Kitchen Storage Ideas: Crafting the Perfect Pantry

Posted by KraftMaid on 31st Jan 2022

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In today’s kitchen, functionality and beauty go hand in hand — and nowhere is that more evident than in kitchen pantry design. Long gone are the days of bulky, cluttered storage spaces hidden behind a door. These days, designers are creating kitchen pantry cabinets that are sleek, smart, and made to make your life easier while adding to the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Whether you’re building a new kitchen or planning a remodel, choosing the right pantry cabinet solutions is key to maximizing space and minimizing chaos.

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According to the Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, pantry upgrades are very popular among renovators, with most opting for pantry cabinets.

Built-In Pantry Cabinets: A Seamless Storage Solution

Built-in pantry cabinets are a favorite among homeowners who want integrated, high-functioning kitchen storage. These tall, often full-height cabinets blend beautifully into your cabinetry layout and are ideal for storing everything from dry goods and snacks to small appliances. Customize them with integrated pantry storage solutions like adjustable shelving, roll-out trays, and specialty inserts to suit your storage needs and keep everything within reach. They deliver high performance with a clean, cohesive look.

Pull-Out Pantry Cabinets: Small Footprint, Big Functionality

Short on space? Pull-out pantry cabinets are the perfect solution. Designed to slide out like a drawer, these cabinets use every inch of vertical space while providing full visibility and access. Their compact footprint makes them ideal for narrow areas between appliances, and they’re a lifesaver in small kitchens where every inch counts.

Walk-Through and Hidden Pantries: Where Style Meets Surprise

If you’re craving that wow-factor, walk-through and hidden pantries offer both design impact and practical benefits. A walk-through pantry cleverly disguised behind tall cabinet doors can lead to a fully stocked storage room, utility space, or secondary prep kitchen. Hidden pantries help maintain clean, uninterrupted cabinetry lines while concealing generous amounts of storage behind beautiful doors.

The Butler Pantry: Where Function Meets Elegance

Looking to expand your kitchen’s utility while adding a touch of timeless elegance? A well-designed Butler’s Pantry is the ultimate multitasking space. With ample countertop workspace, custom shelving for cookbooks and small appliances, and thoughtfully placed electrical outlets, a Butler’s Pantry can act as a secondary kitchen — ideal for prepping meals, staging dinner parties, or tucking away countertop clutter. One smart approach is pairing it with a walk-through pantry, where the entrance to a separate nook is cleverly concealed behind matching cabinet doors. The result is a beautifully integrated design that maintains the aesthetic of your main kitchen while offering a discreet, highly functional extension.

Open Pantry Shelving: A Modern, Airy Alternative

If you love a fresh, airy kitchen design, open shelving is a versatile pantry option. Perfect for showcasing beautiful canisters, cookbooks, or daily staples, open shelves create a casual yet curated look. Combine them with closed cabinetry for a functional mix of display and concealed storage.

Pantry Zones: Personalized Storage Flow

Kitchens run more smoothly when everything is right where you need it. Creating dedicated pantry zones throughout your kitchen — like spice storage near the cooktop or pull-out trays for snacks near the fridge — ensures your layout supports how you cook and live. It’s a smart way to integrate pantry storage without relying on a single, central cabinet.

Expert Advice from KraftMaid: Five Pantry Points of Consideration

Still not sure how to build the pantry of your dreams? Our KraftMaid kitchen experts have outlined five key tips to help you design a pantry that’s equal parts smart and stylish:

• Keep It All in Reach: Shallow shelves—about 12" deep—make it easier to see and grab what you need. For deeper cabinets, roll-out trays and pull-out pantries maintain accessibility without sacrificing space. If your pantry stretches tall, keep a step stool nearby for safe access to upper shelves.
• Make It Work for You: Social media may be filled with perfectly styled pantries, but the best layout is one tailored to your lifestyle. Plan your pantry based on the items you use regularly and consider future needs. According to the Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, popular pantry upgrades include space for pull-out waste bins, trays, spices, small appliances, and cutlery.
• Stay in the Zone: Place frequently used ingredients and supplies near your prep area, while items like cleaning supplies or infrequently used dishware can be stored in less active corners of your kitchen. Design for how you move through your day.
• Get the Look You Love: Your pantry should reflect your style. Whether you want it to blend in with matching cabinetry or stand out with glass doors, contrasting finishes, or open shelving, you can create a storage solution that’s both practical and beautiful.
• Organize to Optimize: No matter your pantry’s size, the right organizational tools can maximize efficiency. Pull-out storage, door racks, tiered shelving, and KraftMaid’s EZ Adjust Deluxe Roll-Out Trays can transform your space. In larger pantries, clear bins and labeled containers keep everything visible and tidy.