This Pantry Organizing Trend Is Surprisingly Nostalgic
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I love a well organized space as much as anyone—I even worked for an organizing magazine for a stint in my career—but in recent years it seems the average pantry (at least the ones you see on social media) went from a humble, hardworking space to a sterile and soulless showroom.
But seriously: Do people actually live like that?
Here's some good news: Lately I've been noticing a shift, and it was about time. After years of pristine, obsessively organized, all-white pantries that frankly don't look like they've ever been used—who can afford to leave six inches of negative space on each side of a Pellegrino bottle?—designers and homeowners are gravitating toward pantry spaces that evoke warmth, nostalgia, and, well, real life.
Generally speaking, this new take on outfitting a pantry takes its style cues from the old-timey general stores of yore—think produce in woven apple crates, pastas in mason jars, antique baskets corralling snacks (or hanging from the ceiling when not in use). If you're lucky, you may even find a stash of penny candy or a vintage food scale peppered into the mix.
This old-school, retail-inspired approach to organizing aligns with many other trends we're seeing, including vintage-inspired decorating, the rise of cluttercore, and the desire to add more soul and character to traditionally utilitarian spaces. Add a checkers game and rocking chair while you're at it, and you'll be well on your way to running your own mom-and-pop mercantile.
Five Ways to Design a "General Store" Pantry
Swap Out Your Door
A run-of-the-mill door is fine and good, but a painted screen door—or a reclaimed door—will go a long way toward setting a nostalgic tone. In this California kitchen, the homeowner chose a vintage-inspired silhouette from a big-box hardware store and painted it a happy green.
Embrace the Soda Crate
Nothing conjures the feel of an old general store quite like a soda logo. Slotted soda crates can come in quite handy when it comes to sorting everyday items. Alternatively, you can use open crates to corral larger goods.
Incorporate Collectibles
A few well placed antiques—even purely decorative ones—will help you achieve that old-fashioned, mom-and-pop feeling. In this Martha's Vineyard pantry, vintage china does the trick. Bonus: When arranged upright, it doesn't eat up precious shelf space.
Add Some Color
How about on-trend, yet always nostalgic, butter yellow? In this space designed by Meta Coleman, the happy hue pairs well with woven baskets and warm woods.
Embrace Warm Woods
While white shelving tends to be the standard, warmer woods tend to evoke a more nostalgic feel, similar to knotty pine walls, which are also having a moment. (A few butter crocks and a plethora of canned goods also up the charm factor.)
Skip the Plastic
From classic mason jars to reused Bonne Maman jam jars, sturdy glassware is a more sustainable—and stylish—option for storage. Biscotti jars also evoke an old-school aesthetic.
Stash Snacks in Chip Tins
When looking to conceal giant snack bags, consider housing them in large vintage tins (see bottom right), which will help up the pantry's patina factor.
Mix and Match Baskets
Who says your bins and baskets need to coordinate? In fact, by taking a looser approach, you won't lose your mind when your go-to storage container is discontinued.
Skirt Something
Whether you use nubby grain sack, an upcycled feed bag, or classic red-and-white gingham, a skirted element delivers classic country charm while concealing those items you'd rather keep out of sight (lookin' at you, giant bag of dog food).
Glass Jar
Half Bushel Baskets, Set of 2
Two-Tier Hanging Basket
Vintage Aqua 32-Ounce Quart Jar
Artisan Rustic Handcrafted Utility Basket
Glass Penny Candy Jar
Stackable Storage Bins, 3-Piece Set
Retro Food Scale
Vintage Counter Paper Towel Holder
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