Editor’s Note: What better time to organize your pantry than during a world-wide quarantine? The pros over at Maison Haven dished out all the details to transform your pantry into a functional and dare we say it, pretty, space!
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Maison Haven’s stylish hacks and tips guarantee a Pinterest-perfect pantry every time
You could say pantries are our bread and butter (excuse the pun). Nothing gives us greater pleasure than a beautifully functioning pantry. We’ve transformed every size and shape imaginable from epic walk-ins to single cupboards. But no matter the scope, our approach remains the same. And now we’re sharing it with you…
1. Edit.
Skip this stage at your peril. Even the most seasoned purger is bound to find something growing moss at the back of the cupboard. Our personal best was the client with ground cumin from 1998. Weed out anything old or that you know you won’t eat (pickled herrings, anyone?). If it’s ok to eat, donate it. Whatever you do, ensure you’re creating a system for the food you actually use and love.
2. Categories are your friend.
Once you’ve purged, group items into zones like Baking, Breakfast, Dried goods, Snacks, Jars etc. Think of it as a brain map. Next time you open your pantry door, you’ll know exactly where to reach for flour, potato chips or pasta. It saves time and effort (win win).
3. Don’t just ask yourself what you eat, ask how you eat.
What’s your breakfast routine? Do cereal and snacks need to be on a lower shelf so little hands can access? Is pasta a staple? Are you eating popcorn every weekend? Rule of thumb is this: anything you’re reaching for more than twice a week needs to be prime real estate. No bending down, no reaching up high.
4. Know your storage.
Some of our tricks? Double-height turntables maximize shelf space. Risers create an extra shelf. Inserts added to baskets and drawers keep items neatly stacked. A glass jar or two next to the Nespresso machine creates a gorgeous coffee station. A couple of adjustable drawer organizers create a tea drawer. Where possible go for clear, uniform storage. Not only will it elevate the look, but you’re more likely to use what you see (plus it makes shopping for groceries so much easier).
5. Label everything (and we mean everything).
How else will the rest of your family know where the snacks live? For extra polish, we add our custom labels but chalk labels work well, too (just make sure you use white paint pens otherwise the handwriting smudges).
6. Ditch the packaging.
Yep, we love to purge plastic. Where possible we decant goods into sustainable glass containers. Items like flour, sugar, pasta and grains really lend themselves to being set free (make sure you use jars with a seal for items like flour). Pro tip: add cooking instructions to the jar. We use our custom cooking labels, but a chalk pen underneath the lid works well. Another client favorite? A Wellness Zone. We decant nuts, seeds, smoothie powders, collagen and protein mixes into pretty glass jars. Healthy snacks at your fingertips.
7. Refill system.
Do not – repeat: DO NOT – organize your pantry without a Refill zone. It’s all very well designing a beautiful system, but you need to be realistic. A too-rigid system is stifling. We always factor in a refill area for any multiples or excess. If you’re decanting pasta and have some left over, stash it in the Refill basket. Three bottles of olive oil? They go here too. Grocery store had a sale on canned tomatoes? Store the bulk in here. You get the gist. Just remember to always, always check your refills before your next grocery order.
8. Style.
One thing we’ve learnt? A space that looks beautiful is more likely to stay that way. So, make a visual statement. Consider the aesthetic. It’s why we send every client a mood board. And don’t be afraid to think outside the storage box. Pantries can be poky. In our narrowest spaces we’ve used pretty, gold magazine files to store potatoes and onions. They’re practical and they look great!
About Maison Haven. We’re two British friends on a mission: to redefine the way you organize and arm you with the tools, tips and products you need to transform the way you live. Our luxe organizing company has been dubbed a home’s juice cleanse, 12-hour sleep and reset button rolled into one!
website: maisonhaven.com
Instagram @maisonhaven
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