This Pro DIYer Created a Pantry Using Something Unexpected

When it comes to kitchen storage, people appreciate all the tips and tricks they can get. Often, it’s not just about what works best to store all your flour, grains, and spices; you also want to make sure it fits the vibe of your kitchen and, of course, your budget. DIYer Hayley Blythe knows this all too well, and found the perfect way to solve storage issues by creating her dream pantry with a little help from a bookshelf. 

While giving us a tour of her Cambridgeshire, U.K., home in September, she described her style as “English country modern traditional” with some Scandinavian influences. This extended to her kitchen, where she was hoping to have a walk-in pantry before running into budget constraints. However, she quickly rallied and decided to reuse an old bookshelf as her pantry. She told Apartment Therapy, “I painted the bookshelf and purchased glass jars and labels on the internet and created a functional and attractive storage solution. My advice would be [to] think outside the box to create something if there’s something out of reach logistically or concerning budget.”

As you can see, the results of this simple DIY are absolutely stunning. If you want to go for a more rustic or country look, like Blythe, neutral colors or shades like sage green are probably your best bet, along with similar glass jars. You can even reuse old glass bottles or grab secondhand Mason jars. Of course, there are ways to mix it up to fit your personal style. Try changing the paint colors or the type of jars or boxes you buy. As proven by this DIY, there’s no reason your kitchen can’t be as stylish as the rest of your living space.

If this has you thinking about how to organize your kitchen, don’t forget to check out the rest of our small kitchen storage ideas.