Kitchen Pantry {Reveal}

But because brand new custom shelving wasn’t in the budget or my DIY plans, I decided to customize the entire feel and layout of our pantry using affordable and easy to hang IKEA shelving and jars and other items we already had. Although our pantry is a walk-in, it is under the staircase so it is quite small and obviously has an awkward slanted ceiling that makes shelving and storage a little challenging. But because it is so tiny, we decided to play up the more eclectic charming feel with a mix of open shelves, a real wood table and bins, baskets and glass jars. Not only we can now move freely in and out, but the “butler’s pantry” feel to the space has become a charming feature of our kitchen.

The main reason we wanted to remove the microwave from over the stove was so we could install a more powerful exhaust hood. The other reason we moved the microwave was because the previous layout of our kitchen only provided enough space for one cook.

Now anyone can heat up a quick snack or hot drink without getting in the way of the main work zone! A little washi tape boarder and new knobs gave the table a more spunky personality without paint. The cute round basket with the coral stripe is from Target, as are the green metal bins in the photo below. The woven baskets have been found over time, mostly from places like Pier 1, World Market and TJ Maxx. I really love the stainless shelves with the glass jars filled with grains, beans and other assorted items. I keep my eye out for pretty but affordable dishes that serve more than one purpose (decor and function!).

And why hide the pretty white, wood and colorful bowls and bundt pans in a closed cupboard where I would likely lose or forget about them? I find most of my affordable bowls and baking dishes at Target or Pier 1 or TJ Maxx.