A lot of us want that Insta-worthy pantry and kitchen, where angels sing as we open the doors. Here are some DIY ways to organise an aesthetically pleasing pantry

Whether your pantry is a small cupboard in the corner or spacious and roomy, keeping it organised is essential, especially if your goal is being able to capture that Instagram-worthy aesthetic in your kitchen. Finding ways of organising your pantry space can be so rewarding too: choosing jars, woven bins, shelves, containers, packing everything into neat spaces. So soothing, so mindful and so easy too! Here are a few ways to help you easily create your very own aesthetic pantry.

Turn Shelves into Drawers
Pull-out drawers give the convenience of packing space, but without the hassle of ‘losing’ your food in the dark abyss at the back of the shelf. This one takes a little more ‘doing it yourself’, but they are relatively simple to make out of solid wood or plywood. Plus, pull-out drawers are so worth it when sorting out your crockery or groceries in cupboards. Pair a good light wood with sage-green painted doors and you’re headed for the hills!

Acrylic Containers
What we love about flat containers is that they’re stackable. While stacking containers does not sound particularly exciting, it’s so satisfying to be able to neatly sort all your grains, nuts, snacks and other groceries into clear containers then stack them all up into their spaces. Try modular shelving or creating a grid-like pattern that each container can neatly slot into for an extra chic look. 

Repurpose Fruit Boxes and Crates
Instead of tossing out fruit boxes and crates once you’ve neatly sorted your fruits and vegetables, repurpose them into shelves or drawers. You could use pieces of wood to reinforce the corners or walls of the boxes, and even create your own makeshift shelf to store light crockery or other kitchen items such as dishcloths or spices. These crates can also be wall mounted, with hooks added, to create hanging space for cooking and baking utensils such as measuring cups. 

Labelled Jars
We’re not supposed to pick favourites but if there’s one thing we love more than clear containers, it’s got to be labelled glass jars. These days, jars come in all shapes, styles and sizes. You can store all kinds of kitchen staples in them. Although, if you’re not a fan of the store-packaging, and prefer to have everything neatly sorted and clearly labelled, then invest in these handy items. Empty the contents of your groceries into the jars, then add printed or handwritten labels – you can add expiration dates to the bottom of jars. Empty out your spices into spice sets that can easily be recognised, and grabbed, when needed. 

Create a Cookbook Wall 
What would a kitchen or pantry be without the help of our favourite cooks and cookbooks. Whether it’s the hand-written cookbook you inherited from your grandmother or the new dessert book you haven’t used yet, cookbooks are essential. Have a wall, or wall section, dedicated to all your cookbooks, organised neatly the way you’d like. Add floating shelves, or use those repurposed fruit boxes and crates as shelves to store your beloved recipes in.

Straw Baskets
Whether it’s in the bathroom, the bedroom or the office, straw bins have a place (in our hearts too). Straw bins are a great accessory for stocking fruits or vegetables, as well as stacking canned foods. But it doesn’t stop there – they can also store your tablecloths, dishcloths, napkins and allow for deeper storage without the unsightliness. 

Use a Variety of Containers
Leave the phrase ‘consistency is key’ with your old pantry. New pantry, new rules. Sometimes having a uniform look can make the pantry look a bit dull and drab. If all your containers look the same, you may forget what you put where, so opt for a variety of different containers, baskets, styles and sizes, depending on the items in them. Put your veg in woven baskets on the bottom shelves, but your fruit in steel baskets. Choose your containers and method of organisation based on your own style and desires. Your pantry doesn’t need to be too methodical – make your life easier and go with your gut. 

Photography: Hautestock, courtesy images