The Anatomy of a Pantry
A guide to building an organized pantry
An optimally organized pantry will save you money, maximize your space, and make meal times so much more pleasant! For sustainable results, continue to ask yourself how you use the space and how it will best serve you and your family for years to come.
Building your dream pantry is absolutely within reach when you make the commitment to set aside time to complete your project, invest in the storage products that best fit your space, and follow the guidelines we’ve created for the organizational process.
Not every pantry can be a large walk-in, but thoughtful organization can more than make up for what you're lacking in space. When building your perfect pantry, keep in mind it may not function exactly like your neighbor's!
build it
We mentioned anyone can build their dream pantry, and we actually kind of mean build it. You’re going to need to take every last item out of there and then create levels with your items based on food/appliance categories and how often you access them. This is where you want to visually make a plan and map out which type of organizational and storage products you’d like to include. For every project we utilize our CEO method of organization. Once you’ve removed everything from the space, edited down what will go back in, categorized food and small appliances, and placed your organizational product in the space- it’s time to fill everything back in based on the anatomy of a pantry.
If you’d like to read more about our CEO (Categorize, Edit, & Organize) Method of organization- this blog gives all the goods, and even walks you through taking apart a pantry and putting it back together again!
Regardless of your personal style, every pantry should follow these basic guidelines:
THE anatomy of a pantry
Items you use the least go up top
Can risers and decanted items are at eye level
Cookbooks and inspiration go front and center
Oil & vinegar are most accessible on turntables
Baskets with everyday items come next
Kid's snacks are within reach on lower shelves
Overflow items go below
label it
The last step is optional, but we highly recommend adding labels to create sustainability in your newly organized space. You may clearly see this basket is designated for prepackaged snacks while this is for grains, but adding custom labels will ensure every member of your family (plus guests) will clearly recognize where to find and return anything and everything.
We love to use vinyl labels in our clients homes, because they can be customized completely to suit your product and contents . Scroll through our instagram for additional label inspo or email us with questions. labels@graceful-spaces.com
past pantry projects
Everyone loves a good before & after, so we compiled a couple of our favorite pantry projects to show you that a major transformation is absolutely possible in your space too. Scroll through, and if you’re wanting more, head to instagram for extra shots of these gorgeous spaces.
By focusing on how you use the space, you will create a custom system that functions perfectly in your home.
easy snack access
this client’s space is a perfect depiction of how to build a pantry that suits the entire family! The kiddos have easy snack access, the adults can easily see everything else for cooking and baking, and special treats are on display!
the hostesses pantry
this space underwent a serious creative swap- all original contents were edited and moved to a more accessible location, and the beautiful serving pieces are now easy to see and grab at a moment’s notice.
boutique pantry edit
one of our favorite spaces! inspiration right in front when you walk in and an perfect use of baskets and decanters to reduce all of the boxes and bags originally dragging down this space.
modern pantry
not a before and after, but 100% worth including! this pantry utilizes drawers for all of the dry food storage and baskets on the bottom for excess. lesser used items are stored away up top - out of sight, out of mind!
Tips
We know this is a relatively short explanation for a potentially big organization project, but it is 100% manageable if you prepare ahead of time. An organization buddy and your favorite playlist are ALWAYS a good idea too, because organizing is way more fun with a friend!
Plan ahead by ordering product in advance
Stock your pantry so you know what you’re working with
Set aside the time to knock it out completely.
PRO TIP: Measure all shelves, cubbies, and drawers before ordering product!
If you’re ready for another project, scroll through the blog for inspiration and guides.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite organization products that we use to get you started-
graceful spaces product picks
