1Repurpose Antiques
Erin LittleA walk-in pantry doesn't have to be full of expensive built-ins or secondary full-size appliances. Take a note from designer Christina Salway, founder of ElevenTwoEleven Design, and use an antique cabinet instead. This one houses everything that Salway can't fit in her kitchen, from extra serving pieces to overflow produce.
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2Make Use of a Small Island
Jose PicayoWhether you need to test out table setting designs or place food in their serving containers, a small island within your walk-in pantry can change the way you work. This can also help you stay organized if you choose an option with extra drawers or cabinets for those overflowing shelves.
Related: Are Kitchen Islands Over?
3Opt for Lower-Level Baskets
Joe SchmelzerOpen shelving is great for knowing what you have, but little items like napkins, snack bags, and bottle stoppers can be difficult to store neatly without a container. Instead, use storage baskets to keep all those miscellaneous belongings in check. Plus, keeping them down low allows your prime shelves to remain open for more everyday necessities.
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4Keep Essentials Accessible
John MerklThere aren't any rules when it comes to organization as long as it works for you. And if closed storage makes it difficult for you to know what you have, remove the doors. This pantry foregoes lower cabinet doors in favor of more visible serving buckets.
Related: The Best Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
5Leave Room for Discovery
Rustic White PhotographyIn House Beautiful's 2022 Whole Home, the sprawling scullery and pantry features a designated wine room—all designed by Whittney Parkinson. Two wine fridges ensure every type gets their own shelf, while ample glassware, and a brass backsplash create a chic hideaway to discover your new favorite blend.
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6Keep Favorites Close By
Rustic White PhotographyThe pantry in House Beautiful's 2022 Whole Home is expansive, but when making your morning cup of coffee or bowl of cereal, you don't want to rummage through cabinets for those dishes. Instead, take inspiration from designer Whittney Parkinson and opt to store your favorite mugs and even Moscow Mule cups prominently on display.
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7Group Like Items
Aubrie PickSure, even the biggest baking enthusiast may not have 12 cake tins, but this pantry demonstrates the importance of grouping like items together. In the same way you store your shoes in pairs, your pantry should function similarly. Keep baking tools in one corner, small appliances in the other, and ensure all dry goods are in the same area. This ensures you'll be able to find exactly what you need with ease.
Related: The Gifts to Buy the Baking Enthusiast in Your Life
8Streamline Your Countertops
KEVIN J. MIYAZAKIThe saying “clear surface, clear mind” can also apply to your pantries. If you're walking into a cluttered room, you can quickly become distracted and forget why you even walked in there in the first place. Instead, keep counters clear and use them as a home for your most-used appliances or essentials only.
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9Use Clear Canisters
ANNA SPALLERDecanting foods and ingredients into more aesthetically pleasing containers is all the rage on organization social media, but we have a tip: use clear containers. This way, you'll know exactly what you're grabbing, and you can see when you're running low and need to add all-purpose flour or coffee grounds back to your grocery list.
Related: The Best Food Storage Containers
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10Install Lower Cabinets
Stephen KarlischOftentimes, pantries only feature shelving for storage. But for those using their walk-in space as more of a prep zone or butler's pantry, simple shelving isn't going to cut it. Take a note from House Beautiful's 2021 Whole Home and install full cabinetry as well.
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11Use Every Square Inch
Haris KenjarRather than fill in the sides of this drawer built-in, Lynn Kloythanomsup of Landed Interiors & Homes opted to further maximize the space by turning the bite-sized area into wine shelving. Even the smallest of walk-in pantries can be functional if you're clever about storage.
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12Label Everything
Baskets and storage containers are only beneficial if you can remember what's stored in them. In this pantry by designer Meta Coleman, chic labels are used on everything to take the guesswork away. And if the basket needs a new use, simply swap the label.
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13Don't Overfill
Jacob SnavelyIf you have the space, the best organization tip is to have a designated zone for every type of thing. On a smaller scale, that could mean a silverware drawer, a shelf for mugs, and a basket for granola bars. But designer Tina Ramchandani chose to go big instead. This under-the-stairs bar pantry sorts its contents by type of alcohol, and the shelves are only one layer deep to keep everything visible.
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14Sort by Occasion
ALI HARPERIf you're big into entertaining, organize your walk-in pantry by occasion or event. A cabinet with picnic essentials, dinner party garb, or even birthday party fare can mean a one-stop shop for you when it comes time to set up and prep.
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15Keep Everyday Items at Eye Level
Stephen KarlischThe quickest way to find something you need is to keep it within your sight line. This means you should store your most often-used pantry items (like this home's KitchenAid mixer and favorite cookbooks) at eye level.
Related: Our 55 Favorite Colors to Paint Your Kitchen
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