First Things First
Reynolds says to think about who will be using the pantry: Do you buy in bulk? Are there any pets in the family or special needs? What do you want the pantry to look like? “Some people prefer to see everything at a glance, which is usually easier when you have a lot of open shelving, while others prefer to hide their mess with cabinet doors or drawers,” he says. Generally, ample shelving and some drawers or baskets can make finding kitchen and food items much easier, he notes.
Where to Put Your Pantry
Close to the refrigerator or in proximity to the family table, Reynolds recommends.
Favorite Detail
Reynolds loves labeled and decorative containers that will clean up your space and help you identify items needed quickly or daily. “Additional shelves can be added to maximize the height between shelves and help manage smaller objects. If your space allows for a countertop, great! It can be multifunctional and serve as a landing pad, place for appliance storage, or decorative vase or lamp,” he says. “Having drawers or wine storage incorporated can also make the space easier to use and more enjoyable aesthetically.”
Biggest Mistakes
“Too much wasted space between shelving or building too deep, which makes it very difficult to access items at the rear of the shelf,”
says Reynolds.
Lighting Your Pantry
“The more light, the better!” Reynolds advises. “Forgotten items at the back of a deep shelf are easy to miss when the space is dark and overcrowded.”
