Tag: pantry

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My amazing pantry makeover with pullout storage drawers

Today, I’m excited to bring you the long overdue rundown of exactly what we did in my recent pantry makeover with TANSEL and just how happy that bit of home organisation heaven has made me. I mean, just look at her now! Sigh…

I remember when we put this kitchen in four years ago and how excited I was to have a full height and 900mm wide pantry, after surviving with a veritably teensy one for the short amount of time we lived with the old (sixties) kitchen. I mean, it looked massive. In reality though, it was full of dead space at the backs of the shelves and in between them. I just kept adding basket after box to try and group things together but in true Jen style, it soon became a case of ‘if it’s behind closed doors and nobody else sees it, who cares?’ and things got pretty ugly at times!

BEFORE: Top half of the pantry (you bet I tidied it up a little for the photo!)
BEFORE: Bottom half of the pantry

Enter Tanya Selever, the founder of TANSEL, whose pull-out solutions I’d been watching with awe and envy on Instagram for months. When she offered to help double my useable storage and make my pantry pretty (which, let’s face it, is satisfying too!), I didn’t need asking twice!

So, what did we do? With the help of her trusty installer Mark, we removed three adjustable shelves, added a vertical division in the upper part of the pantry and added pull-out storage. There are three full width drawers at the bottom, a whole bank of them on the lefthand side and on the righthand side, where I’d had a power socket put in to enable me to hide the toaster away (I have issues), we created a fun breakfast nook with some small shelves above for teas, jams and the like.

The challenges

“This pantry had loads of wasted space, access issues in the lower sections and a power point with a toaster,” Tanya explains. “To make this space functional (and not creating a fire hazard with the shelves being too close to the toaster, required some ‘creative solutions’ (which the TANSEL team does like no other!).

“The spacing between the shelves created a whole lot of “air”, which really is an opportunity to create more useable storage. In a typical pantry like this, this “air” is common because you need to reach into the back but (more commonly) people just clutter the space by stacking items on top of each other. As a result you buy more of what you already have but just can’t see it. In short – the shelves become a haven for stuff that you can’t access. 

“The other challenge we had (but really just another great opportunity) was the toaster and powerpoint. With a little thinking outside the square” this space could be transformed into a functional zone.” 

Our objectives with this makeover were to create more useable storage, maximise the functionality of the space and create family friendly organisation. I was keen to have somewhere to organise the kids’ many individual snack items. they may not look the prettiest, but a pantry needs to really work for you as well as looking great and feeling organised. And the snack grid system Tanya suggested is actually one of my favourite parts!

How we organised it all

The pantry is now split into three distinct zones:

Lower pantry

Taking out one shelf and adding three stainless steel TANSEL drawers (with removable non-slip bases) created 25% more usable space. “The bottom part of a pantry is always the most difficult to access so pull out storage is a must have,” Tanya says. “The great thing is you can add drawers as you need, when you need, and within your budget. We used the Drawer Organisation inserts to organise kids’ snacks and smaller items.” TANSEL created this system to provide maximum flexibility – you change and reconfigure it as you need.

Righthand upper pantry – toaster nook

We split the upper pantry so we could have the best of both worlds; the hiding place for the toaster (with enough space to ensure a fire hazard was not created when using it and still having storage above using shallow shelves. The open shelving also looks colourful and interesting as a bonus!

Lefthand upper pantry – slide out storage

“This solution really made the best of all available space. We kept the upper fixed shelf so Jen can store items not used on a regular basis, but everything else on the left was converted into pull out storage,” Tanya says. “We double the useable space between the upper and mid fixed shelves. The additional storage is now easy to access and with a little organisation, this pantry is now a winner!” 

Tanya says all pantries with shelves have similar issues of dead space. “Most people are not aware that there are many ways to create functional zones and organise the space, which we did in Jen’s pantry. This makeover ticked many boxes because we used a wide range of solutions to store and organise. Decluttering and decanting is also another important “to do” if you want to take organisation to the next level.”

I must say I am really enjoying the decanting life (and we must mention the OXO POP Containers from Howards Storage World because they’re the best and the quality is evident) and filling things up after a trip to the shops. Most of all though, it makes it easy to see what I have so I don’t buy more until I need it. No more piles of bags of pasta in a corner!

So while many people think a butler’s pantry is the Ferrari of pantries, a regular, bog standard 900mm one can achieve greatness too, see! And some people just don’t have the space for a butler’s, especially if they’ve renovated an older home, as we have.

The TANSEL system is available via their website and through Howards Storage World and can be retro-fitted into any kind of kitchen. It can even be installed by a handy DIY-er. “People often need help finding the perfect solution for their space. Our range is extensive, which is great because so many things are possible, but we encourage people to contact our team for advice. We know that measuring and installing is not everyone’s cup of tea, or they are just simply too busy. We therefore offer a measurement and install service across Australia.”

They can even advise you how to minimise holes inside the cabinet if you’re renting. “Our products are made using stainless steel wire and come with a lifetime warranty so if you move house, there are many ways our products can be re-purposed!” 

And the cost?

Transforming an existing cabinet is much more cost-effective than starting from scratch. What we did in my pantry would cost around $1700 including installation and additional materials. This includes a whopping seven stainless steel pullout baskets with opal bases and a lifetime warranty.

FOR MORE ON TANSEL or find them at Howards Storage World

Thanks to my friends at The Wholefoods Refillery for helping fill my new canisters with pretty (and delicious!) food. Readers can get 20% off their first online order with the code JEN20.

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Expert Tips

Pantry organisation ideas from Real Housewife Chyka

In her first book, Chyka Home, former Real Housewives of Melbourne favourite Chyka Keebaugh shares her practical tips in an inspirational guide for homemaking, entertaining, styling and crafting. Organised by season, Chyka presents creative ideas for entertaining guests and organising and decorating your home. The following pantry organisation ideas are an edited extract from the book.

There is something about opening the pantry when it’s just been cleaned and organised that fills you with a sense of calm. Having a well organised, totally functional pantry is a must-have in this busy day and age. All it takes is an hour of your time, some matching containers and a little pantry inspiration.

I am a firm believer that if you can see everything, you won’t waste it. Shallow shelving will stop you from stockpiling cans; simple, clear containers will tell you when you are running low on items, and baskets are handy for odd-shaped packets that are a little tricky to decanter. I like to keep everything together – my herbs, spices and baking items, such as flour and sugars, all lined up neatly, a section for tea, and so on. Doing this makes it much easier to find what I am looking for in a hurry.

Learn to love labels
I can’t be the only one who’s confused plain flour with self-raising flour, or icing sugar with cornflour. Poor labelling can cause some real issues in the kitchen, so there’s no excuse not to label your jars, especially when there are so many free templates on the internet to get you started.

CREATIVE LABELLING
• Hang a simple piece of brown card from the lid and neatly write the contents in thick black marker.
• Paint a square on the outside of your jars with blackboard paint and label them with chalk.
• Write directly on the jar with a marker in neat, cursive writing.
• Match your labels to your kitchen colour scheme to ensure continuity.

  • TIPS FOR A NEAT PANTRY
    When buying containers for your pantry, stick to the same size, style and look. Consistency with your containers will create an inviting sense of order.
  • Label, label, label!
  • Group similar items, especially oils and condiments, together so that you can see everything at once.
  • Never store more than two layers deep. If you can’t see it, you won’t use it.
  • Invest in good lighting for a walk-in pantry. Searching in the dark is no fun.
  • Tidy weekly to avoid your pantry getting disorganised.
  • Having a collection of baskets on the floor of a walk-in pantry is a neat and tidy way to store big packets and odd-shaped containers.
  • A plastic-sleeved folder will solve your recipe mess. Simply slip cut-outs into a plastic sleeve and file away. Do the same with takeaway menus.

This is an edited extract from Chyka Home by Chyka Keebaugh published by Hardie Grant Books $39.99 and is available in stores nationally and online.

Photography: Lisa Atkinson (of pantries) and Armelle Habib (of Chyka)

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Expert Tips Kitchens

How to: Design a contemporary butler’s pantry

Image: Desire to Inspire

By Naomi Findlay

Traditionally, butler’s pantries were a whole and complete kitchen, where the butlers and staff of the house would prepare meals for the household as well as hiding any mess from dinner parties. Downton Abbey fans will be all over this, I’m sure!

But far from an outmoded concept, I believe in using elements and ideas from a traditional butler’s pantry but putting my own contemporary spin on it to create a modern, hybrid take on the concept.

Image: Desire to Inspire

Key considerations

Use your space wisely. Depending on the amount of space you have to design your butler’s pantry, you will need to cater for a range of elements personalised to your needs. For example, do you want to have your butler’s pantry completely separate to the kitchen or would you like to open it up to your main kitchen when needed?

Remember, it’s all about your lifestyle – what exactly do you do in your kitchen and do you like to cook often? Also, who lives in your home and who uses the kitchen? Do you have little ones that need to use the kitchen space to do their homework while you are cooking dinner, or is your kitchen more of an entertaining zone?

And if you like to entertain guests, how often do you do so and which kitchen elements do you wish you could hide? The microwave, coffee machine, slow cooker, dishwasher or all the above? Also, how much storage do you have in your kitchen and do you need more?

By considering the above points you are already defining the design of your hybrid butler’s pantry in a functional way that will complement your lifestyle.

Image: Robson Rak Architects and Interiors Designers

Popular inclusions

Some popular components of butler’s pantries include the following:

  • Extra food storage.
  • Storage options for large, bulky kitchen dishes or appliances.
  • A place to store the microwave.
  • A hiding place for your main or second fridge.
  • A one-bowl sink to wash larger items.
  • Lots of bench space for food preparation and to hide dirty dishes from sight.
  • A place for the dishwasher.

In conclusion

Modern day hybrid butler’s pantries have a lot to recommend them. Not only are they a great functional element of a kitchen, due to their closeness and proximity to the main kitchen, but if designed thoughtfully they will complement your kitchen when needed, or be completely hidden when entertaining. They’re also a great way to hide the mess!

–Australia’s rapid renovation expert, Naomi Findlay is an internationally renowned renovator, award-winning property stylist and adult educator. She owns established staging and styling business Silk Home, in Newcastle and the Hunter Region, NSW, and also teaches others how to start their own staging businesses or stage their own homes, through the International Institute of Home Staging. Naomi is a resident expert on our sister site Reno Addict.

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Expert Tips Kitchens

Four clever kitchen storage tricks from Cherie Barber

By Cherie Barber

While we’d all love a massive bank of kitchen cupboards and a walk-in pantry, the average kitchen struggles to meet the modern demand for copious storage and sprawling bench space. Often, it’s a matter of making better use of the space we’ve got.

So here are four suggestions to either help you make your current kitchen function better or incorporate into your kitchen reno:

Shelve your plans

This is probably the easiest solution when you’re short on space. All you need is a stretch of wall, and up go the shelves, providing a place to display prized objects or practical storage space for plates and cups. IKEA’s Lack shelves, with their concealed mounting brackets, are a favourite. Otherwise hardware stores have plenty of cheap options.

shelves_stclaire

Drawer the line

For base cabinets, nothing beats deep drawers. It means you can easily see and reach everything without having to scrabble around in the recesses of a cupboard. The more, the better, in my books. For tricky corner cupboards which often end up as dead space, consider a carousel, like the Utrusta from IKEA or the 270-degree carousel from Arova.

mort_street

Pull some tricks

While not everyone has space for a walk-in pantry, companies like Hafele have a lot of enterprising solutions that compact a load of storage into narrow spaces. The pull-out pantry allows all the contents to be visible, just like in a standard pantry.

Hide and seek

Benchtop clutter takes up valuable space, so be sure to find a spot for the microwave either under bench in an island or in a cupboard or pantry – it’s not exactly a showpiece you need to leave on display. An appliance cupboard is the perfect solution if you have space.

appliance-cupboard

And nobody needs to see an overflowing garbage bin in your kitchen. Always consider including a slideout garbage bin inside your base cabinets, so you don’t have an ugly bin centre stage in your smart new kitchen!

–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.