When I was a kid, I would voluntarily and willingly clean out the fridge and pantry. I know, weird right? I just loved organizing everything, finding the best fits, and seeing it all lined up perfectly. Who knew that I was “styling” and that eventually, it would be part of my job. I used to do the same thing with the Christmas presents under the tree, but that is a story for another time. Today I wanted to share with you my absolute favorite pantry design and organization inspiration.

The kitchen truly is the heart of a home. So much happens in that one room and for it to be truly functional just makes it all that much more wonderful. I mean, as a mother of five and with a family of seven, you can imagine, right? While we wait to see what June brings with our upcoming move, I am already dreaming of more space in the kitchen. We have loved this tiny temporary home that welcomed us with open arms to Nashville, but mama needs a bit more space. And the idea of a pantry instead of just a cupboard? Well, consider me on the edge of my seat!

Pantry design inspiration

I gathered a handful of pantry designs that literally do the job in the best way. My belief is that you can have things functional as well as beautiful in your home. 

This first one is from Jettset Farmhouse and I absolutely love that center unit done in a wood finish. It adds a bit more warmth and does a great job at breaking up the white. Not to mention all of those drawers for appliance and utility storage.

(Image and design credit: Jettset Farmhouse)

This one caught my eye and I love that the dark paint and lighting really give it a moment. And how convenient is that half ladder for little ones to grab what they would like as well as for mom to reach the highest shelves? So brilliantly done.

(Image and design credit: Humphrey Munson)

Not every home allows for an entire room to dedicate or transform into a pantry and prep area. I loved this one that still made a small space absolutely beautiful and functional. And how easy would a backsplash be to dress it all up?

(Image and design credit: SBK Living)

I mean, a window INSIDE the pantry would really just be next level. This pantry design is so bright and airy with the open shelves too.

(Image and design credit: Waypoint Living Spaces)

Here is another one I loved as more of a prep space and pantry design. If you entertain a lot and have a large family I can see how this would add so much more function to a home and kitchen.

(Image and design credit: Rachel Parcell)

Love this full-size ladder to make things more accessible and the paned glass doors make it so welcoming.

(Image and design credit: Hayburn & Co.)

This was a fantastic DIY project and really goes to show how putting a little elbow grease into the space you do have can truly give you a pantry that wows.

(Image and design credit: Jessica Numbers)

Pantry organization tips & ideas

Designing the layout and really making the space you have as functional as possible is the first step. Now we need the organizational pieces to really make the pantry beautiful yet completely functional. I have a few tips that have helped me in this area:

1. Ditch the product packaging where you can. This is a really easy way to beautify your pantry space. To keep track of the expiration dates, simply add a chalkboard label to the bottom of the canister to jot it down each time you refill.
2. Use plastic containers that will be stored on lower shelves for little ones to access themselves
3. Use smaller baskets to gather items such as seasoning packets, hot chocolate, or teas
4. While I love adding a few decorative canisters for added color or texture, using glass makes it very easy to see what supplies you are running low on
5. Add a hook to hang a handheld brush and dustpan for easy clean up of any spills within the pantry area
6. If you are storing heartier vegetables (potatoes, onions), I like using wire baskets. This allows any food particles to fall through the basket which then only requires cleaning or vacuuming the shelf. Otherwise, it all collects at the bottom of baskets making it more of a chore to clean out each one.

And if you are needing some inspiration in this area as you gather organizational pieces, here are a few of my favorites:

It really does make the job of keeping the pantry clean so much easier when everything is contained and has a place. Nothing makes me more frustrated when areas of the kitchen become black holes.

(Image and design credit: The Container Store)

How gorgeous is this display? And I love that she hangs her cast iron pans. We made the switch to cast iron in order to ditch the toxic ingredients in non-stick teflon pans. Let me tell you, those things are heavy and dragging them out from the lower cupboards every day gets old. Perhaps I might need to implement this approach when I have more space.

(Image and design credit: Rocky Hedge Farm)

This one is from IHOD and goodness gracious – what a great display!

(Image and design credit: In Honor of Design)

I’m really loving these wood top canisters (I have a few different options curated below). They are beautifull organized and labeling is my love language. 

(Image and design credit: The Dweling Company)

Shop my favorite pantry finds

Because I may not be the only one collecting organizational pieces and amping up my organizational arsenal, here are some of my favorites…

And of course, this summer I am sure I will be sharing my own pantry and all of the details to go with it. Maybe I will even need to create some beautiful labels for all of us to enjoy as well – wink!

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