50 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020
INSIDE JOB
PANTRY IMPROVEMENTS STOCKED WITH SIMPLICITY
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Most people have been spending more
time at home in 2020 than in years past,
and certain projects around the house
have become a priority.
One home improvement idea that
serves the double benefit of creating
organization and making cooking at
home more efficient is reimagining the
kitchen pantry. Pantries can be highly
useful spaces that provide ancillary
storage in kitchens. Many modern
homes are equipped with pantries, but
older homes may require some modification
to create more useful storage
spaces.
Whether starting from scratch or modifying
an existing pantry, these tips can
help projects go more smoothly.
MAXIMIZE VERTICAL STORAGE
Utilizing vertical areas can help increase
storage capacity. Build in extra
nooks by investing in under-shelf storage
baskets. These baskets can instantly
create designated areas for different
types of ingredients. Homeowners
also can look for ways to use the inside
of cabinet doors or add extra shelves on
walls or in eaves.
CONSIDER YOUR NEEDS
Figure out which items you would like
to store in the pantry and then shop for
corresponding storage systems. For
example, storage solutions may feature
wine bottle racks, baskets for potatoes
and other produce, shelving for small
appliances, and even pull-out racks for
baking pans or cutting boards.
USE CLEAR STORAGE
Put ingredients in clear, airtight containers
of similar dimensions so that
you can easily find items you need.
Transfer bulky items such as cereal and
baking supplies to storage containers
for uniformity.
STORE BULK ELSEWHERE
Bulk shopping can be cost-efficient,
but bulk items can quickly eat up real
estate in the pantry. Designate another
area such as a garage or utility room for
nonperishable bulk products.
CONVENIENT PULL-OUT
DRAWERS
Pull-out drawers can reduce the need to
seek and reach for items. These drawers
conveniently roll out so items in the
back can be accessed without disturbing
foods in the front. Drawers can be
custom built for any pantry space.
MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE
Think about who will be taking items
from the pantry. Put children’s snacks
on the bottom pantry shelf where they
can reach them, and then organize other
shelves for adults in the home.
-Metro Creative Connection
Clear containers
make finding
items easier.
Place kids’
items on lower
shelves.
A pantry
remodel can add
valuable storage space
and make one of the
busiest rooms in the
house operate more
efficiently.
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
