Pantry

The pantry has resurged as a must-have kitchen feature, providing dedicated storage for food, small appliances, and kitchen supplies that would otherwise clutter counter and cabinet space. From simple reach-in closets to elaborate walk-in rooms with prep areas, pantries solve the eternal kitchen storage challenge while keeping everyday items organized and accessible. Well-designed pantries maximize vertical space with adjustable shelving, incorporate proper lighting for easy item location, and organize contents systematically for efficient meal preparation. The best pantries function as small warehouses—everything has a place, inventory is visible, and restocking is straightforward.

Key Design Considerations

✓Shelf depth appropriate for items stored
✓Adequate lighting for seeing into corners
✓Door style (open, swing, pocket, barn)
✓Temperature and humidity for food preservation
✓Accessibility for frequently used items
✓Flexibility for changing needs

Layout Tips

Position shelves at varying depths—shallow shelves (4-6 inches) for cans and spices, deeper shelves (12-16 inches) for small appliances. Store heavy items low, light items high. Keep everyday items at eye level, seasonal items on high or low shelves.

Lighting Recommendations

Motion-activated LED strip lighting illuminates automatically when entering. Puck lights highlight specific shelves. A central fixture provides overall illumination. Avoid shadows by distributing light evenly—you need to read labels and see into corners.

Storage Ideas

Clear containers with labels keep dry goods fresh and visible. Pull-out drawers make deep shelves accessible. Lazy Susans maximize corner space. A dedicated appliance garage hides countertop items. Door-mounted racks use otherwise wasted space.

Popular Features for Pantry

Walk-in layout for larger homes

Counter space for prep work

Appliance storage and charging

Wine and beverage storage

Custom organization systems

Recommended Design Styles

These design styles work particularly well for pantry spaces:

Farmhouse Modern Traditional Shaker Transitional Country

💡 Pro Tip

Before designing your pantry, empty your kitchen completely and sort everything into categories. Measure the space needed for each category and design shelving accordingly. Most people overestimate shelf depth and underestimate linear shelf feet needed.