Keep Your Kitchen Neat and Organised with These Pantry Design Ideas

Creating a functional pantry is easier than you may think.

Once thought of as something only high-end homes (think Kardashians!) could afford to have, pantries can in fact take on different shapes and forms, ranging from pullout drawers and cabinets to entire rooms dedicated for food storage.

Be it tiny nooks or large spaces, here are some creative pantry design ideas that are both stylish and functional, allowing easy access to items stored within as needed.

1. If you have a big kitchen, carve out a hidden walk-in pantry

For those lucky enough to have large kitchen space or an unused room next to the kitchen consider transforming an unused room into a pantry, as this homeowner did. Behind two discreet doors in the kitchen lies a well-organised pantry where everything from dinnerware to appliances and groceries is stored, keeping the main kitchen clutter-free and tidy.

Or take design inspiration from the home below, where the hidden pantry is thoughtfully positioned right next to the refrigerator. This layout keeps dry, fresh, and frozen foods neatly organised within one convenient zone, making it easy to access all your ingredients in one place!

Or take a style cue from this hidden walk-in pantry, where the homeowner added a whiteboard right beside it. Perfect for jotting down reminders, grocery lists, or meal plans, it’s a simple yet practical addition to help you stay organised.

If you prefer a more laid back look, consider replacing your standard door with a barn door, like this homeowner did. Rustic yet edgy, the rich brown of the barn door stands out against the white kitchen walls, adding a charming twist that sets your space apart from the many cookie-cutter kitchens out there.

2. Create a hidden floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinet

Not every home has room for a spacious walk-in pantry. If space is limited, consider a hidden pantry cabinet like the one shown here. DC Design cleverly disguises a cabinet pantry by matching the door panelling to the kitchen cabinets and painting everything in the same colour, creating a seamless, cohesive look.

This setup is a smart solution for compact kitchens. It features a floor-to-ceiling storage unit with multiple custom-made shelves and pull-out drawers, tailored to fit the owner’s dry foods and condiments.

3. Maximise storage space by adding an over-the-door rack

Short on storage space? Make your pantry cabinet do double duty by lining your cabinet doors with shallow shelves at the back of your pantry door. These shelves are perfect for storing smaller food jars, or grab-and-go items like snacks and drink bottles or cans, as seen in this modern kitchen.

4. ...or double that!

If a single large pantry door obstructs a narrow pathway, consider opting for double doors, as seen in this home. This pantry features sleek double doors that open wide to reveal spacious, floor-to-ceiling storage, making it both functional and stylish.

We love how the owner organises their food ingredients in translucent jars, containers, and baskets, giving the space a neat, grocery-store feel. This approach keeps the pantry looking light, airy, and incredibly easy to navigate.

You can also consider installing a mirror on the cabinet, as seen in this pantry design. Not only does it add a unique touch, but it makes it easy to locate everything—no more digging for that bag of Doritos at the end of the shelves!

5. Embrace glass doors for a sleek and practical solution

If you prefer the convenience of seeing what's inside your pantry without opening the door but don't like the idea of dust accumulating on open shelves, consider a pantry design with glass doors, like the one seen in this kitchen.

The glass doors allow natural light to flood the space, while the dark-framed cabinetry creates a striking contrast. Inside, you'll find plenty of shelves for storing everything from kitchen appliances to cookware and dry goods.

Alternatively, if you're concerned about revealing a not-so-organised pantry to guests, consider opting for frosted or ribbed glass doors instead. This adds a stylish touch while keeping the contents hidden!

6. Intall recessed lights for added practicality

Adding under-shelf lighting to your pantry not only improves visibility—especially at night—but also adds a soft, inviting glow that showcases your premium cookware and neatly arranged dry ingredients in glass containers, as seen in this thoughtfully designed kitchen.

7. Incorporate a combination of shelves and drawers for savvy storage solutions

To make full use of every inch of pantry space consider a combination of various storage options.

Take a cue from this minimalist kitchen where the designer combines open shelving with drawers to store different sizes cooking items and snacks. Meanwhile the pull-out shelves on the bottom cabinet utilise an otherwise dead space while allowing you to easily reach ingredients while keeping everything neatly hidden when not in use.

We also love how the pantry cabinet seamlessly matches the SPC flooring, creating a cohesive and unified look.

8. Use open shelving for items you access most frequently

A pantry doesn’t have to occupy an entire room or large cabinet. Sometimes, a simple wall shelf in the kitchen does the job beautifully. This kitchen demonstrates how a single, long open shelf can serve as a pantry, ideal for neatly displaying drink sachets. With everything within reach—mugs, cups, spoons, and even the sink to wash your cups afterward—making a drink becomes effortless and convenient.

If you’re open to using a bit of counter space, consider transforming a kitchen nook into a pantry, as seen in this kitchen. The countertop serves as a storage area for essentials like spices and milk powder, all neatly organised in glass jars, while open timber shelves above are dedicated to pasta and coffee. This style of pantry beautifully displays your most-used cooking ingredients, keeping them both visually appealing and easily accessible.

9. Incorporate a pull out pantry

Kitchens can get quite busy, especially if you cook frequently; this is where a clever pull out pantry unit comes in handy! This kitchen by DC Design smartly utilises the base cabinets above the stove as a place to store spices, chilli sauces, and more, keeping everything within easy access when cooking is in progress.

This unit’s two-tier design is also ideal for apartments or tiny kitchens where horizontal space is limited.

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