’ve already noted, so it’s vital the design of any combined room has solutions to mitigate this effectively. 

‘Ensure proper ventilation and exhaust systems are in place to remove moisture, odors, and fumes generated by the laundry machines,’ says Shlomo Cherniak. ‘Adequate ventilation helps maintain air quality and prevents the buildup of humidity, which can be detrimental to both food items and laundry.’

Incorporate the right lighting

The lighting installed in the combined room should be suitable for its different needs. ‘Use softer lighting in pantries as opposed to brighter task lights for laundry,’ says Artem Kropovinsky.

‘Thoughtful lighting choices become pivotal,’ agrees interior designer Elizabeth Grace, who suggests ‘illuminating the pantry’s shelves with a soft glow while providing focused brightness for laundry tasks’.

Think materials

The materials in the combined room also demand careful selection so they’re functional as well as attractive. ‘Consider the juxtaposition of materials – robust, water-resistant surfaces for the laundry area harmonizing with warm, inviting elements in the pantry segment,’ says Elizabeth Grace.

‘A coherent color palette can serve as the unifying thread, seamlessly tying together disparate functionalities,’ she adds.

FAQs

Adequate stash space is key to organizing a laundry room and pantry storage and, if you’re combining the two, storage must be distinct and dedicated. Plan solutions to keep a laundry room tidy for a room that’s a pleasure to use for both its functions. And if there are little ones in the house, it’s vital that any potentially harmful products are secured out of reach, so factor this into the design.

Walk-in pantries are a luxury for any home cook and are incredibly practical for storage, acting as an extension to the main kitchen space.

However, they need to be in the right spot if you don't want them to become a hassle.

Although you may be limited on where you can fit your walk-in pantry ideas based on your floor plan, locating your primary kitchen work zones around your pantry is key if you want a good workspace flow. 

The best place to put a walk-in pantry

We turned to kitchen design experts to help you cover all bases when planning a kitchen layout with a walk-in pantry, and why getting it right makes all the difference.

1. Close to your food prep space

Ultimately, the best place to put your walk-in pantry is as close to where you cook as possible, so close to your cooker, kitchen counters where you prep food, and close to the refrigerator, begins Niko Rasides, design director of Nicholas Anthony. 

When planning pantry ideas, strategic placement will make it far easier to use as both kitchen storage and additional prep space, he explains:  ‘The placement of a walk-in pantry near the cooking area enhances the functionality of the kitchen, encourages creativity, minimizes food waste, and contributes to an organized and enjoyable cooking space.

‘With the pantry located close to the cooking area, be it your stove, refrigerator, or open counter space, it becomes an integral part of the culinary experience,’ he continues.

2. Adjacent to the 'work triangle'

It is also advantageous to situate the pantry within close proximity to the kitchen work triangle, continues Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight. This enhances the flow of the space, he says, allowing you to access your ingredients and kitchen appliances more easily making cooking faster and often less overwhelming. 

That being said, Laurel Vernazza, home design expert at The Plan Collection, says we should avoid putting the walk-in pantry door in the middle of the triangle, keeping it adjacent instead to avoid a common kitchen layout mistake.

‘This helps prevent collisions between the chef, who cooks eggs in the morning with the kids running into the pantry for the cereal box,’ she explains. It keeps the space accessible, especially in a small kitchen layout, without hindering functionality.

FAQs

Where your home layout allows, home design expert Laurel Vernazza suggests placing your walk-in pantry close to your front door or garage entrance to make it simpler to unload groceries when you come in laden with bags. This may not be possible in every home, but it is a luxury to consider when designing a kitchen from scratch. 

If you have noticed dried food in your pantry going bad quickly, or cardboard packaging going soft or even moldy, then you have moisture in your pantry. 

But how do you keep moisture out of a pantry? Experts suggest there are five key ways you can limit its impact in your kitchen and protect your food storage to extend the life of your groceries. 

This is what you need to do. 

How to keep moisture out of a pantry

Whatever the cause, it is vital to treat this common kitchen problem right away and restore your pantry to prevent rotting items and warping wood. 

Try to work out why your pantry is damp in the first place – dehumidifiers are only so good and the problem will only come back as soon as you take it away, after all.

Finding the cause, be it inadequate ventilation when you’re cooking or not heating your kitchen entirely, will be the best way to keep moisture out for good.  

1. Ventilate your pantry

Whether you have a walk-in pantry or a small cabinet space, ventilation is key, begins Mike Powell, structural engineer and certified mold assessor, owner of Red Flag Home Inspection:

‘One of the most common measures taken is to ventilate the pantry. Some opt for louvered doors that provide airflow, and others may provide gaping around more solid core doors. 

‘Alternatively, a pass-through grille can be installed in the wall above or beside the door, which can let air exchange occur.’

2. Use moisture-absorbing products

Pantries have the benefit of being a smaller enclosed space, meaning that tricks that don't always work to reduce humidity in a house works wonders. Sol Kruk, licensed home inspector and owner of Property Inspection Pros suggests using moisture-absorbing products.

These include silica gel packets, desiccant bags, or moisture-absorbing crystals, which can be placed on pantry shelves, he says. 

‘These products work by absorbing excess moisture from the surrounding air, effectively safeguarding your stored goods. However, it's important to note that they have a limited capacity for moisture absorption. Regularly monitor these products and replace or recharge them as needed to maintain their effectiveness.’

3. Consider your shelving options to improve airflow

When planning your pantry shelving it is not just the aesthetic you need to worry about. If you know your pantry is prone to dampness, then you might want to opt for shelving alternatives that will allow good airflow, says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight.

‘Opt for a design twist with metal or mesh shelving. Beyond their modern aesthetic, they also encourage superior airflow, keeping dampness at bay,’ he explains. 

They also need to keep your pantry cleaning easy and straightforward.

4. Add in a dehumidifier

If your pantry remains damp even with these steps, then it might be time to turn to a dehumidifier as a last resort, says Evan Scoboria, contractor and owner of Prime Home Humidity. 

In a bigger pantry, a larger device will be needed, but you might be able to get away with a portable alternative, like a small dehumidifier from Amazon. 

One thing to note about a dehumidifier, however, is that they are not a permanent fix, and you need to find the root of the issue, Evan reminds us. ‘These effectively remove moisture from a pantry but require monitoring and emptying of a reservoir regularly. Based on our experience and client feedback, this method is challenging to manage consistently over time. 

‘If your home has a drain location nearby, you can equip your dehumidifier with a gravity-fed hose or a small lift pump to discharge condensate into a drain receptacle. Ensure this drain is properly plumbed with an air trap so the discharged water does not evaporate and cause a rise in humidity.’

FAQs

When dealing with moisture in a pantry, it can help to have a visual aid to ensure your humidity levels remain safe and constant, says Evan Scoboria, contractor. 

‘It's hard to gauge the humidity level in small spaces like a pantry. To gain a better understanding of your ambient humidity, you can introduce an inexpensive digital hygrometer to the space. An ideal humidity level will be around 50%. Take an initial reading and then monitor your hygrometer for changes as you take corrective measures.’ 

When it comes to maxing out the real estate on your home, you might not typically think of your pantry as an area to focus on.

However, there is lots to be said about this humble space, and staging a walk-in pantry especially could add just the right dose of appeal to prospective buyers. The walk-in is where you can store important kitchen items and groceries, which in theory, should increase kitchen organization and streamline cooking. 

It has every reason to be on a buyer's list for a hot property and is deserving of your design time.

How do you stage a walk-in pantry?

First, you want to consider the core function of your space in its natural state. Just as pantries are not all made equal, every home's will function differently. Size and layout of not just your pantry, but also your kitchen will define how exactly you use your walk-in and might indicate where it needs room for improvement.

'With any walk-in pantry, large to small, consider the function and desired use,' notes Mindy O'Connor, principal and founder of Melinda Kelson O'Connor Architecture & Interiors. 'A walk-in pantry can be quite simple and efficient with shelves for extra food and appliance storage, or fairly elaborate with secondary appliances, counter space, and cabinetry.' 

It all depends on what you are working with. Understanding the basics will help you determine how yours should function and how you can make the most impact when staging your pantry, just like so:

1. Show how it functions, seamlessly

Whether you have small pantry to stage, or ample space to work with you want to make sure prospective buyers will know how to get the best use out of the space, so show them exactly how it is done by using wall space and combining more than one storage method.

Installing bespoke shelving will add efficiency to lots of different areas of a home, but it can make the most of a walk-in pantry in particular. 

'In a purely functional walk-in for extra food or cooking tools/small appliance storage, combine deep and shallow shelving with easy access from the door,' recommends O'Connor.

To meet the room's natural layout and to keep everything at a comfortable working distance, a combination can work wonders visually and in practice. This is especially true if your pantry is not somewhere to linger and prepare food or have an espresso break. 

'Utilitarian open shelves make a lot of sense and make it easy to grab and organize items in this scenario. Consider narrow spice storage in smaller nooks or narrow shelves sized specifically for glassware and vases vs. lower deep ones for appliances or bulk food and supplies. You can also add shallow open shelves or pull-out drawers for food. Make sure the shelves won't allow items to fall through any slats and also have some vertical separators to help organize by type.'

2. Explore beautiful ways to micro organize, everything

While shelving works well in this space where you want quick and easy access, it is key to keep open shelving organized so that your pantry has appeal. If spices, condiments, or any other item that you like to keep stock of, often lose their way from one shelf to the other, you might need to micro-organize for better efficiency and a calmer finish altogether.

This could mean spice racks or matching jars, as principal and co-founder of WORKSTEAD Stefanie Brechbuehler tells us: 'So the key ways to style this space is jars, jars, and more jars!'

Brechbuehler recommends investing in an array of glass jars and anything that works hard to organize items and look good at the same time.

'I am someone who feels happy and calm when I open a pantry or a drawer that is tidy and organized. It literally makes my day better. It’s almost meditative, I enjoy it so much.' Brechbuehler likes products from Blisshaus in particular for their customizable pantry kits: 'They also have spice jars with customized labels on top so you can put them in drawers. I converted the drawers next to my cooking area into spice drawers and it is super convenient. I also had my father-in-law create small wooden dividers so everything stays in place.'

Find your favorite products to use, be it a Lazy Susan (a Homes & Gardens favorite), turn table, or mason jars. Usually what works to organize kitchen corner cabinets can be pulled into the pantry too, so inspire yourself with your own surroundings.

Allowing for some similitude between containers will give a more cohesive and inviting finish.

3. Cluster sensibly and consider the opening scene

Depending on your pantry's design and the door detail, you may or may not be able to see certain items from the outside. Plan around your design and if you can see the top shelves, adorn them with better-looking appliances, or go all out with good-looking china like you might do in a kitchen display.

Grouping similar items together will make for a more curated finish as O'Connor reminds us: 'Upper cabinetry with glass for glassware and serveware can be pretty if viewed from another space. Cluster working appliances/cabinets like a dishwasher, trash, and beverage fridge, and icemaker together adjacent to the sink, if included, all under a countertop surface.'

The layout needs to make sense, so use your walls and notice what will be on show and what will not. 'Plan for a separate wall for more food or appliance storage,' adds O'Connor.

4. Make it sparkle and smell delightful

While it is not bad practice to let your pantry act as the overflow of your kitchen storage, one that is too busy and disorderly will not just lack appeal to members of your household, but prospective buyers might find it less than desirable. 

Keep clutter at bay and stay very mindful of dust, crumbs, and anything that does not bring shine to your pantry like perished food – it has no place. 

You want visitors to feel invited, so keep everything spick and span and well-lit, and ensure your pantry smells better than pumpkin pie with fresh indoor herbs or other natural, fragrant additions. We would recommend putting your best steam cleaner to work in preparation also.

5. Give yours flair

Though unique in its core function, giving a walk-in pantry the same decorative treatment as fellow kitchens, hallways, and the like, will help yours stand out. Consider an accent feature like lighting or give walls an interesting coat of paint that will charmingly peek through open shelving. Should you have a particularly large space with room for art, this would also make a lovely addition, as would a kitchen rug – all provided your space remains usable.

'Larger pantry spaces are often a great opportunity for a fun and different paint color, cabinetry color, tile or wallpaper,' says O'Connor. 'It's an opportunity to be both practical and bold.'

You want buyers to feel impressed and a little blown away by how beautiful your walk-in pantry is, so if you have the opportunity to enhance the flooring with the same that runs through the kitchen, or to add something less permanent if your vision is, in fact, to move homes, make some edits and see where they take you.

FAQs

Though styling your walk-in pantry may not have initially been a priority when staging your house, it is often the finer and more meticulous details that will win buyers over, so put your best design foot forward.

With Christmas fast approaching, your mind is probably turning to gifts, decorations and parties. What's less likely, though, is that cleaning, and more specifically decluttering, is something on your agenda.

After all, the last thing you want to be doing is adding more to your to-do list. But, taking the time to declutter before Christmas, rather than afterward, can actually make the run-up to the big day far less stressful, and make the post-holiday clean-up a whole lot easier, too.

Here, we spoke to the experts to find out which hotspots professional organizers always declutter for the holidays, so you can get ahead, and avoid any festive fiascos.

7 places to declutter before Christmas

1. The entryway

Clutter doesn’t make for a particularly festive first impression, let’s face it. Organizing an entryway so there’s space for your belongings, as well as those of your guests, makes for a much warmer welcome, suggests Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized.

She says, 'This is the first impression of your home, and it's about to get a lot of traffic with visitors coming and going. Put away shoes that are out of season, organize your coat rack, and create a spot for guests to drop their bags.

'It's a small area, but it makes a huge difference in how your home feels during the busy holiday season.'

If you’re dealing with a small entryway, you might also want to consider removing non-functional furniture for the festive season, particularly if you’re incorporating extra Christmas hallway decorations or temporary entryway storage ideas, such as baskets, hooks and racks.

As Jennifer Ebert, digital editor of Homes & Gardens, suggests, 'Leave a couple of hooks free for extra coats and position a couple of baskets at the bottom for guests to drop hats, scarves, and shoes into. You could also put one next to the front door for gifts, leaving everyone hands-free for greetings.'

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

2. The guest bedroom

When having guests to stay, you want your guest bedroom ideas to create a relaxing space for them to unwind in – not one filled with all the items you don't have room for elsewhere.

Professional organizer Ter Avest advising using some closet decluttering tips to 'go through the closet and dresser to remove any random items you've stashed in there throughout the year,' which will also give guests space to store their belongings.

If you're still short on space, a humble clothes rail solved my lack of hanging space, and are a great way to add temporary storage on a budget. I recommend the SLEEPING LAMB Heavy Duty Clothing Racks for Hanging Clothes available at Amazon. It's sturdy and comes in four different colorways to blend into your guest bedroom including white, gold and black.

'Then, freshen up the linens (using a fabric refresher such as the Febreze Fabric Spray Downy April Fresh Scent available at Walmart) and make sure the space feels welcoming,' adds Ter Avest, by lighting one of your best candles or using a homemade room spray. 'A clutter-free guest room makes hosting feel less overwhelming, and it's one less thing to worry about when you're busy juggling everything else.'

To go the extra mile, professional organizer Meredith Goforth, founder of House of Prim, suggests adding personal touches around the room. She says, ‘I love to welcome friends and family into my home by adding thoughtful touches, such as holiday decor, luxury toiletries, goodwill notes and anything else that might help them feel at home.'

Don’t forget the bathroom, either; organize a bathroom cabinet so there’s at least one shelf free, and remove any personal products so it’s a neutral space.

3. Food storage

Christmas is a time for indulging, so you’re likely to have a lot of extra food in, whether you’re hosting guests or not. Organizing the refrigerator is a good place to start – do it in tandem with organizing a freezer so you can move items across if you need to, and give both a good clean while you’re at it.

If you're not sure how to clean a refrigerator well, our step-by-step guide breaks it down clearly but in essence, clear everything out, discard out of date products, clean and dry all surfaces before returning your goods. An open box of baking soda, available at Walmart will keep it deodorized.

As organization expert and founder of Not a Boring Box, Lauren Allen, says, ‘A decluttered, well-organized fridge inspires me to want to cook, plus I can keep an eye on things that are about to go off. Grouping ingredients into categories and labeling leftovers makes it even easier – have some zip lock bags (such as the Ziploc Gallon Food Storage Slider Bags available at Amazon) to hand so you can whip them into the freezer if you need to.

The same goes when decluttering a pantry. Once you’ve removed unwanted items (be sure to donate within-date items to your local food bank), stock up on seasonal larder essentials and introduce extra pantry storage ideas, such as bins, risers and under-shelf baskets, to increase capacity and keep shelves clutter-free.

4. Kitchen countertops

If you’re organizing a kitchen in readiness for entertaining, you’ll need as much surface space as you can get. You’ll want it looking neat as guests will end up in the kitchen to socialize in the heart of your home. The less there is to tidy away, the better.

Kate Ibbotson, APDO member and founder of A Tidy Mind, says, ‘It sounds counterproductive, but if you want to clear space on your counters, start by organizing kitchen cabinets that are hard to reach. Items you find in there are often bulky and less-used, so getting rid or moving them outside of the cooking zone will then free up temporary space for those countertop items you use more regularly.'

Then, declutter your countertops, by taking everything off, and sorting through item by item.

5. The playroom

If you have children or grandchildren, pre-Christmas is a great time to declutter any of your toy storage ideas and make playroom ideas ready to receive new toys. Plus, donating them ahead of time means other families in need can pick up great finds for their loved ones in time for the big day, promoting generosity and sharing.

Professional organizer Goforth says, ‘Encourage your children to participate in the decluttering process by having them choose what toys they no longer want or have outgrown. It’s a great opportunity to explain the concept of donating toys to children in need, and allowing them to feel good about their part in the process.'

Our contributing writer Ciéra Cree tried the easy Reverse Advent Calender decluttering method and loved it for easy streamlining that your family members and even young kids can join in on too.

According to cleaning and organization expert Michelle Hansen, owner of Practical Perfection, decluttering toys before Christmas also has the added benefit of providing present ideas. ‘You can filter wish lists a little to focus on items they don’t already have, and include practical items as well – a new coat to replace the one they’ve grown out of or a new set of coloring pens, for example’, she says.

Plus, as professional organizer Ter Avest points out, a streamlined playroom makes it easier to keep things tidy when guests stop by during the holidays, likely laden with gifts!

6. The home office

While the last thing you probably want to think about as we approach the happy holidays is work, organizing your home office ideas and decluttering a home office now will mean you reap the rewards come the New Year, advises Michelle Rosen, certified professional organizer and founder of Hop to It Organizers, LLC.

She says, 'With the new year around the corner, decluttering your workspace sets you up for productivity and clears out the clutter of past projects.'

7. The linen closet

Laura Price, founder of The Home Organization, says, ‘Organizing your linen closet is a sensible idea pre-Christmas – it’s so much easier to grab and change sheets between guests if you're not rummaging through a huge mountain of tatty or mismatched items!

'Get rid of any towels or sheets that are past their peak, then bundle bedding sheets together with matching pillowcases folded into sheets and duvet covers,' to keep everything accessible and easy to find.

FAQs

Should you declutter before or after Christmas?

Ideally, you’d want to declutter before Christmas, in preparation for an abundance of gifts – and guests – making their way into your house. Not just that, but a clutter-free home makes for a much calmer, more relaxed mind, something we could all benefit from at this time of year!

Having said that, there are a few post-Christmas decluttering rules to abide by if you want the house in tip-top shape before the ball drops – there’s bound to be a few holiday clutter hot-spots you’ve missed, so it makes sense to have another whip around.

Equally important to decluttering the home ahead of the holidays is tackling any pre-Christmas cleaning, from deodorizing the fridge to cleaning windows. Making space will help with all those groceries incoming, so these are the things to clear from your fridge to prepare for Christmas.

Mastering the art of a tidy home is the goal for many, but in the case of Nate Berkus, it is essential. The designer, who lives in Greenwich Village with his husband (and TV counterpart Jeremiah Brent) and two children, has found a way to make urban family life seemingly organized – but he's not scared of showing how he makes it more seamless. And it often starts and ends with his home organization range.

Nate, who designed a collection for mDesign, often shows how he uses his favorite products in his city dwelling, and among these is his 2-Tier Turntable Organizer, which he says 'might actually be one of the most useful home organization items ever.' And, when we see the turntable in action, we are not inclined to disagree. 

The designer took to his white kitchen to demonstrate what makes the turntable a must-have, and after seeing it in action in his pantry, we're convinced.

'This is a super exciting moment for me because I have my spinner, which I assembled in two seconds, and now because all my labels are done in my pantry... I get to put everything away,' Nate comments while arranging bottles and jars on the two shelves. 

'The crazy part is that this has never been super wonderful as a pantry because it's not very deep, so the fact that now I get to do a good job and put what I need in here, and it spins around and makes it easy to see, makes me very happy.' And naturally, it's not long before Nate shows us the organizer at work in his pantry. 'I can not tell you my pleasure in looking at this,' he says alongside the newly organized space. 

The best part? Our own organized pantry is only a click away, but be warned, Nate's mDesign collection has a habit of selling out – and honestly, we're not surprised.

'I live for moments in life when I get to leave a space more organized than I found it. That is why the Nate Home 2-Tier Turntable Organizer might actually be one of the most useful home organization items ever,' Nate adds.

'It’s beyond functional & I promise that once you try it, you will immediately want to add 10 more in every cabinet.' 

This organizer is so popular that it tends to sell out. Luckily, Nate has plenty of other storage solutions for sale in all the major home stores. If you know when and wear to look, you can snag one of Nate's top-quality storage solution for less. Here are a few that our readers loved last Amazon Prime Day. 

Keeping a pantry organized often takes up a lot of time, with homeowners finding themselves overwhelmed with storing and sorting when it's time to pack away a big shop, not to mention struggling to locate the items they need when they need them.

Professionals argue that organizing a pantry and keeping it accessible is made significantly easier by finding the right pantry organizers and storage solutions, making using your pantry simpler.  

These pantry storage and organization ideas are low-cost and highly effective and can improve the aesthetic appeal of your pantry, since an organized space is a beautified space.

Pantry organizers professionals always buy

'In the realm of pantry organization, every object's position should be thoughtfully orchestrated,' says Leo Watts, DIY and home improvement expert at CNC Sourced. 'In tighter spaces, solutions such as pull-out drawers or stackable containers maximize utility. Why not transform fixed shelves into sliding drawers, elevating it from chaos into a meticulously organized, visually appealing haven?'

The best way to assess which pantry organizers will be the most beneficial to invest in is to first consider which items you regularly are stocked up on in your pantry and how they should be stored for your convenience.

1. Lazy Susans

'These rotating trays are perfect for corner cabinets or deep shelves, ensuring nothing gets lost in the back. They provide easy access to items and help reduce clutter,' advises Hashi Mohamed, co-founder of Ivy Cleans. 

Corner cabinets and deep shelves in pantries are often wasted spaces due to the difficulty of access. A Lazy Susan can make the most of these spaces, meaning you'll never again have to rummage at the back of a dark cabinet to find an item or have to take everything out and rearrange it.

'Use Lazy Susans or turntables, as they are great for storing items that are hard to reach, like spices, oils, condiments, or baking supplies,' recommends Jacky Chou, owner of Laurel & Wolf. 

For a removable Lazy Susan, we suggest this bamboo Lazy Susan, from Wayfair. 

2. Over-the-door organizers

'If you're struggling with a small or narrow pantry, then over-the-door organizers are a lifesaver,' advises Aleks Grigoriev, interior designer and co-founder of Priority Home Buyers. 'These organizers make use of the often-underutilized space behind your pantry door and provide extra storage for items such as foil, plastic wrap, and kitchen towels.'

Since these areas are one of the most visible spaces in any pantry, being at eye level and in a single row, they are also the ideal places to store spices.

We recommend this over-the-door spice rack, from Wayfair.

3. Storage containers

Storage containers are the pantry staple that makes categorizing items easier, making it easier to locate items. As some of the most versatile and useful kitchen organizers you can buy, storage containers mean you can transfer groups of items in one go, for example, moving all your baking equipment to your prepping surface.

You can use glass food containers to store individual food items, increasing the aesthetic appeal of your pantry.

'Clear storage containers are a game-changer for pantries. Not only do they keep your food items fresh and organized, but they also add a sleek and uniform look to your shelves,' explains Aleks Grigoriev. 'I always recommend investing in high-quality, airtight clear containers, such as those made of glass or acrylic, to keep your pantry looking tidy and sophisticated.' This will also help to keep items fresh, deterring the presence of any fruit flies or maggots. 

Angela Rubin from Hellamaid also suggests: 'Installing pull-out wire or wicker baskets can help you utilize deep shelves effectively. These baskets make it convenient to access items stored in the back without having to rummage through the pantry.'

4. A labeling system

Leo Watts says, 'Let's not forget the underestimated efficacy of labeling. These seemingly minor inclusions become non-negotiable tools for swift identification, reducing unnecessary stress during those frenetic, time-sensitive moments. Labels serve as the small but impactful brushstrokes that complete your pantry's portrait, fostering a practical and harmonious living space.'

Aleks Grigoriev agrees, 'Whether you opt for classic chalkboard labels or sleek, printed stickers, labeling helps everyone in your household know where each item belongs. It adds a personal touch to your pantry's design while keeping everything in its place.'

These are an especially useful addition for those with children, since it makes it easier for them to navigate the pantry and tidy stuff away in their designated places by themselves. 

If your in the market for a label maker, we recommend this NELKO label maker machine from Amazon.

5. A spice rack

Spices can easily become clutter if not properly organized. When stuffed into a drawer or stacked on a shelf it can be a nuisance to find the spices you need, which is why using a spice rack is key to keeping an organized pantry. 

Interior designer, Aleks Grigoriev says, 'No pantry is complete without a designated section for spices. I've seen many pantries fall victim to cluttered spice jars scattered throughout the shelves. A spice rack not only saves space but also simplifies the cooking process. With a well-organized spice rack, you can easily find the ingredients you need and avoid purchasing duplicates.'

To organize spices, we love this free-standing spice rack from Wayfair. You can also store spices on a designated Lazy Susan or over-the-door shelves.

6. Can organizers

Cans are one of the most commonly found items in a pantry, but when they are unorganized they often get forgotten about, being shoved to the back of a pantry, and left to go out of date.

Can risers are a must-have to organize canned goods so you can actually find them. These let you stack your tins so you can see exactly what you're looking for and easily switch out your stock. They're also a must-have for anyone who has deep shelves in their pantry and make it easier to use your pantry's vertical space to its fullest.

Cans can be stored on a tiered shelf on a stackable can rack in a cabinet or on a pantry shelf, to allow you to keep track of which items you do have and which you are running low on to add to your shopping list.

Gravity can dispensers, such as this can organizer Wayfair, are also a great way to maintain order and ensure that the oldest can in your collection is always at the front, making it easy to rotate your stock and use items before they expire.

7. Adjustable Shelving

Customizable shelving allows you to make the most of your pantry space, allowing you to accommodate different-sized items to maximize your vertical space and change the layout of your pantry as your food storage needs change.

'Custom shelving serves as a vital component in your pantry, giving you the freedom to adapt your space according to your fluctuating needs,' says Leo Watts. 'This flexibility optimizes what's often limited square footage, making each inch work for you rather than against you. Pairing this with astute container solutions further adds a layer of order, fusing utility with visual charm.'

8. Drawer organizers

Utilize drawer organizers or pull-out drawers for items like spices, utensils, and small snacks. These organizers keep items easily accessible and prevent clutter.

These can be used for any array of items that can be stored in shallow or deep drawers, from kitchen utensil organizers, to spice and food organizers. For cutlery, we recommend this bamboo expandable utensil drawer organizer, from Amazon.

For deep drawers, you can also invest in a smaller upper drawer to double the use of this space. This can be ideal for cutlery or keeping Tupperware organized. 

Anu Kurup, founder of Persimmon Design suggests, 'If aesthetics are important to you, consider color-coordinating your containers and labels to create a visually appealing pantry.'

Remember, when organizing your pantry with new storage solutions, the first step of this process should be to declutter your pantry and you should definitely group like items together, according to a professional chef who helped one of our writers clear her messy pantry.

Leo Watts leaves us with a final tip: 'I would finally emphasize that there's no universal blueprint for organization. What's pivotal is aligning your pantry setup with your personal preferences and lifestyle needs. It's not about mimicking the latest trends but about discovering the balance that resonates with you. A well-organized pantry isn't a mere accessory but an extension of your lifestyle – enhance it, own it, and let it bring you daily joy.'

There’s no doubt about it, organizing a narrow pantry can be frustrating. When you’re feeling the squeeze, take comfort in knowing that even the smallest, most awkward of spaces can still prove practical. As any pro will tell you, when it comes to organizing a pantry, size (and shape) doesn’t matter – it’s what you do with it that counts. 

We all dream of beautiful walk-in pantry ideas with shelves aplenty, but the most successful pantry ideas are those that make best use of the space they have. Luckily, narrow pantries do lend themselves to some rather useful pantry storage ideas, which, when organized properly, can have a profound effect on the way you use your kitchen, and look equally as insta-worthy, too.  

Whether it’s a walk-in or a pull-out larder cupboard, we’ve compiled our favorite ways to organize a narrow pantry, bearing both functionality and style in mind. 

How to organize a narrow pantry 

When organizing a kitchen in general, but particularly when organizing a small pantry, it’s important you start by taking stock of what you have and decluttering where necessary. Making room for pantry staples that you don’t want or need is an unnecessary waste of space, and likely a waste of food – those use-by dates come around quicker than you think!

1. Start with a goal in mind

These days, pantries are used to hold more than just food – appliances, serveware, table linens, even kettles, coffee machines and toasters can reside inside. Before you start trying to cram everything in however, bear in mind that narrow pantries have their limitations. If you want to make the space work for you, you’ll need to think logistically – and realistically – about how you want it to contribute to your kitchen layout overall. 

'You may dream of clutter-free countertops, but if you’ve got a walk-in pantry with a narrow gangway, positioning working appliances doesn’t make sense – you simply won’t have enough room to use them safely. Rather than give up on the idea altogether, rethink how to make the pantry space you do have work for you. Using it for surplus supplies and lesser-used appliances might free up enough space in your kitchen to allow for the addition of a hidden breakfast bar, for example,' explains Jennifer Ebert, editor at Homes & Gardens online.  

2. Choose open shelving for a narrow walk-in pantry

Pulling out drawers and opening doors can be tricky – sometimes impossible – in narrow pantries. Instead, opt for easy-access kitchen shelving ideas. The ideal space between shelves is 40-50cm, but if you’re organizing a small space, shelves the height of just one glass jar can still be useful – position these higher up so you can see everything at a glance. 

If you have the width, deeper shelves should be positioned at the bottom and reserved for heavier, more bulky items. In a pantry cupboard, consider adding bespoke shelving (or adjusting existing ones) to maximize space in a similar way. 

3. Decant pantry staples into slimline containers

As well as making for Instagram-worthy shelves, decanting dried goods into matching containers means you’ll be able to fit more into a narrow pantry. Choose designs of a uniform size and shape (ideally from the same brand), so they sit neatly side by side, or stack on top of each other, depending on how much vertical space you have available. 

Clear glass jars make it easy to see when you’re running low, but it’s worth labeling as well so you don’t get your plain flour confused with your self-raising, your cinnamon with your cumin, and so on. Add the best-before dates so you can keep track of what you need to buy and when.

4. Group similar food items together…

Grouping like-items together can help keep a narrow pantry neat and tidy, and makes it easier to find ingredients quickly. How you categorize is up to you, but the easiest way is by standard food groups; tinned tomatoes, beans and pulses; pasta and rice, flour, sugar and baking powder, and so on. 

5. …and corral them into pull-out bins

Avoid placing items directly onto surfaces – they’ll only get jumbled and likely pushed to the back. Instead, group them by category into baskets and bins. These perform the same function as drawers but have the added benefit of being able to pull right out, so you can then set them down on a counter and have a proper rifle through. 

‘Opt for transparent storage with strong handles, like these stackable bins from Target, and always bear what you’re storing in mind. Taller items such as oils, dressings and sauces will need a container with higher sides so they don’t fall over, while heavier items might need a container with a reinforced base, for example,' says Millie Hurst, Solved section editor, Homes & Gardens. 

Be sure to measure the height and width of the shelf before deciding on pull out storage. You ideally want a snug fit, so you’re not left with dead space at the back. 

6. Introduce storage helpers

Employing pantry organizers is the best way to maximize every inch of space in a narrow pantry. Some are more helpful than others depending on what you want to store. Lazy Susans are a space-saving way of storing jars, tins and bottles on existing shelving, while undershelf baskets create extra storage space for snacks, folded linens and small kitchen essentials. You could even install a slim rack for wine storage. 

When organizing deep pantry shelves, Stephanie Nix, kitchen designer at Neptune advises using tiered storage. ‘Tinned food can be placed on a shelf to the back atop risers to allow you to see what you have without digging through several layers of cans, and clear containers are really helpful to easily spot what you need without rummaging,' she says. 

7. Utilize the back of a door

If narrow shelf space is limiting your options, the back of a door has the potential to make up for it. Going bespoke allows you to tailor storage to exact needs, but store-bought racks and rails work just as well. Customizable versions, such as this door system from The Container Store are the most versatile (also handy if you're wondering where to store spices in a small kitchen).

If there’s not enough width between the shelving and the door, consider mounting flat hooks and using them to store shopping bags and aprons, perhaps even a string bag of vegetables if space allows. This is a great kitchen cupboard storage idea in general, actually. 

8. Bear sell-by dates in mind

When replacing food items, put those newly bought towards the back of the shelf so you use up anything with less shelf life first. Do a regular stock take to avoid food sitting at the back unused. If your shelves are narrow and shallow, consider employing a similar organization system with risers; the item on top of the riser is the one to use up first with an extra stored underneath, for example. 

‘Even if you’re not decanting into jars, removing bulky outer packaging is still worth doing to save some space. Be sure to cut out the product name, nutritional facts and expiration date and tape it to the packet or container, so you’ve still got all the information you need,' says professional organiser Laura Price, founder of The Home Organisation. 

9. Avoid overstocking

Without the luxury of plentiful pantry storage, you’ll need to be cautious about how much you’re bringing home from the store going forward if you want to avoid clutter from building. 

‘It’s great to save money on those things you use often, but if you don’t have the space to store them, the kitchen quickly becomes unmanageable. Having a really good understanding of the amount of things you can physically fit in your pantry is key to keeping it in shape going forward,' says Laura. 

If space allows, consider mounting a blackboard either inside or next to your pantry, so you can keep an up-to-date list of what you need. 

FAQs

So, as you can see, organizing a narrow pantry is not that much different to your more ‘regular’ versions. The secret to success is, as always, good planning. Think sensible storage systems and regular maintenance, plus a few savvy helpers thrown in to ensure every inch is put to best use!

Mastering an effective storage system in our kitchen and pantry is something we've all (at least tried) to achieve, and it would seem that even Hollywood's elite aren't immune from this task.

Actress Jessica Alba shared a look into her parent's organized pantry that recently underwent a transformation courtesy of HOME + SORT and mDesign (the latter a favorite of H&G's after they paired up with celebrated designer Nate Berkus). 

However, while we confess we sometimes find organizing somewhat tedious, Jessica explains that she feels more excited about the process. And we suspect it has something to do with this refreshingly simple organization system. 

'The way an organized space gets me going! To say I’m all about organizational systems, deep cleans, containment – all the things – is an understatement,' Jessica says.

But where does the actress get her enthusiasm for tidiness from? Not her parents, according to her. 

'When moving my parents into their new house, I realized I may not have gotten that obsession from them. Mom and Dad, I love you – but y’all ain’t the most organized! In your new digs, though, there’s no excuse – HOME + SORT and mDesign came through and totally freaked it!'

In the pantry, Jessica is pictured alongside her parents' extensive coffee and tea collection, all of which are stored neatly in mDesign's famous transparent containers. 

'Between the space maximization, systems in place, labels showing exactly where everything goes, beautiful containment, zero clutter – it feels like my Pinterest mood board dreams came to life.'

Beyond the kitchen, mDesign products are seen in various points around Jessica's parents' home, including the laundry room and a makeup drawer. However, we can't help but note that the pantry is our favorite space in the home. 

So, what is the secret behind this tidy space? As mentioned, the room uses a combination of mDesign's best-loved products – many of which are designed and approved by Nate Berkus. These clear, easy-accessible pieces allow us to keep track of exactly what's in our pantry (or kitchen), meaning we don't overbuy – and can find things with ease. 

Jessica is seen next to the Nate-designed transparent bin and the adjustable drawer organizer that keeps their tea collection in check. In the 5th slide, we also spotted a handy turntable rack, similar to the mDesign model we found below. These organizers have a habit of selling out (we learned this the hard way from past experience), so we're making the investment now.  

In my opinion, the pantry is the most important space in the kitchen. When I organize my pantry, I like to live by the rule ‘a place for everything and everything in its place.’ This means that all your pantry staples have a permanent home in your pantry: you know where this is and so does everybody else in the house.

Following this simple rule means that when something is taken out to use, it will be put back in the exact same spot, no more guessing where it is or messing up the rest of the pantry trying to find it.

Whether you have a walk-in pantry or a small pantry, the pantry is the area that stores all the essentials for cooking, and if not organized correctly can have an effect on how your kitchen runs day to day.

5 things that transformed my pantry overnight 

These are my non-negotiables when it comes to organizing a pantry no matter what size.

1. Start from scratch

There is no point trying to wade through the disorganized mess and come up with a system from there, which is why this is the first and most important when it comes to Jeremiah Brent's pantry organization rules. You have to start from scratch if you truly want your pantry to have a makeover – in fact, it's one of the things people with organized kitchen pantries always do.

That means taking everything out of your pantry to assess what you actually have in it. This can be daunting when you see a tin of sauce three years out of date, but we have all been there.

Start by putting your food into groups, for example, all the condiments with each other, all the breakfast foods together, and dried foods such as pasta and rice. This practice will really help when you are putting everything back in the space.

2. See-through storage

Making sure that you have plenty of see-through storage is essential, transparent bins and canisters help you to locate things in your pantry quickly, and they also make it easier to keep everything constantly organized.

Decanting bulky packaged items that you get from the grocery store like cereal and pasta will make it easier to find and give you more space in the process.

Transparent storage bins also mean that you can see when you are running low on something and it needs restocking just by looking at it. My favorite see-through storage bins are these ones, available on Amazon.

3. Turntables

Turntables are truly a lifesaver, I don’t know what I would do without them in my pantry. The trick when using a turntable on a shelf in your pantry is to only put items on the turntables, do not put items around the turntables. If you start adding items around the turntables on the same shelf they are sitting on, the space will start to look and feel cluttered.

Let the turntables do the work, and place all your items on top of them. I have two turntables in my pantry, both on the same shelf and nothing on the free space around them. I like to use one for spreads and sauces and the other for liquid condiments like oil, vinegar, and soya sauce.

The fact that these tables ‘turn’ means that you no longer have to reach into the depths of your cupboard to find something, simply swivel them around to be able to get a full 360-degree look at everything you have on the table, truly revolutionary.

I use these stylish wooden turntables from Amazon to amplify my pantry space.

4. Labels labels labels

You cannot underestimate the power of labels, they provide written evidence that what you think is in your pantry is actually in there. I like to label everything in my pantry with this nifty label maker from Amazon.

Having things properly labeled means that everyone in the household can know where everything is at all times. You can have a bin labeled snacks and all the snacks can go in there another labeled cooking sauces and so on.

This system also works great if you have children as they know where to put things back and where to get them from without constantly being told.

5. Food grouping

Food grouping will ensure that your pantry stays organized for a long period of time. I started food grouping and my whole system changed overnight. This is because I never have to go looking for things in my pantry. I always know where everything is at a reach of a hand.

To group food effectively, identify food and cooking categories that work best for you, these can include, weeknight dinners, lunches, and baking.

Next, plan out a designated area for each with the most often used groups easy to reach and in a convenient position in your pantry, then label each zone to keep the sections contained.

I like to group food using transparent bins and containers, this method makes cooking easier, quicker, and hassle-free.

The pantry may be a daunting place to tackle. Once you remove everything from the space and start to re-organize the pantry you may think ‘how did I get all of that in there?’ and ‘how am I going to put it back?’ But you will.

An organized pantry is just the thing every kitchen needs to run smoothly and you will not regret thoroughly organizing this space as once done your pantry will effectively run itself. Mine does.

Pantries can easily get overcrowded and disorganized if you don't monitor their in and outtake, often featuring overfilled containers, too many items, and not enough shelf space. By taking the time to organize your pantry properly, you can avoid ending up with a space that looks messy and cluttered.

A pantry that is full to the brim is not only unappealing aesthetically but will also make navigating your pantry items more difficult than it need be, which can mean it quickly becomes a source of stress.

Having a deep kitchen decluttering session and reassessing what you need and where it should be placed can save you a lot of space and money.

How to declutter a pantry

Enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your pantry with these decluttering tips from our experts.

1. Assess and declutter

Phase one is the actual decluttering, which is one of the things people with organized kitchen pantries always do. It may take some time to clear and sort out what you need in your pantry, but in the long term, it will save you time by helping you maintain a space that shouldn't easily become overwhelmed and overcrowded.

Sort by categories

'As an interior designer, I understand the transformative power of an organized pantry – it not only elevates functionality but also adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen space,' says Elizabeth Grace, interior designer and founder of the Dream Homemaking blog.

'Embark on your decluttering journey by taking stock of the items residing in your pantry. Remove everything from the shelves and group similar items together. This inventory will provide valuable insights into what you have, what you need, and what may have overstayed its welcome.'

It's most efficient to completely empty your pantry when deciding what to declutter in order to help you isolate which items you are not going to use and are simply taking up space. In general, we recommend using the time-box elimination method to tackle this task.

Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight suggests, 'Instead of emptying one shelf at a time, pull out everything and categorize: grains, snacks, spices, etc. It allows for a fresh perspective, breaking the habitual placements we often fall into.'

This will allow you to assess what you might be overbuying and what you may not need. I can also highlight whether you need to find more storage options, kitchen organizers, and space for certain items.

Clear out unwanted products

Go through all your pantry staples and check for expiration dates. Along with finding which items are past their best and need to be thrown out, this will require you to carefully assess which products you actually do and will use, and which ones are just sitting around collecting dust.

'Anything expired, or that you know you won't use, needs to go. It's not just about making space but ensuring your pantry reflects your current tastes and lifestyle,' suggests Artem Kropovinsky.

See if any food items can be donated – as long as they are non-perishable items that are well within their shelf life. This way your decluttering mission also benefits others. 'Dispose of expired products responsibly, and recycle the packaging where possible. This step clears the path for a more streamlined and efficient pantry,' Elizabeth Grace adds.

2. Reorganize

Decluttering a pantry doesn't just involve clearing out unnecessary items, but reorganizing it once it has been decluttered to maintain this cleared state.

The key is to 'recognize the relationship between aesthetic appeal and practicality, fostering an environment that nurtures both culinary creativity and efficiency,' comments Ben Gold, interior designer and founder of Recommended Home Buyers.

Create zones

One great way to reorganize your pantry shelving is by creating zones. This will make planning grocery lists and weekly menus an easier task since you will be able to spot which areas are lacking ingredients, as well as make meal prepping more seamless as you can find what you need more quickly.

Categorize items based on functionality and meal groups. Dedicate zones for baking supplies, canned goods, snacks, and spices. You can also designate areas for breakfast, lunch and dinner supplies where it makes sense to do so. Alternatively, sort your pantry based on the frequency of use, keeping daily used items close to hand.

Invest in dividers for any drawers so all your products don't get lumped together without a clear order. You may want to consider installing a whiteboard or chalkboard in your pantry to write down which items you need to restock.

Embrace vertical space

Using vertical space in your pantry is a great pantry storage idea for those with limited floor space. Elizabeth Grace advises, 'Install adjustable shelves or invest in stackable storage containers to optimize the area above eye level, turning it into prime real estate for infrequently used items.'

You can also install hanging racks or clever pull-down spice racks, at Amazon, for storing spices and other smaller items.

Cleaning expert, Muffetta Krueger suggests using hooks on the back of the door if you are organizing a smaller pantry, providing space for aprons, oven mitts, or even lightweight baskets.'

Consider creating visual interest by storing items in order of size, for example, on higher shelves, you can display larger items like containers of pasta or cereal, and on lower shelves, have smaller items you need to hand like spices.

Use clear containers

'Incorporate elegance and practicality with transparent storage containers. These aesthetically pleasing vessels allow you to identify contents effortlessly, reducing the chances of overlooking items and encouraging you to maintain the pantry's orderliness,' suggests Elizabeth Grace.

These will create a sleek, uniform look and will make noticing when items are running low a task that can be completed at a glance. Investing in these long-lasting, eco-friendly storage solutions rather than buying single-use plastic bags is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Label items

'Labels are your best friend,' says Artem Kropovinsky. As well as looking neat, they make a busy pantry space much more organized. Keeping items labeled and organized creates a clear system that other members of the household can also help with. With containers dedicated to storing pasta, oats, pulses, and so on, you'll be more likely to unpack groceries in an orderly way. Kitchen jar chalkboard decals, at Wayfair, can be wiped and reused.

3. Pantry maintainance

The final step is to ensure that all your decluttering efforts don't go to waste. By sticking to a regular reassessment and decluttering routine you will reduce the amount of time and effort you have to spend doing deep decluttering sessions in the future.

Create a routine

Once you have decluttered your pantry, make sure to maintain its tidy state by regularly assessing what you don't need and what can be thrown out. Regularly schedule pantry maintenance sessions to keep clutter at bay, rather than waiting for it to build up.

Review your pantry before you go shopping to avoid unnecessarily buying duplicates. This should be a quick task when your pantry is categorized.

Normalize putting newer items behind older ones to make sure you use older items before they expire to save you money and reduce waste. Artem Kropovinsky recommends using baskets or boxes to organize your items by date of expiry. 'That way, you can easily sort out or consume those nearing their expiry dates first,' he says.

Or you could simply stack them in an order where you will grab the ones with the closest use-by date first.

FAQs

You don't have to wait for spring cleaning time to get to work on your pantry, since a decluttered pantry will save you plenty of time, effort and even money in the long run, so what are you waiting for?

The goal of decluttering your pantry isn't to create a minimalistic environment but rather to maintain an organized space that caters to your needs, making meal prep and shopping much easier. You can continue to keep rearranging your pantry and increase efficiency in a way that suits you and your household.

When it is hot and humid outside, it can be hard to keep your pantry nice and cool. Ideally, our pantry storage space should be between 50°F (10°C) and 70°F (21°C), which is much cooler than you might expect.

Excessive heat will shorten the shelf life of our pantry staples, be it perishables like fruit and dairy products to canned goods and grains. 

And as well as being unpleasant, a too-hot pantry can lead to odors and possible health risks, as well as simply making our food taste bad.

How to keep a pantry cool

Mike Futia from Grill Frenzy describes a bad food hygiene domino effect that can happen when the pantry is too warm.

'Food can lose flavor and nutritional value. It also causes food to spoil more quickly, which draws pests to the area. High temperatures may facilitate the development of bacteria and mold on food, too,' he says. 'The labels on the jars peel off, spoiling the canned food as well. Additionally, things like candles and chocolates could melt.'

1. Store appliances elsewhere

Many of us like to store our coffee machines and toasters in the pantry as a way to keep our kitchen counters clear, but when the overall temperature is high, it's best to store kitchen appliances away from food as they do generate heat, raising the ambient temperature slightly. Any heat sources should be placed elsewhere, and this applies to white goods too:

'Humid appliances like refrigerators and freezers should also be kept far away from dry goods and ideally in a separate space altogether,' says food safety expert Paul Kushner at My Bartender.

Struggling for space? There are always new, creative kitchen storage ideas you can try that will help make the most out of the open and closed storage space you have available.

2. Increase ventilation

Adding a window or vent on a north-facing wall will improve airflow. Just ensure openings are protected from pests and sunlight exposure to avoid bugs or other critters entering, and from food spoiling in direct sunshine. If you have any electrical outlets in the pantry, consider adding a portable fan with clamp, at Amazon, that can easily clip onto shelving to keep air moving.

'A lack of ventilation in the pantry area is a common mistake that leads to
high temperatures and humidity in the space,' says Mike Futia.

Bear in mind that when adding a vent, your pantry will always be at the same temperature as the rest of your home, which could mean it becomes too hot in the winter as you warm up the whole house.

3. Block out heat with window film

Window film, at Amazon, will reflect light and heat back outside, reducing how much heat passes through the window. This will help keep things cool in summer and retains heat in winter.

4. Manage humidity

The ideal relative humidity levels for a pantry are between 50% and 60%. To keep it down, run your dehumidifier in the pantry or kitchen area.

'Humidity is the enemy in your pantry! If you can prevent humidity, you will minimize the possibility of mold, mildew and spoilage. Plus, who wants soggy crackers? If you live in a humid climate, I'd suggest adding a dehumidifier to your pantry,' says Paul Kushner. 

'Silica gel packets, at Walmart are also an easy way to keep dry goods intact, just be sure they aren't consumed accidentally. There are also baking soda-based moisture absorbers, but ultimately climate control through a dehumidifier or HVAC system will be your best bet.'

An air purifier can reduce odors, too.

5. Streamline your shelves

Make sure the pantry is not overcrowded by doing some kitchen decluttering before organizing your pantry.

'Don’t pack your food too tightly or stack them too high, as this reduces
air circulation,' explains AJ Yarwood from Open Air Advisor. 'Don’t use containers that are not airtight or moisture-proof, which allow heat and moisture to enter.'

Anything on shelves that are too high up will also be exposed to higher temperatures as heat rises.

6. Monitor the temperature day to day

Keep a thermometer in the pantry so you can monitor the temperature easily.

'Ideally, your pantry should be between 50 and 70℉,' says Paul Kushner, food safety expert. 'This minimizes potential bacterial growth, mold, and over-fermentation resulting in cracked or exploded jars. Canned foods are also prone to tasting off if they are heated and cooled repeatedly in their sealed cans.'

FAQs

Try a combination of measures for reducing heat, humidity, and smells – a few simple tweaks and opening the pantry door will be a lot more pleasant when the mercury rises.

There's no denying that pantries are the most coveted element of a modern kitchen. But should your pantry be the same color as your kitchen, or is a contrasting color, one that perhaps highlights its presence a better option?

Whether the pantry is in a separate or adjoining room to the main kitchen, or simply an upscaled, dedicated cabinet in a run of kitchen units, this invaluable food and appliance storage space deserves some thought when it comes to decor. 

We asked interiors experts for their pantry decor ideas and put the question to them: should a pantry be the same color as a kitchen, or different? This is what they said.

Should a pantry be the same color as a kitchen?

One way to make a pantry look more expensive is to invest in decorating it as you would other spaces. But should your pantry be the same color as the kitchen? The answer is: it depends on the look you want to create, the style of your home, your existing color schemes and approach to color overall. 

It also depends on the type of pantry you have, whether a well-organized large cabinet space within a kitchen, or a separate walk-in space, more of a butler's pantry adjoining the main kitchen. These distinctions can guide the color treatment, too.

When to choose the same color for your pantry and kitchen

A one-color approach makes good sense when the pantry is part of the kitchen, especially if it's on show, because it won't interrupt the visual flow, helping to make a small kitchen feel bigger. 

It can also be the best choice if your decor scheme overall is calm and coordinated.

Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager at paint brand Benjamin Moore, highlights the benefits of going for a single color scheme. 

She says: 'Just like any other rooms in the home, the kitchen and pantry should also reflect your life and design style. You’ll want to create the atmosphere that enhances your lifestyle with colors.

'You can choose to keep it simple by using all one color for the space to make it look larger. This allows you to get creative with accessories you bring to the space, such as colorful plates, vases, or artwork on the wall.' 

Or, you could continue the cabinetry colors and styles into the pantry, but look for contrasting pantry door ideas for walk-in spaces to differentiate.

A one-color approach doesn't mean you can't differentiate a little in your pantry, such as in the space above. 

Here, the lower shelves are painted the same color as the kitchen cabinets, but since it's such a striking bold teal there's no chance of the one-color scheme looking flat, particularly with its own tiled backsplash to differentiate it. 

A glass-fronted cabinet in the run of kitchen units provides extra interest and display space for favorite crockery and glassware in similar tones to the tiles to tie the two areas together. 

Mika Durrell, founder of Able Moraine, says that when the pantry is the same color as the kitchen, 'It can be fun to incorporate a wood accent that compliments the kitchen island or cabinetry mixed with paint or tiles that work off the kitchen's color scheme, materials and palette but is unique and different in materials. It could have a different pattern or texture, but still be aligned in its color story.'

If you want to choose a stand-out bold color for your pantry, one that you would never pick for your kitchen, you'll be in good company.

Though some designers highlight colors you should never paint a pantry, interior designer Charles Cohen is a big fan of a statement pantry: 'I view a pantry as a secondary feature of a kitchen,' he says, 'giving you the opportunity to use a bold color cabinet or an eye-catching wallpaper. 

'But by choosing an element to connect the spaces, such as the continuation of flooring or stone countertops this allows the two spaces to feel cohesive but have their own personality.'

Mika Durrell often favors the statement approach for pantries in her design projects. 'I would go BOLD, DEEP, DARK, keeping a complimentary cabinetry style and aesthetic to the kitchen and overall home, but rich in color and tone.  If you had a neutral kitchen with creams, beiges, and light stone, brass hardware, you could do an aubergine pantry, with dark counters and dark metal hardware for example. You could do a deep dark blue, or even a cranberry.  When choosing color palettes for these types of spaces that deviate from the rest of the home, or adjacent spaces, you can also pull from the accent colors or decorative pillows, to tie the entire home together and make all the spaces flow and breathe as one cohesive home.'

So, by all means go bold with the pantry, but you'll get the best finish if you anchor it a little to create an element of harmony with the rest of the kitchen.

When to choose a different color for your pantry and kitchen

Whether your pantry is a cabinet within the kitchen or a distinct walk-in room, you could choose to make it stand out as a separate entity with a different color scheme. 

The benefits of this approach will create the impression of different zones within a space, and can added beneficial interest to linked spaces. This is becoming more fashionable to do, as designers are showcasing pantries in their designs. 

Hannah Yeo, says, 'You may want a two-toned approach which can feel natural in the kitchen in order to break up different sections.' 

Vancouver-based interior designer Stephanie Brown offers some great advice for introducing an element of distinct style for a pantry, while still balancing a harmonious color scheme through the two areas: 'While we like to emphasize consistency with design, a separate walk-in pantry can be a great space for introducing a different color or finish. 

'We do however like to ensure that color or material is also used elsewhere in the home. For instance, if a kitchen island is teal-green (and the remainder of the kitchen is white), it can look great to use teal-green for the pantry cabinets.' 

Think about the finish and materials for the pantry too: 'The same goes for wood; pull those wood elements from elsewhere and consider an all-wood pantry,' says Stephanie Brown. 'In terms of cabinet style, we again recommend consistency; work with door styles and details that are already present elsewhere in the home’s design.'

The age of the house, room style and pantry layout might also affect your color and finish choices, as Hannah Yeo explains: 'You’ll also want to let the architecture guide you. If the pantry has unique characteristics or if you have a walk-in pantry with doors, use a contrasting color to highlight these areas. 

Interior designer Analisse Taft-Gersten of The 1818 Collective believes the style of the house is the most important factor in choosing color options. 

'There are no rules of thumb about pantries needing to be the same or different, I think they can go either way actually. It all depends on the layout and also the aesthetic of the architecture. For instance, in a modern house I might opt to do all the same color and cabinet design to have a more contemporary flow. 

'In a transitional home I might want to be more intentional by using more layers and playing with different stones, backsplashes and cabinet materials such as cladding the cabinets in brass or high-gloss paints.'

And on the subject of layout, Los Angeles-based interior designer Victoria Gillet says 'I always like to stay cohesive and create a seamless transition between my kitchen and pantry. If it’s a walk-in pantry, I like to use open shelves or glass door but if the pantry is closed then I have more flexibility with the color and finish and can go with something slightly different.'

When to choose the middle ground

As with many interior design and color scheme conundrums, it seems the best approach is often a balanced approach. 

All the interiors experts we spoke to about whether a pantry should be a different color to the kitchen advised finding design elements to link the two spaces, even if you do choose different colors. 

In the Tom Howley two tone kitchen above, although the pantry doors are cream to match the run of kitchen units, the wooden interior creates a smart contrast with the other units, maintaining continuity while at the same time striking a note of difference. 

Color schemes are always a matter of personal preference, but as designer Victoria Gillet says, 'Ultimately, the goal is to create a functional and visually pleasing space that complements the overall design of your kitchen.' 

Keep that in mind at all times and your pantry will shine, no matter what color you choose. 

A pantry is an ultra desirable feature of any kitchen. But just as for the kitchen itself, decor counts. Select the wrong paint color for a pantry and it can make it look dingy, unappealing, and fail to complement the kitchen. 

Generous super organizable storage, and maybe extra utilities like a sink and faucet put pantry ideas at the top of many a kitchen wish list, so it’s vital not to spoil your plans with a paint color that’s a let down – and that’s where interior designer advice comes in. 

Here, interior designers share the colors they would never paint a pantry in and – for inspiration – those they would.

Pantry paint colors to avoid – according to experts

A pantry can be open to the kitchen, or a separate space but, either way, it’s one part of a whole and needs to be considered in that way as well as individually. Color has an influence on atmosphere, too, and a pantry should be decorated to suit the tasks that go on there. These are the paint colors to avoid, plus the ones you might like to use in your own home.

Red

Red is a powerful color that designers typically don’t recommend for the kitchen, and the same goes for a pantry although here it’s also the room’s size that makes it a paint color you shouldn’t use. ‘Bold, bright colors can seem excessively intense in a compact space like a pantry,’ says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky.

That doesn’t mean you can’t use pops of a bold hue, but go carefully, advises Artem. ‘If you’re attracted to a vibrant color, attempt to employ it sparingly,’ he recommends.

Green

Green is another colour to avoid for a pantry as it could cast a green light on the food that won’t be welcome for this hard-working part of the kitchen. 

‘When considering the pantry, this is often an extension of the kitchen and should function properly to allow for meal preparation and hosting or entertaining,’ explains Angela Hamwey of Mackenzie & Co.

Blue

Also on the list of paint colors you shouldn’t use for a pantry according to experts is blue – at least in its darker incarnations. ‘As a general rule, we tend to avoid dark or saturated colors in the main living spaces as they are distracting and usually don’t have a positive effect on the overall mood and ambience of a space,’ explains Angela Hamwey.

A dark blue can also make the space seem cramped. ‘Dark shades can shrink a pantry visually, making it seem confined and congested,’ says Artem Kropovinsky. ‘If a darker color is your preference, consider limiting its use to a feature wall or a small section.’

Yellow

Another color that designers advise may not do a pantry any favors along with those we’ve already mentioned is yellow. ‘Paint colors such as red, green, blue, or yellow may make the area feel unorganized or disheveled,’ says Angela Hamwey. ‘Additionally, the pantry should not make a statement and detract from the rest of the home.’

And if you’re thinking that a subdued take on yellow might make the grade, the advice is that this takes work to pull off. ‘Understated, muted colors could result in a pantry appearing uninspiring and dull. If you wish to use a muted color, consider pairing it with colorful accessories such as baskets, jars, and labels,’ says Artem Kropovinsky. 

Bright white

While it might seem as if it’s the perfect space-expanding shade for a small room like a pantry, you may want to steer clear of bright white. It’s a color that can feel clinical and stark – not the ambience that’s desirable in the kitchen area.

But that’s not to say white is completely out. Try off whites that offer warm takes on the color. The result if you take this route? ‘A classic pantry color that perpetually remains in vogue, white can render a pantry light and spacious,’ says Artem Kropovinsky.

FAQs

Our pantries can be problematic enough without pests joining in the mix, but when meddling pantry moths make a home in our dried food storage, it is important to deal with them swiftly.

Much like getting rid of ants in the kitchen, getting rid of moths from your pantry should be done quickly and carefully to help preserve your pantry goods and keep your food safe.

Here, professional pest control experts have shared their top tips for getting rid of pantry moths and how to keep them away for good.

How to get rid of pantry moths  

It is fairly simple to identify a pantry moth, with a distinctive copper red coloring on its outer wings, six legs, and an elongated oval shape, explains Scot Hodges, A.C.E certified entomologist at Arrow Exterminators. Measuring less than three-fourths of an inch long, these pests are attracted to a large range of dried food products such as dried fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, chocolate, and pet food amongst other things which they then feed on and create nests out of – hence the common name, pantry moth, Scot continues. 

Here is how to get rid of these problematic pests before they contaminate your foodstuffs with droppings and eggs and cause otherwise preventable illnesses. 

1. Inspect your dried food packages and throw out infested foods

Although time-consuming, it is vital that you take everything out of your pantry and check the contents for any signs of infestation or larvae, says Trent Copperfield, vice president of On Demand Pest Control. This will be simpler if you regularly organize your pantry.

Any products that have been contaminated by the moths should be disposed of, but you should avoid doing so into your regular trash bin, Trent warns. ‘This may not prevent them from spreading further. Instead, consider taking them outside with the trash right away, moving your outdoor trash bin away from the exterior walls, doors, and windows of your home to avoid encouraging them back in.’

2. Vacuum your pantry to remove crumbs and debris

Vacuum cleaners are great for keeping more than your floors clean. Spaces such as pantries are particularly prone to crumbs which can attract pests. Vacuuming can help to quickly collect all of this debris, along with any dead bugs, webbing, and larvae, that are littering your shelves without the risk of them dropping to the floor, points out Olga Gladkaya, pest control expert at Pest Control Plus 

‘Make sure to pay particular attention to cracks and crevices where moths and their eggs may be hiding,’ they add.

3. Clean shelving and doors with warm, soapy water

There are plenty of pantry cleaning hacks to speed up the cleaning process, but when dealing with pests there is little better than taking your time with some warm soapy water.

Pest control expert Trent Copperfield urges you to remember to wipe down the walls, shelves, and underside of shelves when cleaning for pests to remove any pests, webbing, and larvae. ‘Once you've cleaned the pantry, inspect everything before putting it back into the pantry, making sure any open packages are sealed up,’ he advises.

4. Consider a moth trap to catch any remaining pests

Once you have cleaned out your pantry, Bary Bryant, ‘bugspert’ at Bill Clark Pest Control suggests that you add in a moth trap, or try your hand at making your own homemade moth repellent to help tackle any lingering pests.

Usually in the form of a pheromone trap, these small additions attract moths to one spot, making them easier to remove all in one go,’ he explains. 

How to prevent pantry moths

Preventing pantry moths is a lot less effort than trying to get rid of them once they have established a home.  

1. Keep food in sealed containers 

Decanting food goods is more than just a trendy fad, it is a great way of preventing pests from infiltrating your pantry, says Olga Gladkaya, pest control expert. Sealed, airtight containers made from durable materials such as glass or plastic are best for this, they add. ‘This will keep pantry moths out and prevent them from laying their eggs. What’s more, taking away access to their food source will prevent them from entering your pantry in the first place than solving the problem at the source.

2. Keep bulk food containers and pantries clean 

It should go without saying that keeping your containers and pantry clean will also help to deter pests from setting up a home in your cabinets. Making sure you clean a kitchen properly and regularly, working into the backs of deep cabinets and corners too will help to catch any alluring food spills before it brings a whole host of wildlife into your kitchen.  

3. Use up old products first before replacing them  

Bulk buying is often a more affordable way to shop, but topping up half-empty containers and opening new packets before finishing old ones encourages pests as food deteriorates or goes off. 

‘The longer a food sits in your pantry, the higher the chances it could become infested,’ reminds Brian Valentin of Turner Pest Control, ‘so use your opened products as quickly as you can. If possible, it might be better to purchase smaller quantities of dried products, rather than bulk products that will take months to use up,’ he adds. 

4. Check new foods for pests when decanting

Just because you have just bought something new from a store, doesn't mean it is 100% guaranteed to be free from pantry moths – although it is very rare that this would be the case. 

‘It is always a good idea to shop at clean stores – if any spillage is present in and around shelving, the chances of purchasing an infested food product goes up,’ explains Craig Sansig, public health entomologist at Viking Pest Control. ‘Check packages as you open them, if a newly infested food is brought into the home, you should notify the store it was purchased at immediately.’ 

FAQs

Pests in a kitchen can be a headache, but they are, more often than not, simple to get rid of yourself with some basic hygiene practices and a little vigilance. Should your pest infestation continue beyond completing these steps, it may be a good time to call in a professional pest control expert who can assess your situation and suggest alternative approaches to freeing your pantry from moths.  

Small spaces are some of the most difficult to organize, and it is only made worse when they are in busy places like our home kitchens.

Organizing a small pantry may seem tricky, especially if you are a keen cook with a vast array of dried goods, but creating simple systems can help to restore order in the tightest of spaces.

Professional organizers see these seven small pantry organizing mistakes in almost every small kitchen. Here, they explain what you can do to avoid them.

Small pantry organizing mistakes

These seven organizing errors can disrupt the flow of our kitchens, even if they are concealed behind closed doors. Fixing them may not make you a better cook, but it will make life easier.

1. Bulk buying

As decanting food into jars for pantries remains popular, more of us have been bulk-buying items to keep our pantries full – both for aesthetics and for practicality. One downside of this in small pantries, however, is there is often not enough space to accommodate the beautifully packed jars and the leftover packets. 

Although this shopping method is a great way to save money on those things you use often if you don't have the space to create a good storage area for all of those spares, the kitchen quickly becomes ‘unmanageable’, says Laura Price, professional organizer and founder of The Home Organization. ‘In cases like these, it is more important to have a really good understanding of the number of things you can physically fit in your kitchen. That is the key to keeping things in shape.’

You should then only restock as and when needed. 

2. Restocking incorrectly

How you restock your pantry is also a common failure point when it comes to any sized pantry, let alone small ones. Stocking up on things you already have many of, or on things you rarely use takes up precious real estate that you could use for other more important items. 

It is rare that you will have this issue with staples like pasta, rice, or other grains, but it is important to take your time taking an inventory of your pantry when buying groceries. Not only is this the best way to see what you have and what you need, but it ‘can help you avoid overbuying food or running out of essentials,’ says Barbara Oldham, a professional organizer at The Inspired Home by B. 

Make sure you also make a note of how often you run out of those things. The containers you empty the most are your household staples, and more space and time restocking should be dedicated to those.

3. Forgetting to label items

One of the most useful home organization ideas is to use a label maker of some sort – whether that be a small printer or handwritten – to keep tabs on what you have in containers and their expiration dates. 

In small pantries, it can seem okay to leave these out and hope you remember what is what, but in reality, none of our minds are that dedicated to remembering the exact expiration for four different foods bought at different times. 

Not only is it important to your health, but it is essential to keeping things organized too, professional organizer Barbra Oldham explains. It ensures things are ‘easy to find’ and is especially important ‘if you have a lot of similar items, such as different types of pasta or canned goods,’ she says.

4. Failing to categorize

Breaking an area down into small sections really helps when organizing small spaces, even if it is usually only suggested in larger spaces. Creating clear-cut categories is a great way to ensure every product has a ‘home’ that it can return to and mixing these categories, or not having them in the first place, is a one-way ticket to a poorly planned kitchen, says Dawn Falcone, professional organizer and founder of The Chaos Liberator. 

‘It makes it difficult to know what you have and what you need when you do this. Placing like items in bins and labeling them, or even adding labels to the edges of your shelves solves this problem.’

5. Neglecting to take regular inventory

Just because you took inventory once doesn't mean that your pantry is set for life. We are not always creatures of habit, and our food preferences can change frequently meaning our small pantries need to do the same. When organizing a kitchen, checking what we have and what we use most should be done regularly, even up to once a month. 

'Editing isn't a once and done,’ reminds Laura Price, home organizer. ‘Regularly look through your pantry to check for expired items or things you thought you'd use, but never did. In a small kitchen there's no room for things you don't use, so keep checking and get rid of them or even reassess your categories and shift them around as needed.’

6. Not using clear storage containers

Clear pull-out or stackable bins are one of the many kitchen organizers professionals always buy – and for good reason. These containers are perfect for containing clutter while also allowing you to see what you have at the same time, says professional organizer Barbara Oldham. 

Using these clear bins is also a great option if you find yourself losing items at the back of your small pantry, or have trouble keeping tabs on half-empty packets lingering on shelves. ‘Placing these items in bins (again labeled) so everything can be seen, fixes this issue,’ continues Dawn Falcone, professional organizer. ‘I regularly rely on clear plastic bins for an array of home organizing projects.’

7. Not thinking about vertical space

One thing small spaces rarely lack is height. Given that they are often the same height as every other room, you can really benefit from taking your storage up vertically – and not doing this is one of the most common small pantry organizing mistakes you can make. 

Whether you have a closed-door pantry or are making small kitchen storage by adding to your walls, adding height is essential, Barbara Oldham, home organizer urges. If you cannot add to your space physically with new shelving on walls or inside doors, then this can be done using common organizers like tiered lazy susans, shelf risers, or adding pull-out drawers,’ she suggests. 

FAQs

Despite their small footprint it is easy to make some big mistakes when organizing a small pantry. These common errors will often not only make things look chaotic but also prevent your kitchen from functioning efficiently, so it's well worth taking the time to fix them.

A pantry is a bit like the new kitchen island, once an element that every homeowner dreamed of becoming essential when designing or remodeling a kitchen. This means pantries are getting smaller and more clever in their designs, making it possible for them to squeeze into a kitchen with limited square footage. 

And much like with an island, you can get carried away with the thought of having all this extra storage space and bypass some of the important considerations. Size, positioning, and layouts all need to be spot on to make this addition to your kitchen worthwhile, especially if it's going to be on the smaller side. Pantries aren't cheap and even with small designers they do take up space, so you need to ensure you are getting all of your pantry design right. 

So before you start solely focusing on how you are going to arrange your ever-growing pasta collection, we spoke with kitchen designers about the small pantry mistakes that are really easy to make – and how you can avoid them.

Small pantry mistakes to avoid 

Explore how you can make a small pantry work in your home with our collection of small pantry ideas below; from helpful organization tips to the best pantry shapes and styles recommended by our experts.

1. Ignoring the smaller details

Small pantries can be ideal for doubling up as a coffee station to hide away all your appliances and keep your surfaces elsewhere clutter-free (especially handy in a small kitchen). Designs with pocket doors are perfect for this as you can slide them out of the way when the area is in use and then hide the storage away when you need to. But one thing that's obviously key to this setup working is plug sockets. You need to be considering them in your design right from the beginning. 

'When designing your pantry, think about the smaller details before you start designing the cabinetry,' advises Alex Main, director, of The Main Company. 'What do you want to use the pantry for? For example, someone homeowners may decide they want to use it as a coffee and tea station but didn’t include plug sockets within the electrical plans. Plan how you’d like to use the space and factor these details in when designing the space.'

Reuben Ward, Lead Designer at Blakes London agrees, 'Don't leave your appliance planning till the end, decide which items are going where and make sure that you have suitable power and even water or waste available to serve them. Lighting also needs to be considered at the outset, we recommend LED strips underneath shelves so that all items are clearly visible and you don't end up with dark forgotten corners where items go to die.'

2. Going too small (or too deep)

You can go too small with a pantry, to the point when it just becomes a redundant addition to your kitchen and you might as well use the space for standard cabinetry instead. But how small can you go with a pantry?

'You can specify a pullout pantry that is only 12” wide and create tremendous storage for a smaller kitchen space,' suggests kitchen designer and founder of Thyme & Place, Sharon Sherman. 'I personally have a walk-in pantry which is 8’ Deep and 6’ Wide. I can walk into it and that is where most of our larder storage is found, bulk items like rice, oversized stock pots, serving platters and large bowls, etc. I also have a countertop which holds a few small appliances.'

And consider how deep your pantry is. A common solution with a small pantry is to go narrow but deep, however, as Sharon points out, there comes a point when adding space backwards just creates an opportunity for you to shove in clutter that will be forgotten about as it's not easily accessible. 

'Any cabinet pantry deeper than 24” really does not give you additional space. The deeper the shelves, the easier it is to lose things at the back. Shelves that pull out to gain access to whatever is in the back of the cabinet makes sense but not above eye level as you cannot see those items either.'

And ensure you have enough room to actually move around the space, not just reach in the hope you grab the right item. As Allison Lynch, Senior Design Consultant at Roundhouse says, 'One of the biggest mistakes made when designing a small pantry is not allowing enough room for moving around when putting groceries away and bending down to reach shelves at the base level. It’s essential to consider what items will be used regularly and sort them accordingly for ease of access.'

3. Breaking up the golden triangle

The positioning of a pantry, no matter how small, is so important to get right, and the easiest way to ensure you do is to consider how you use your kitchen. Where does it make sense for the pantry to be? When it comes to kitchen layouts, we are still big fans of the golden triangle approach. That's having your three main work zones (fridge, stove, and sink) all within an easy-to-move-around, triangular formation. What you want to avoid is your pantry breaking up that flow, so position it outside of that working triangle.

'One of my biggest nos when it comes to pantries is placing them directly in the middle of the work zones. I am not sure who decided this was a good idea and I see it in many architects' plans. Clients have often been advised this is a good idea, but absolutely not,' says Sharon Sherman.

Alex Main, director at The Main Company agrees, 'As larders are often used regularly throughout the day, we’d advise not placing it in a part of the kitchen with high foot traffic, for example, within the kitchen triangle consisting of the fridge, sink and hob. To take things in and out of the pantry requires opening and closing the door, so positioning it within this area isn’t the most effective use of space and means you will often be in the way. Instead, pantries work well in the corner of the kitchen for example.'

'The most ideal pantry location varies from kitchen to kitchen and also depends on the client's needs. What works for one person may not work for another. Every kitchen layout is unique. However, when designing your kitchen it’s best to locate the pantry away from the direct cooking area to avoid temperature changes impacting your dry goods. You also want to leave ample countertop space around the cooktop and sink for regular kitchen activities but have the pantry somewhat close by for easy access,' adds Bianca Betancourt, senior designer at FORM kitchens.

4. Adding too much closed storage

'When designing your pantry you want things to be easily accessible, therefore we often recommend avoiding all closed storage units. Having items in view provides a practical solution, particularly in a small space to ensure things are easily reachable - features such as a bottle or spice racks and floating shelves offer easy access without it becoming a cluttered space,' suggests Elizabeth Sherwin, creative director at Naked Kitchens.

If you do need to corral any clutter, consider adding drawers instead of cupboards, or baskets. Although baskets might look aesthetically pleasing, they aren't ideal for strong heavier items. 'If you are wanting to store a significant amount of food and beverages, avoid having all-basket storage. Ideally, a combination of drawers and shelves is preferable, particularly with some solid drawers as these have a better weight limit and storage capacity,' advises Elizabeth. 

5. Not planning out the size of shelving

This is really key to a successful small pantry, and a mistake you want to avoid because it can result in your pantry shelving being totally useless. 'It is important to consider the essentials that need to be stored as there is nothing more frustrating than finding out your favorite cereal or new mason jars don't fit on the shelves where you envisioned them. Having those items in mind means you can determine the shelf heights or drawer heights required,' says Elizabeth. 

And consider the positioning and layout of the shelves too. In a small pantry, the seemingly obvious option is to stick with a wall of shelving, but if you have the room to add a little depth to create wrap-around shelving this makes for a more ergonomic space. 'Make sure you have enough height between your shelves for your preferred jars and storage containers (we advise decanting most food into these for a tidier look and maximizing space). Ideally, your shelves would be horse-shoe shaped to give you headroom when organizing/working in the pantry, nobody wants a painful bump or a crick neck!' advises Lois Riley, designer at Mowlem & Co.

6. Not making use of vertical space

If you are blessed with small proportions in your kitchen, you should already know the importance of vertical space. But here's your reminder, don't let any of that space above eye level go to waste when designing a small pantry.

'Make sure to utilize all your kitchen’s space, especially height. Even at a very high level, you can have thin wrap-around shelves which are a great way to maximize storage space, especially in smaller kitchens. Designate zones in the pantry at the design stage for different types of items. For example, it’s best to store food higher than your appliances and crockery to avoid attracting mice,' advises designer Naomi Astley Clarke.

'And don't place all your shelves at the same height just because it looks good,' adds Reuben Ward, lead designer at Blakes London. 'Consider what items you will need to store at what level and set your shelves accordingly. Breakfast cereal boxes need more height and people often place these up high as they are light and unattractive, but if you have children in the home, you might want to future-proof where you store them lower down so that they can become self-sufficient at breakfast time.'

'Consider the depth of your selves too, if they are too deep you'll never find items at the back so consider drawers instead. U shape shelves also work particularly well in pantries. If your pantry has doors, spice drawers work well on the backs, as do dish towel hooks or paper towel, or foil and cling film reels.'

Make those top shelves even more of an asset by adding in a ladder or at least having a step to hand. 'If you want to maximize the full ceiling height of a walk-in pantry, make sure you can easily reach the tops shelves! We would add a sliding ladder and rail. If you plan to use your pantry as a baking cupboard,  or even just for placing heavy shopping until it's put away, make sure the worktop is cool to the touch, tough and appropriate, so preferably stone or quartz.' suggests Lois. 

7. Not considering lighting

Think about it, you would never have a fridge that didn't light up when you opened the door, and the same should be the case with a pantry. 'Poor lighting is a mistake to avoid, there should always be good lighting in the pantry. Lighting built into shelves makes finding things so much easier, especially in a walk-in pantry,' says Sharon Sherman. 

Allison Lynch agrees that 'not introducing enough light is another mistake often made. Lighting these small spaces properly is key so you can use them effectively.' So plan lighting in early and ensure it's purely functional – this is not the space to be getting creative with kitchen lighting. Spotlights in the ceiling and LED under-shelf lights will ensure the space is lit effectively and you can easily find what you are after. 

8. Adding a pantry in a space that changes temperature

Underfloor heating is a dream in a kitchen, but if you are adding a tiny walk-in pantry be sure not to take it under that section of the room. Food + heat is obviously not a good combo. 

'Ideally one would avoid laying underfloor heating into a walk-in pantry area so that it maintains a slightly cooler temperature than the rest of the kitchen. You can even take it one step further and chose not to insulate walls, and even include a cold shelf made of natural stone for foods such as cheeses to sit on.' suggests Reuben Ward.

And in a similar vein be sure not to add your pantry into areas of the home or kitchen that fluctuate in temperatures. 'One of the biggest storage mistakes is putting a pantry in somewhere that tends to be very hot – like next to a boiler.' says Naomi Astley Clarke. And same goes for having a pantry near the oven too. 'Avoid spaces that are warm as food can easily spoil – good ventilation and light are needed, however lots of direct sunlight isn’t good either as it increases the temperature in the room.'

Kitchen designer, Tom Howley, says, 'there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to kitchen ideas for a small pantry, but by avoiding any of the above small pantry mistakes, you can make yours more efficient, streamlined and beautiful.

Keeping a small pantry organized can seem like an uphill battle if you are a keen home chef or have family members who like to help themselves, but are not so invested in keeping the space neat.

The secret to pantry organizing is good structure, regular maintenance and a range of clever buys that use every square inch wisely. This is never more important than in a small pantry.

Here, professional organizers share the six small pantry organizing ideas they use again and again to make this limited space both functional and pleasing.

How to organize a small pantry  

If you are looking for small kitchen storage ideas to make your space neat and practical, you can't do better than a pantry – even if it's a small one. However, for it to function without frustration, you will need some solid home organizing ideas. This is what professional organizers recommend.

1. Categorize items

Organizing a small pantry by item categories is your first step.

Creating these ‘zones’ within the pantry makes finding things easy and helps you to evaluate how you cook, says Laura Price, professional organizer and founder of The Home Organization. You are ‘creating the building blocks of the space which you can then adjust and move around to get the right combination for you,’ she advises.

For example, if you love using spices when you cook but never bake, then the space given over to spices needs to be larger than your baking zone.

Remember, says Laura, that when ‘one zone gets bigger, something else has to get smaller to keep the pantry from overflowing,’ so play around with your pantry shelving and adjust it as needed.

2. Regularly declutter your small pantry

Small pantry organizing requires regular decluttering and frequent stock checking to ensure you are using the space efficiently.

To declutter your small pantry, professional organizer and founder of The Inspired Home by B Barbara Oldham suggests removing everything from the pantry and discarding things you should never store in a pantry, anything out of date or that you do not like, and setting aside duplicates of items you do use into a separate pile. There are pantry items you can skip decluttering, too, so make sure to hang onto these to reduce unnecessary food waste.

While empty, it is a great time to clean your pantry from top to bottom to remove any sticky marks that may cause odors or bring in pests.

Then, start putting items back in this order: on the top shelves, those items you use infrequently, duplicates and refills; on the middle shelves (within easy reach), commonly used items; on the bottom shelves, larger, bulkier items.

Use this exercise as an opportunity to make a stock list (or mental note) of what you have, of duplicates, of soon-to-expire foods, too. If you are organizing a pantry with deep shelves, this is particularly useful to stop things getting lost at the back.

3. Bring soon-to-expire foods to the fore

Keeping foods with the short expiry dates near the front of a small pantry will ensure that they are used before they go off, says Dawn Falcone, professional organizer and founder of The Chaos Liberator.

When unpacking your weekly shopping, she suggests placing ‘new canned and dry goods in the back of bins or on shelves. Move unfinished or single-item snacks to the top of the bin or shelves so you and use them before they expire.’

Regularly rotating items will help contribute towards a no-waste household and help you be more sustainable at home.

4. Use shelf risers to see items at the back of deep shelves

One of the many items kitchen organizers professionals always buy, shelf risers help you see what you have in a small pantry without having to riffle through stacks of items.

I swear by risers to organize my kitchen cabinets, particularly those with deep shelves. To make the best use of them, I make sure to put the smallest jars towards the front of the risers and the taller bottles on the back. This ensures that nothing is out of sight at the back and makes it easier to reach those at the very back.

Alternatively, you can also use a well-known makeup storage gem in compact kitchens to serve the same purpose.

5. Use vertical door space

Using vertical space is essential when trying to organize a small pantry, says professional organizer Barbara Oldham. 'To do this, you can add an over-the-door organizer to hold small items like spices or snacks,’ she says.

When picking out your overdoor system, opt for one like the door system below from The Container Store, which is customizable. This allows you to tailor the storage system to your exact needs and alter it if your space changes.

6. Use containers that better fit the space

Decanting food can help keep your small storage space uniform, and ensure you always have boxes that best fit the pantry you have.

Make use of the full height of your shelves by investing in stackable canisters for pasta, flour, and so on, Laura Price, professional organizer recommends. It means you can see what you have, but also not waste any space or food.

‘In a small kitchen, square-based canisters are ideal for making the most of every inch,’ Laura adds. ‘I love to use Brabantia's square jars, available at Amazon for maximum storage in a small space.’

FAQs

Organizing a small pantry may feel like a game of Tetris but it can be simple with the correct organizers and a good kitchen organizing system. It is important to realize that your organizing system isn't set in stone, and rearranging is a great way of creating an organized pantry that works for you and your routine.

A well-planned pantry can provide the perfect place to store food, tableware, kitchenware and utensils, and our small pantry ideas will show you how you can maximize storage in areas of all shapes and sizes.

Pantry ideas are often associated with larger kitchens – when many of us think of a pantry, we picture a dedicated walk-in space, filled top to bottom with all manner of produce, but there are many ways you can incorporate a pantry into a small kitchen, too. 

From tall, slim designs that can fit neatly into awkward alcoves, to making the most out of your wall space with shelving, explore our creative, space-saving designs and solutions for a more modern take on small pantry design in the home.

Best small pantry ideas

Kitchen designer, Tom Howley, says, 'there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to kitchen ideas, other than that your kitchen should work for you and your lifestyle. 

Today, pantries are an iconic part of a kitchen design, from slim solutions to our awe-inspiring double pantry ideas, all giving you the flexibility of choosing storage options that work for you. Whether that might involve more drawers, an emphasis on shelving, multiple spice racks, or simply somewhere to close the doors on breakfast mess.’

Explore how you can make a pantry work in your home with our collection of small pantry ideas below; from helpful organization tips to the best pantry shapes and styles recommended by our experts.

1. Opt for a tall, slim pantry

Instead of going big and wide, opt for tall and slim! There are no rules on how big a pantry should be, so instead of trying to create space for a large design where there is none, choose a more sleek pantry for your kitchen instead. 

Richard Davonport, founder and managing director at Davonport Kitchens says, 'even small kitchens can benefit from a pantry cupboard as the organization it provides helps the rest of the kitchen to remain clutter-free, while also freeing up other cupboard space for other essential items. The trick to utilizing pantries in smaller kitchens is to make sure the layout of the pantry cupboard covers all basics and has dedicated areas for different types of items.'

As shown in this pretty green kitchen, the narrow pantry by Davonport Kitchens fits perfectly into the small space beside the ovens and coordinating cabinets, and has utilized a mix of dark wooden draws, racks and shelves to create multiple storage zones within the smaller-sized design.

2. Make the most out of awkward alcoves 

Whether you're exploring under-stairs pantry ideas or embracing alcove ideas with a small pantry in a little nook of your kitchen, making the most out of smaller, un-used spaces can give you an extra section of storage that often makes all the difference in a small kitchen.

This pantry by Tom Howley Kitchens has been cleverly positioned in the narrow space next to the refrigerator, meaning that dry, fresh and frozen food is all organized and easy to rich within one zone of the kitchen.

3. Keep your small pantry neat and tidy 

From grouping food and drinks together by type or expiration dates to incorporating labeled jars and baskets, organizing a pantry and creating an ordered pantry system will do wonders in a small space, helping the design feel more spacious and easy to use – rather than cluttered and confusing!

Below, renowned interior designer, Shea McGee, shares her top pantry storage ideas, and how she keeps the space looking neat, tidy and let's face it, wonderfully aesthetically pleasing.

'To keep everything organized, we incorporated large baskets on the bottom shelf for storage, and a mix of bins, boxes, more baskets, and glass jars to keep all of our snacks, baking essentials, and canned food together.

Using jars and canisters in your kitchen or pantry is a simple way to elevate the feeling of your space and make even the simplest of ingredients worth putting on display.'

4. Embrace a bi-folding pantry design

Annie Tullett, designer at Tom Howley Kitchens says that one of her favorite 2023 kitchen trends is the bi-folding pantry. 

'It’s an absolute must-have in every kitchen. The unwavering, clever versatility of it is hard not to be impressed by; not only do you have the initial ‘Narnia’s Wardrobe’ moment when you open the doors to reveal how much small kitchen storage space is inside, but the functional possibilities are endless. 

You could use it as a breakfast bar each morning, neatly tucking the mess of coffee machine and toaster away, yet, at the next evening soiree, it can transform into a cocktail bar – simply line the spirits and mixers up, stack the glasses and jars of garnish ingredients above and let your guests help themselves!'

The sleek, smooth doors of a bi-folding pantry are a great design feature to consider for a built-in pantry in a smaller space, such as a galley kitchen, and can cover the contents of your pantry with ease, helping to make your small pantry appear less cluttered.

5. Utilize your ancillary rooms

If you can't find any room for a pantry in your small kitchen, then utilize the ancillary spaces in your home, such as a utility room – or even a laundry room, and create an additional area for food storage – it will feel like you're very own walk-in pantry!

Tom Howley explains, 'busy lifestyles can be challenging. Work, leisure, and family life have never been more demanding, meaning any help we can get to make things easier can come as a welcome relief. The so-called engine room of the home is deserving of its name. A well-designed small utility room can include a washing machine, tumble dryer, sink, a place to store clothes maidens, the ironing board and iron, extra storage for shoes and even additional pantry space.'

6. Keep it simple with shelving

In this neutral kitchen, designed by Alice Lane Interior Design, we love how a unique, open pantry design has been created in a slightly separate space away from the main area of the kitchen.

The use of wood for the shelves and countertop not only establishes a warming contrast with the cool color palette and beautiful marble design, but it helps to zone the pantry area, and shows how simply placing some kitchen shelving on a wall can transform the look and function of your kitchen.

For some further inspiration, explore our pantry shelving ideas.

7. Design a pantry that suits your routine 

This may sound simple, but when planning a pantry for your small space, work out exactly what you need this area of additional storage for. Is it just for dried food? Kitchenware? Breakfast food? Or for tableware and accessories used when entertaining? If you have a small space, chances are, you're not going to be able to fit all of the above in your pantry – sorry to break it to you! So working out your pantry's purpose is key.

Once you've narrowed down exactly why you need a pantry, and what will fit neatly into the space, it will help to create a more organized and functional pantry design that meets your needs and day-to-day routine.

'A modern family kitchen demands plenty of storage. A breakfast pantry can be incredibly valuable when designed and arranged to suit your routine. They can incorporate your entire morning, from a professional coffee machine, and toaster, to storage for everyday crockery and a whole host of cereal options for the kids. The best thing is that once you’ve had enough, you can close the doors behind you, concealing all the mess and clutter until it’s time to tidy,' says Tom Howley.

FAQs

• Foods with high oil contents, like nuts
• Open bins of food
• Perishables, like dairy and meat
• Kitchen appliances
• Expired spices
• Household cleaning items
• Dish towels
• Excess food you won't get through
• Lidless containers
• Cookbooks and manuals
• Maple syrup

Pantries – both large and small, can help free up space in a kitchen, provide useful additional storage and create a beautiful design feature in the home, and as we have shown, they do not only belong in larger kitchens.

It is perhaps only inevitable that Property Brothers star Jonathan Scott and actress Zooey Deschanel have an enviable dream home – but in all its glory, nothing is quite as beautiful as their pantry. 

'My philosophy is that your home should make your life easier, and nothing makes our life easier than a beautiful, completely organized pantry,' Jonathan announced while showcasing his pantry organization ideas on Instagram. 

Jonathan and Zooey (best known for her role in New Girl) purchased their Los Angeles home (named Park House) in 2020 and immediately began renovating. The couple is not shy of showing off the results on social media – and their posts are inspiring at all times of the year – but never more so than when we're mid-spring cleaning season. They started with their pantry – and we're inclined to follow suit. 

'There’s nothing sexier than an organized pantry, and we love ours. Neat Method comes in and just whips us into shape. Everything [is] labeled, everything [is] where it’s supposed to be. It actually makes life a little easier because you’re not scrambling to find things. You can see when things are getting low,' Jonathan says. 

The pantry features wallpaper with an intricate tree motif – reminding us that spaces that are (almost) entirely practical can still be good-looking. The walls are lined with shelves of containers, decanted condiments, and a KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer atop the cream countertops. 

You can shop for similar pantry ideas (including the classic stand mixer) below – but what more can we learn from Jonathan and Zooey's pantry? Marie Kondo-trained consultant Sue Spencer urges us to replicate the couple's use of baskets that takes up less space than the packaging.

'Use baskets to keep small items like snacks, crisps, and packets together. It takes up less space than the packaging that the items came in and will prevent them from scattering across the shelves in the pantry,' Sue says. 'Having similar products stored makes it easy to see what you have, so you’ll be more likely to use them up and less likely to buy things that you don’t need.'

The expert adds that if you keep your rice and pasta in packets rather than decanting, it's a good idea to store all the packages together in a container. 'If one of the packets splits, the ingredients that escape will be contained rather than spill all over the cupboard shelves,' she explains. 

We're investing in these Jonathan and Zooey's pantry-inspired finds below.

There's no harm in starting spring cleaning early, especially when following Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel's lead...