Looking for a project that delivers immediate gratification? Why not tackle your own quick and easy pantry makeover project? Use my tips and ideas as a springboard.
While decluttering the pantry last month during food storage organization week of the Organize & Refine Your Home Challenge, I found myself in the midst of an unplanned makeover project. If you’re looking for a quick organizing/decorating project win, a pantry makeover may be the project for you!
Let me tell you all about how my pantry makeover project unfolded.
Related: Organizing Spices in a Pantry
Pantry Decluttering and Glow Up
I don’t really have any dramatic “before” photos to share. In fact, my pantry was in fairly good shape as far the organization component was concerned (you can take a peek at more pantry “before” photos here).
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It just needed a “once over” to purge expired food...or so I thought.
Once I pulled everything out, and began to clean inside the pantry, the wear and tear of the past 11 years was clearly visible on the pantry shelves.
It bothered me so much that I grabbed my painting supplies and spontaneously repainted the entire cabinet interior.
Ahhh….much better!
At one point, these shelves were covered with shelf liner. I ended up removing it after a few years, since it had gotten pretty nasty over time. I just never got around to replacing it.
After repainting the pantry, of course I wanted to protect those newly painted shelves with some spiffy new shelf liner. So that’s just what I did next.
By this point, I really had a bee in my bonnet about this space and I was determined to take it to the next level. Inspired by another pantry makeover I came across on Pinterest, I decided to pimp up my pantry with the addition of removable wallpaper.
I love removable wallpaper, and definitely think it’s worth the investment when used in a space in your home that everyone sees. But when I calculated what it would cost to use it in my pantry makeover (a not-so-public space), I decided that I needed to find a less pricey alternative.
Enter Duck Peel ‘N Stick Laminate Shelf Liner!
This product looks like and behaves like removable wallpaper, but it was a fraction of the cost. All it took was a little measuring and cutting:
Voila! This gray and white trellis pattern added just the right amount of subtle interest, don’t you think?
Finally, it was time to put everything back. I splurged on some stylish new storage products and created some gorgeous printable labels to create my new and improved pantry.
O.K., ready for the big reveal?
Pantry Organization and Storage Products
I’ve always lusted over those pantries where everything has been taken out of the ugly packaging and stored in those classic glass canisters. Well, I haven’t gone to that extreme with Pantry 2.0, but I did introduce a few glass containers, including the new flour and sugar containers that are stored on the top shelf:
While we’re touring the top shelf, here’s a sneak peek at how I use a set of shelf helpers to create additional storage and improve visibility of items stored way in the back:
{I store back stock items underneath these shelves}
Not much has changed on the next shelf down. I did replace the label on the container that we use to store breakfast-related packets (oatmeal, Instant Breakfast packs, etc.).
Did those pretty hand-lettered labels catch your eye? I created them using a set of printables from the Creativity Exchange blog. You can grab them for free!
More glass container loveliness resides on this shelf. These containers now store our pasta:
The more dramatic changes took place on the lower shelves. I did keep my beloved white stacking baskets (regular readers know that these are a favorite kitchen organizing product of mine). But I decided that it was time to ditch the Dollar Store storage containers and upgrade to ones that are more sturdy and attractive.
Related: How to Use a Pantry Inventory
I had been eyeing up these wire milk crate baskets for months, but just couldn’t think of a place to use them in my home. With this impromptu project, I had the perfect excuse to finally purchase these. They are absolutely perfect for storing our too many bags of snacks.
Moving down a shelf, I replaced the clear plastic bins that store our bread, cereal, and grains with these gray resin wicker storage baskets. This one simple tweak made the pantry interior so much more pleasing to the eye, since all of those bags and boxes are now hidden from sight when you open the door.
As an aside, I’ve mentioned before how my kids were not digging the idea of taking cereal out of the box and storing only the bags.
Well…I finally convinced them to give it a trial run, and I’m happy to report that no one has missed those boxes!
That brings us to the bottom two rows of the pantry, where you’ll find more stacking bins, as well as the open-front bin that we use to store potatoes and onions. We also store oversized jugs of cooking oil and vinegar on the floor, as well as our mixer.
Since storing things directly on the floor is not my jam, I had been storing these items in butt ugly really unattractive plastic crates. Wouldn’t you know it? Those fabulous milk crate wire baskets also come in a larger size that work perfectly for pantry floor storage.
It’s now been over a month since I painted and installed the new shelf liner. I used Plast-o-Mat clear ribbed shelf liners, and let me tell you, it works like a dream. It’s attractive, a breeze to clean, and crazy heavy duty.
I Absolutely LOVE it!
I’m a huge fan of projects that improve both the functionality AND the aesthetics of a space. I can honestly say that I LOVE this quick and easy pantry makeover project!
How about you? Is a pantry makeover in your future?
An organized pantry helps with meal planning. To make it even easier, snag my free Meal Planning Tool Kit:
Easy Pantry Makeover Source List
- Shelf liner – Amazon
- Removable “wallpaper” – Amazon
- Glass storage containers – TJ Maxx {similar containers}
- Stackable baskets – Amazon
- Shelf Helper – Amazon
- Open front stacking bin – Container Store
- Lazy susan – Amazon
- Grey Resin Wicker Storage Basket – Walmart
- Clear acrylic organizer bin – Amazon
- Milk crate wire baskets – Target
- Hand-lettered labels – The Creativity Exchange
- Sticker paper for labels – Amazon
Check out our whole home redesign progress to date in the My Home Refresh Series:
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Jane Holt says
Do you still have oak cabinets? If so, I would love to see how they look with Sweet Spring. I didn’t see any dedicated pics of your kitchen after the refresh. We just bought a house with very nice all wood (including the boxes) oak cabinets but the walls are a very dark red. I would like a lighter fresher wall color and considering Sweet Spring. Your home is lovely!
Natalie Gallagher says
Jane, I’ve actually moved since publishing this post. The cabinets in this particular house were actually birch cabinets, not oak. Honestly, the reason I selected Sweek Spring was because it complimented the orangy tones of the cabinets/flooring so well (it actually made them tolerable!). You can take a peek at how it looks in my home staging post
Kylie Harbin says
Your pantry makeover has inspired me to do ours…a much needed project! My husband took out all the shelves, widened some, and added some triangular shelves in the corner. I just finished painting it yesterday (a light gray/purple). I also bought new containers like the resin weave-looking ones from Wal-Mart and the ribbed shelf liner. I can’t wait to put everything back in later this afternoon! Quick question…did you lay the ribbed liner flat side up or ribbed side up?
Natalie Gallagher says
That makes my heart happy Kylie! I actually laid my liner down ribbed side up. There’s no right or wrong way, it’s just personal preference. I’d love to see a photo of how it turned out. Can you post over on my Facebook page or tag me on Instagram (refined_rooms)?
Crystal Barton says
Wow! That looks amazing! I love all the different containers you used. The stackable containers are ideal! You created a lot of storage in your pantry with those. Love the peel and stick liner against the wall. That turned out really good.
Natalie Gallagher says
Hey Crystal, thanks for your kind words. Yes, I’m in love with that peel and stick liner too!
Jessica says
I am planning a a pantry makeover soon and I love your ideas! My shelves are all very shallow so my container space is limited, but I will get creative with it. 🙂 LOVE the labels that you used!
Natalie Gallagher says
That’s exciting Jessica! Can’t wait to see how yours turns out. Yes, those labels are amazing. Be sure to check out the source list at the end of the post to see where you can grab them for your project.
Liana George says
Gorgeous pantry Natalie! I love the “extra” touches you added – wallpaper, handwritten labels – that made it extra special. Beautiful and functional – what more could you ask of in a pantry? Great job!!
Natalie Gallagher says
Oh Liana, thanks a bunch! I’m totally a fan of “beautiful+functional”!!
Janet Barclay says
This is jaw-droppingly gorgeous! I especially like the handwriting style labels. So big and bold yet soft at the same time.
Natalie Gallagher says
Thanks so much Janet…yes, when I came across those labels on Pinterest, I just had to use them. Gorgeous indeed!
Seana Turner says
Very pretty touch with the pattern on the back wall, Natalie. You’ve got me thinking… maybe a summer “rainy day” project?
Natalie Gallagher says
Yes, TOTALLY a summer rainy day project Seana!
Ashleigh says
Your pantry came out amazing! I’m in awe of your organizational prowess!
It would be great if you wanted to come over to my weekly link party and share this post:
http://www.twentysomethinginthe2010s.com/peace-love-linkup-009/
Hope to see you there! : )
Natalie Gallagher says
Thanks so much for the invite Ashleigh. I will definitely check out your link party!
Angela says
Your pantry looks amazing! Thanks for sharing on Merry Mondays.
Natalie Gallagher says
Aw, thanks Angela! and Thanks for hopping over…
Autumn Leopold says
I love so many of the ideas in this post Natalie! I love the milk crate ideas for the bottom because I hate things on my floor as well. I also love the wall liner idea! I wish I had your energy for this right now! Great post! Go girl!
Natalie Gallagher says
I’m so glad you like it Autumn! Your energy is going to some great places right now…more important that pantry makeovers!