Once upon a time, we had a pantry.
But it was more like a chaotic, stick stuff in here, where-the-heck-are-the-paper-plates-why-do-we-have-so-many-salad-dressing-bottles kinda catch all. Like, for shame.
I always said it was so large we could survive the zombie apocalypse if we needed to, all hidden away and staying alive by eating what was left of the Publix-had-a-buy-one-get-one-stash-of-ketchup that we’d inevitably forgotten about, a mere three years earlier. It would be the moldy tomato intake that killed us, for our total inability to purge. Not the zombies.
We tried to organize it, but to no avail, it always went back to absolute chaos within about a week. Okay, fine. Within hours. And that was because we were literally just shoving stuff into our ill-fated shelves, and closing the door.
So we decided to make it over, with a resolve to find a few systems that actually work.
Down with that brown… and wire shelves. Nothing wrong with brown, other than the fact that it clearly wasn’t working… and we absolutely hated it
Keeping it real, y’all.
Pantries are always tricky… we’re torn between cool container overload worthy of a container store feature {see: gloriously perfect organized space} and… reality.
Because we needed function as well, and we needed practical solutions. So while it’s not a modular paradise, this is reality. But we have to say, it’s a vast improvement.
We know exactly where everything is.
We completely took out the shelves, and didn’t bother redoing the one on the left (the one that made a bit of a ‘U’ shape right at the door) to free up some space. We increased the shelving by one more at the top, utilizing that formerly wasted area. It’s the perfect spot for picnic baskets, plates, and trays… all those little things we never know what to do with when they’re not in use.
We also made a few cubbies to naturally divide the spaces, while designating a few areas to children’s art + snacks {we love the idea that they can now access it on their own} baking, and breakfast foods. Areas we knew we could really use.
We used an assortment of jars, containers and crates collected over time, paired with chalkboard + shelving labels, so that there truly is a place for everything and everything in it’s place.
We were amazed at how much space it freed up, to have those boxes emptied into the right containers. What we do have is totally worth it in terms of clutter and space saving.
From goldfish + wheat thins to organic granola + flax seed, we couldn’t be more thrilled with the {realistic} results.
I picked this light up a long time ago at the flea market and was holding on to it. One of the last boob lights in our home came down, and this one added a lot of easy character.
We even cut out a space for the vacuum + trash can, whereas before they were just kind of in the way, and we were constantly tripping over them. We moved the cleaning supplies to the bottom now that the kids are old enough to not bother/ingest them, and it’s nice to have fast easy access to quick grabs for little spills.
We were in the middle of this when Chloe passed, so it was good to throw ourselves back into a project, right before the holidays and knock it into shape. {Read: Totally pushed past the desire to eat sausage balls and lay on the sofa for days watching You’ve Got Mail… though I’m sure that one is still coming.}
Glorious distraction.
And because we loved the pantry so much, we carried a little of that fun look into the kitchen with a few refreshing updates.
It was time to kick it up a notch.
So we dubbed it a bit of a kitchen refresh, if you will.
We finished it off on the island with a little bit of dark wax. It changes colors throughout the day, and we love the contrast it brought with the heart pine counter top.
The old countertop had the same tile you see on the floors so it was a nice change to finally trash that ridiculous builders idea add a little interest to it all. Along with some simple brass and wood hardware, as well.
We dolled up the table with a bit of vintage goblet love, and some fun fabric.
And we added some new chairs, since the kids slowly but surely knocked all the old flea market finds over, and broke them all. Now that they’re bigger and we don’t have quite so many dramatic occurrences, it was time for a sturdy change.
Our kitchen is bold and bright with a little unexpected fun… and very much us.
With some old art you’ve probably seen around our home from time to time, since we no longer had space in our entryway, we updated that, as well.
We made this little ice cream parlor sign to go over our spiffed up pantry… we’ll be sharing the tutorial soon.
The kids still love their little chalkboard area. And we love the art they create.
We’ve come a long way, baby.
We have sources and how-tos coming up soon, and I’ll be linking them below in this post, as they’re added. In the meantime, let us know if you have any questions, but stay tuned! Have an inspired day!
Check out our sources, here!
Vicki says
I have commented here so many times before. I SO wish there had been blog inspiration when I was raising my 3 boys. I could have enjoyed a much more cheerful and happy place that my kids could also have enjoyed. I did all I knew to do and the kids aren’t damaged in anyway ( that I know of) but your home is an amazing place of fun, light, freedom to express and explore, and designed just for your family needs unlike my day when you did what everyone else did. You guys rock SO much. I LOVE your home and the new kitchen updates are again just perfect. Your kids are so blessed to have you guys for parents, and you to have a husband who loves to share your vision. Thanks so much for sharing. I would love to know the color of that paint in the pantry. Thanks again.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Vicki! Thank you so very much- you are too sweet – as always. Our kids will probably grow up thinking you’re supposed to paint everything in sight and tear your home apart, so there’s always that 😉 I’m sure it will be some kind of best seller they write talking about how weird we are! Ha!
Michael @ Crafty Dad.com says
Wow! Honestly, I think your “before” version of the pantry is pretty nice! LOL!
But the “after” is simply amazing. Love the shelves and the labels. And the fact that there’s a place for everything — and everything is IN it’s place.
Our pantry is more like a glorified coat closet. Not complaining (who has time for that?) but it would be great to have a walk-in version. Because we have a LOT of stuff that we like to keep close-at-hand.
Thanks for sharing. Thanks for inspiring.
–Michael
P.S. I’m still mourning the loss of Chloe.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thanks so much Michael! We can actually seeeeee! We’re still mourning her too and will for a long time- I think thanksgiving was a good distraction. 🙂
Elizabeth says
simply awesome. yes, can’t wait to see where/how-to on all you did!! post away! 😉 And, on a side note, I’ll have to say I’ve been loving on my elder dog a little more these days; thanks for reminding us how much joy they bring to our lives.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! 🙂
Ann Marie @ white house black shutters says
I’ve been giddy about this since I saw your instagram pic yesterday. This is amazing and so YOU! It looks like a happy family lives there. The color choices are perfect. And I have to stop myself before I go on gushing. 😉 Nice work!!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thank you Ann Marie- you’re too sweet!
Rachel says
It’s official. I’m obsessed with your kitchen. Don’t be alarmed if you find me there…whispering sweet nothings to your fridge.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hahaha thank you Rachel! 🙂 it’s a nice change to have some functioning areas again 😉
Crystal @MyBlissfulSpace says
Love it! We did some shelf rearranging this past year in our pantry but haven’t gotten to the paint yet…ready for a fun pop of color in there! 😉 Great job!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Crystal! 🙂 gotta love that fun paint 😉
Hillary says
Incredible transformation, Ashley! Your kitchen oozes character — it’s so fun to see the contrast between the builder blah and now.
Belinda Aguirre says
Look at all that beautiful organization. It looks so pleasing to the eye.
And look at your FRIDGE!!!! I don’t think I’ve ever seen it before. LOVE it!!!!
Lisa@2PerfectionDecor says
Wow.. Your pantry is truly inspirational!!! Your Kitchen is so fun!
Rachel says
Wow that was a lot of work I’m sure! Looks amazing…very professional. Love the butcher block choice as well!
Jodee says
Lovely as always. I so love your kitchen and your blog!
Karleen Campbell says
Wow! What a beautiful kitchen! I just love your pantry re-do…would you mind sharing where you got some of your storage containers & labels from?
Nicki says
I have a similar kitchen island and was thinking of redoing the top and painting it a darker teal. It was like you were reading my mind. I was so happy to see this update. I will definitely be doing this now that I have seen yours. Will you please share how the pine top was done or where purchased and the dark wax and handles used on the piece. . I can’t wait to redo mine now. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful home with us.
Jen says
Your pantry is one of the best I have seen, ever. And I have seen a lot of pantries! <3 I sort of want to live in there. And I love how it trickled into the rest of the glorious kitchen space. So gosh darn good!!
Stacy Risenmay says
You are so ridiculously talented. Your home is one of my favorites. So fun and colorful and cheery 🙂
Stephanie C. says
That before and after shot of your kitchen is amazing! You have done a wonderful job turning it from generic to totally you. It definitely takes time to get a space to truly reflect the people who live there, thanks for taking all of us along on the journey!
Stephanie
Meg says
Just awesome! As always, I love the colorful, fun atmosphere. Its also nice to see a little kichen “refresh”. It often feels like kitchens are an all-or-nothing deal- even for DIYers: you just live with stuff you don’t like for a while, to save up for a BIG project. And that’s a huge time/money/headache committment. I like seeing smaller, do-able projects, for any room but esp for the kitchen!