How to Design & Style a Kitchen Pantry: Expert Advice from the Sorter Sisters 

3rd April 2025

A well-designed kitchen pantry isn’t just a visual dream – it’s a game-changer for everyday living. Whether you’re a meal-prepping pro or a snack-sorting novice, a thoughtful pantry layout can boost efficiency, reduce waste, and elevate your kitchen space. 

To dig deeper into what makes a kitchen pantry truly great, we caught up with the brilliant duo behind the Sorter Sisters – known for their beautifully organised, highly functional pantry transformations. Here’s what they had to say… 

What are the key elements of a well-designed kitchen pantry? 

“A well-designed pantry is essential to good maintenance, It should be both practical and pleasing.” 

Their must-haves include: 

  • Smart storage solutions like adjustable shelving, pull-out drawers and turntables to maximise space and accessibility 
  • Clear categorisation of items – think breakfast essentials, dry goods, and snacks – to make upkeep effortless 
  • Airtight decanting of dry goods into clear containers, preserving freshness while keeping your shelves looking sleek 
  • High-quality styling tools such as matching jars, baskets and labels to elevate the look and keep everything in order 
a large pantry larder with the doors open - the pantry is stocked with jars of pastas, spices, oils, grains and baking goods.

What common mistakes do people make when designing a kitchen pantry – and how can they be avoided? 

“People often design their pantry based on how it looks on Pinterest, rather than how it will work in real life. 

Common pitfalls include: 

  • Installing open shelving without proper storage for bulkier items 
  • Adding features like wine racks when they don’t match your lifestyle 

Their advice? 

“Plan your kitchen pantry around your actual habits. Think about what you buy regularly, how you like to cook, and tailor the layout to suit you.” 

How do you recommend organising dry goods, spices, and snacks for both function and style? 

“Decanting is at the heart of every organised pantry, It’s a simple practice that transforms chaos into calm.”

Their go-to strategy: 

  • Spices: Use labelled jars for easy access and visual harmony 
  • Dry goods: Store in clear, airtight containers to maintain freshness 
  • Snacks: Keep tidy in baskets or bins that are easy to access and refill 

The result? A kitchen pantry that not only works hard but looks beautiful, too. 

two ladies (sorter sisters) standing in front of a kitchen island with a large Harvey jones lit up sign mounted to the wall behind them

Where can people find inspiration or shop for the best kitchen pantry styling items? 

“Our Instagram page, @sortersisters, is a great place to start, we showcase organised kitchen pantries, transformations, and all the little details that make a big difference.” 

The Sorter Sisters also recommend turning to social platforms like Instagram and Pinterest for visual ideas – but warn that DIY can quickly become overwhelming. 

Designing a kitchen pantry is about more than storage – it’s about creating a space that works beautifully for your daily life. With thoughtful planning and styling, your pantry can become one of the most loved parts of your kitchen. If you’re ready to bring your dream pantry to life, our expert designers are here to help – start your journey today.