8 Pantry Design Ideas for Your New Kitchen

There’s one element that can completely change how you feel about kitchen storage: a pantry.

Pantries have become staples of every kitchen remodel, but the design and functionality can be as individual as you need it to to be. Whatever the size or shape of your kitchen, there is a pantry design solution for you. Here’s what to think about as you peruse kitchen pantry ideas:

Can you dedicate an existing room or closet (or create a new one) for pantry space?

Traditionally, pantries are separate spaces -- and for good reason. This provides the most storage possible and keeps everything close at hand.

If you go with this option, you can create a custom look based on the type of door you choose. The paneled glass doors shown in the image below make it easy to keep a messy pantry hidden. Or, you can hide the fact that you have a pantry at all, like in the second image where the barn door slides to conceal the storage space. As a bonus, it also doubles as a chalkboard, which is great for doodles, menu planning, weekly schedules, and little love notes.

Can you make use of space that currently isn’t functional?

If you don’t have the room to create a separate pantry space, there are many creative solutions for fitting a kitchen pantry in awkward or unused spaces.

Pantries like the one below that is built-in next to the fridge can make use of dead space and maintain a great work flow in the kitchen (note how the door opens on the side, allowing full use of the fridge and pantry at the same time).

Can you turn an area of cabinets into a pantry?

We don’t just mean piling canned goods into your existing cabinets. Instead, create an actual pantry cabinet that’s customized according to your needs.

You can fill them with a mix of shelves, racks and drawers in various sizes. Pantry cabinets can also help keep small appliances from crowding your countertops.

Can you configure cabinets to create a pantry-like setup?

Get creative with your pantry storage ideas! By combining base drawer cabinets with counter wall cabinets and an appliance garage, you can create the same effect as a pantry. Store canned goods at the top, appliances in the garage and dishes or other pantry items in the drawers.

Stunning Transitional Kitchen in Westport, CT

Can you sneak cabinets into the corners and counters?

Your kitchen pantry layout doesn’t have to be traditional. If you have the counter space to spare, coffee stations and appliances can be hidden behind closed doors, right there at counter level. If you have awkward corners in your kitchen, custom cabinets or open shelving might provide a storage solution for display-worthy pantry items.

Photo Credit: Transitional Contemporary Kitchen in Guilford, CT

Can you create a custom pantry without changing your kitchen design or layout?

If a kitchen renovation isn’t in your immediate future, there are other small pantry design ideas to explore. Pantry storage doesn’t have to involve cabinets, drawers and shelves. You can create your own pantry-like storage using your existing cabinetry plus new baskets, metal racks, hooks and trays.

To ensure you choose the best pantry option for your kitchen, think about what you need to store: glasses, dishes, canned goods, cleaning supplies and appliances might all make the list. Talk to your kitchen designer about pantry storage design and drawer organization to ensure that all areas of your kitchen and pantry stay well organized as your beautiful space meets the realities of daily use.

The expert team here at The Kitchen Company is skilled at creating kitchen storage solutions that are both beautiful and functional. For more inspiration, view our work.