Pantry

We take you behind-the-scenes of a project and break down exactly how we did it. Follow our guide and whip your panty into shape, fast!

THE BRIEF: transform this pantry into a streamlined, functioning space for a family of four.

THE APPROACH: we used Maison Haven’s signatures 3-step technique: edit, organize, style. We worked with the client to edit out any food items that were out of date or unlikely to be used. We created a personalized system, and then we sprinkled the visual fairy dust!

Whenever we’re designing a pantry system we spend time talking through not just what a client eats, but how they eat. Is their breakfast leisurely or rushed? Do cereal and snacks need to be on a lower shelf so little hands can access? Is the client cooking dinner from scratch most nights? 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. In this case, we designated each shelf a separate zone: the bottom is Breakfast, then Snacks, then Dinner, then Baking.

We measure a space at least twice before we decide on containers. And we also decide on a color palette in advance (in this case, whites and neutrals). The larger white baskets work well for bulkier items. Then we pepper in smaller white baskets to store prettier items, and break up the visual. For this client, we agreed on acrylic jars rather than glass so the kids couldn’t break them (where possible we love to purge packaging and decant dried goods into jars - so much easier to see what you have!) We added our custom labels to make it even easier to maintain the system, as well as our cooking labels to scribble down cooking instructions and Use By dates. One of our favorite pantry tricks is a bamboo turntable. They are great at maximizing shelf space and corralling items like cans and jars.

We always create a system within a system so that large baskets don’t become a hot mess. In this case, we added inserts to keep snack items neatly lined up. So much easier to grab and go!

The refill zone is a pantry’s secret weapon. It’s all very well designing a beautiful system, but it needs to be realistic, too. 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. Just remember to always, always check your refills before your next grocery shop.

Fun fact

Can you spot the Wellness baskets at the top? Increasingly, we’re adding Wellness Zones to our clients’ pantries. These contain vitamins, protein powders, collagen and smoothie shakes. Even easier to stay on the healthy bandwagon!

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