Hidden Pantry Ideas: How to Organize Cabinets & Shelves

We’re doing a kitchen remodel and I want to show you our hidden pantry. Scott worked so hard on planning and constructing these DIY pantry cabinets and shelves. I will also share a few other pantry organization ideas with you. Let me take you on a tour of my pantry remodel.

You can also add more storage inside your cabinets by maximizing your door space with this potlid hanger hack!

1. Cabinetry

Here are the old cabinets from my kitchen. We repurposed them by painting them. This is how to save money on a DIY project. If you don’t have cabinets to repurpose, look on Facebook Marketplace for some.

2. Color choice

I picked several colors close to what I thought I wanted. I put them all together to do a color comparison. The color I chose was a Sherwin-Williams color called Coastal Plain and my wall color–one of my favorites–is Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak.

3. Baseboards

One of the trends I’ve seen is painting baseboards and trim the same color as either your wall or cabinets. I love the way it turned out.

4. Hardware treatment

Another way I saved money on this DIY project was by keeping the hardware the same but using Rub ‘N Buff to turn the knobs and handles antique gold.

5. Countertops

I chose a butcherblock countertop purchased from Home Depot. This is a great choice for a prepping pantry.

6. Ceiling

I love how this inexpensive shiplap board ceiling turned out. We went with this because this house has popcorn ceilings that were painted over, which I hate, and they are impossible to remove. This is the perfect solution and adds so much more character to the space.

7. Pantry shelves

My very favorite thing is that each shelf is lit up using strip lighting. It makes everything shine. When you open the door, these lights automatically go on and go off when the door closes.

8. Vintage items

One of the things that makes a house unique is when you go shopping for vintage and antique items to use.

9. Light fixture

This fixture with the gold patina pairs well with the hardware.

10. Backsplash

This stone backsplash was so easy to do. It adds a layer of character.

11. Window

I wanted light in this space but I also wanted privacy. I used a simple window film (cling) that attaches with water and it peels right off. It looks great from the outside, too.

The curtain adds a little splash of color and pattern.

12. Organizational tools and items

This junk drawer organizer is made of little plastic moveable containers.

Here’s a clear plastic lazy Susan for my cabinet that helps you see everything.

I purchased simple labels from Etsy for my containers.

These shelves organize my paper products.

Hidden pantry ideas

I hope these DIY pantry ideas were helpful. You can see how easy and inexpensive some of these tips can be for your own home. Let me know your favorite tip from this DIY pantry project by leaving a comment below.