And with the prospect of guests to cater for at this time of year, you’ll want to be fully stocked without having piles of snacks and extra supplies on benchtops and falling out of overstuffed cupboards. “In a well-functioning kitchen, the pantry will serve as the main storage hub,” says Briony Mikrou, marketing communications manager for Kaboodle Kitchen. “It’s where you keep everyday items out of sight but within arm’s reach, and in some instances, a place to store appliances and get food prep done.”

Professional organisers and declutter experts Emma and Michelle from Tidee have these helpful tips to get your pantry organised once and for all.

1. Store like with like

Create zones for similar items, such as grains, snacks, spices, baking items and so on. Keep frequently used items at eye level, low-use items up top and bulky items down low.

2. Select your containers

Decant dry goods into clear, airtight containers – they look great, stack well, keep food fresh for longer and allow you to see what items need replenishing. Label each container and include its use-by date.

3. Use every inch of pantry space

If your pantry permits, utilise the back of the door as extra storage space. Everything from spices to a roll of paper towels, shopping bags or aprons can be hung from hooks on a door.

“Adjustable shelves allow you to move items to different heights and utilise every inch of space,” she explains. In her kitchen designs, Lauren likes to include baskets for onions and potatoes – “Häfele makes a great system of wicker joinery baskets on runners to store these items,” she says.

“You may even like to personalise your pantry with an organiser wall for recipes, notes and kids’ artworks or a whiteboard or chalkboard to jot down items as you use them up. “I like to add some hooks to hang an apron, tea towels and shopping bags,” Lauren adds.

4. Invest in handy pantry accessories

Increase the visibility of small items like canned goods and condiments with some handy accessories. We love a tiered shelf organiser for cans and turntables for easy access to sauces, condiments and spices.

For new and existing pantries, companies like Blum, Häfele and Tansel offer a range of space-savvy solutions, such as wire shelf helpers for a second tier of storage, rotating units for corner cabinets, pull-out drawers and slender pull-out pantries that are viewable and accessible on both sides. Studio Trio interior designer Lauren Mahoney swears by the Blum Space Tower for small kitchens. “It’s a series of high-sided, extension drawers with glass sides, which makes it so easy to see what you have inside,” she explains.

5. Let there be light

One of the aims of organising a pantry is to increase the visibility of every item. Lighting the space, be it naturally vi a skylight or with LED strip sensor lights that turn on as you open the door, will help you see exactly what you’re looking for.

Best pantry organising accessories

01

Spode blue Italian spice jar set

$131.24, Amazon

We’ve all seen the viral clear glass spice jars with sticker labels, but if you want to display your spices on an open shelf as a practical yet beautiful kitchen accessory, opt for these Spode porcelain spice jars. Even though the pattern is hand-applied, these jars are still durable enough to be cleaned in the dishwasher. “It really is difficult to describe the beauty of this set,” wrote one reviewer who called the jars, “Breathtaking.” 

Key features:

• Porcelain construction
• Dishwasher safe
• Hand-applied pattern

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02

Iron and bamboo storage baskets (set of 2)

From $59.95, Temple & Webster

Large baskets are best for storing things like potatoes and onions. You can even use them to corral large packaged items like chip packets and assorted snacks. Constructed from iron, these sturdy baskets will stand the test of time. Bamboo handles are aesthetically pleasing and gentle to hold. 

Key features:

• Made from powder-coated iron and bamboo
• 2-year warranty
• Large baskets perfect for storing produce and bulky items

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03

The Cooks Collective extendable 3-tier shelf in bamboo

$29.95, Myer

Things getting lost in the back of the pantry? Raising them up on a tiered shelf may solve the problem. This shelf, made from bamboo, is expandable, so you can stretch it to fit your pantry perfectly. Great for keeping spices, small jars and cans visible. 

Key features:

• Expandable shelf
• Allows you to see items at the back of the pantry clearly
• Great for spice jars

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04

Glass jar (3.8L)

$7, Target

Sometimes, small or medium-sized canisters just don’t cut it. That’s where large glass jars come in handy. This airtight glass jar is perfect for biscuits, rice, flour and other grains you cook with frequently. The best thing about this jar is that it’s affordable, so you can add several to cart without feeling guilty. 

Key features:

• Made from lime soda glass
• Large size great for storing dry goods
• Airtight lid

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05

Academy 14.5cm European beechwood scoop

$7.77, Harris Scarfe

If you store bulk quantities of dried goods, such as oats, rice or flour, using a scoop to transfer the food from the jar to the mixing bowl is much easier if you use a scoop. This large scoop made from European beechwood looks great, is comfortable to hold and will last for years to come. 

Key features:

• Made from European birch wood
• Great for scooping up dry goods without spillage

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06

Kitchen Pro denny cube storage canister starter pack (24-piece)

From $119.95, Woolworths

The key to any organised pantry is having enough space-saving canisters to contain all of your cooking staples. This 24-piece set is stackable, air-tight and crystal clear, meaning you can clearly see the contents of each container at a glance. They’re also BPA free.

Key features:

• Includes range of sizes for storing all pantry staples
• Airtight, stackable lids
• Crystal clear plastic makes content easy to see

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07

Lazy Susan organisers with non-skid base (4-pack)

$64.59, Amazon

Lazy Susans can take a dysfunctional cupboard where nothing is visible and condiment bottles are constantly toppling over and turn it into a neatly organised space where everything is visible and within reach. They’re popular for a reason! This set of 4 lazy Susans will have your pantry looking neat and tidy in no time. 

Key features:

• Handy 4-pack will allow you to transform your entire pantry
• Non-skid base
• Raised edge prevents products falling over

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The post 5 tips for creating an organised pantry that stays that way appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It worked, but times have changed and we’ve realised not everyone wants the same thing from their kitchen space. Just as some people love to entertain guests and others happily spend hours baking up a solitary storm, so too will their dream kitchens have quite different needs.

Enter the ‘zone’ method, a more versatile approach that allows a kitchen to be customised to suit the specific needs of each home chef. If you’re planning a kitchen layout, zoning is a practical way to go. Here are five different zones to consider, plus the top appliances and tricks to tailor them to your exact needs.

The cooking zone

One of the fundamentals of every great kitchen, the cooking zone usually comprises an oven, cooktop and microwave. You might stack them vertically with the oven sitting under the cooktop, or you may prefer to separate them so the oven can be mounted at a custom height. Either way, allow plenty of bench space around these appliances and keep frequently used cooking utensils stored within easy reach.

When planning your cooking zone, be realistic about the type of food you cook and how you like to prepare it. For example, if you enjoy chatting to other members of your household while you cook, consider positioning your cooking zone appliances in a kitchen island, instead of around the perimeter. The Westinghouse WHI955BD 90cm Induction Cooktop is ideal for this, as it heats up quickly but the safer induction surface doesn’t feel hot to the touch. Home chefs also love the cooktop’s cutting-edge BoilProtect feature, which detects rising bubbles in boiling water and automatically reduces to a low simmer to prevent boiling over (BoilProtect applies to stainless steel and enamelled pots filled with water only).

Alternatively, a freestanding cooker offers extra versatility and generally boasts a large cooking capacity that’s brilliant for bigger households. The Westinghouse WFEP9757DD 90cm Freestanding Electric Cooker combines a safe and efficient 5-zone induction cooktop with a spacious 125-litre oven complete with 10 innovative functions to take your cooking zone to the next level. These include an AirFry function to cook crispy, crunchy foods with less oil, and Roast +Steam for the juiciest roast dinner you’ll ever cook.

The baking zone

The right oven is also a centrepiece of this zone but if you take baking seriously, you’ll want to kit out the area with some specific features. Be sure to install additional powerpoints and extra bench space in your baking zone so you can use a mixer or food processor. Store other tools – such as measuring cups, whisks, rolling pins and baking pans – nearby so you can seamlessly transfer your mixture from bowl to pan to oven.

Speaking of the oven, Westinghouse is always happy to help bakers achieve their very best results. The new Westinghouse WVEP6918DD 60cm Pyrolytic Oven boasts 19 different cooking programs including a Bake +Steam function that gives bread, cakes, pastries and scones a crispier crust, fluffier centre and the perfect rise. 

The consumables zone

Having a well-organised space to store food keeps every kitchen running efficiently. Ideally, your fridge/freezer and pantry should be grouped together so you can easily move between the two when preparing food. Adding bench space nearby makes the consumables zone even more practical when you’re unpacking groceries.

The drinks zone

Ready to get creative? A drinks zone can be adapted to suit your beverage of choice. Ice on tap? No problem. The Westinghouse 564L French door fridge in matte charcoal black (WQE5650BA) has an automatic icemaker. If you’re a coffee devotee, set aside space to create your own barista-style hub, complete with espresso machine, bean grinder and an airtight container to keep your beans fresh. Position your favourite mug nearby so everything is exactly where it should be to brew the perfect cup.

If cocktails are more your speed, set up a dedicated cart or cabinet to house your preferred spirits plus a set of bar tools such as a shaker, strainer and muddler. Give this zone extra flair by adding your favourite decorative cocktail glasses.  

The cleaning zone

Just as important as your cooking areas, a well-planned cleaning zone allows you to scrape and stack dirty dishes with ease. Ideally it will be ordered from left to right, moving from garbage and food waste bins to the sink and then on to the dishwasher. Fast wash cycles make for entertaining or high-rotation use dishes is made easy with the Westinghouse Freestanding Dishwasher in Dark Stainless (WSF6608KXA).

One appliance you don’t need to worry about scrubbing clean is your oven, thanks to the pyrolytic self-cleaning function in Westinghouse’s new Kitchen range of electric ovens. Simply tap the button and leave the oven to heat to an incredibly high temperature, turning grease and splashes into ash that is easily wiped away.

The post 5 zones to consider when planning your dream kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Kitchen shelves, whether in the form of floating shelves, shelving units, custom joinery or even a classic freestanding hutch, create potential to store and display your best crockery, cookbooks, indoor plants, art, and family photographs. In the pantry, shelves are the most practical option for storing ingredients. Shallow open shelves keep frequently-used ingredients in sight and within arm’s reach.

Here are 10 kitchen shelving ideas that make a strong case for doing away with cabinet doors (at least some of the time).

1. Almost invisible floating shelves

The hero of this warm and cosy kitchen is the messmate cabinetry. Black walls and a matching black floating shelf allow the cabinetry to shine and give the eye somewhere to rest.

The kitchen island also has a shelving nook, perfect for storing everything from cookbooks to pottery.

2. Open timber kitchen shelving

Homeowner Annelise worked with architectural designer Sally Wilkins to create a meticulously designed kitchen with a spot for absolutely everything.

“Open shelving either side of the rangehood shows off my beautiful ceramic pieces in colours that complement the marble and paintwork,” says Annelise. 

3. Feature wall shelving

Open shelving is the perfect choice for this breezy, coastal kitchen.

A display of locally made ceramics have transform the simple shelving unit into a stunning wall feature. Walls and cabinetry painted in Resene Half Black White.

4. Small shelf, big impact

In this kitchen, the choice of a short splashback creates an opportunity for a pretty little shelf to hold artwork and other kitchen treasures.

Homeowner Carol designed the kitchen to blend into the open-plan living area, keeping the splashback and overhead cabinetry to a minimum. 

5. Modern-day hutch

If you’re renting, one way to add shelving to a storage-starved space is with a freestanding hutch.

In this newly-built Hamptons style home, a modern-day take on a classic hutch keeps plates and bowls on display, while glass doors prevent them from collecting dust.

For a similar style, try the LIATORP bookcase with glass doors from IKEA or the White Hamptons 2-door display cabinet from Temple & Webster.

6. American oak veneer kitchen shelving

In this coastal style kitchen, open shelving in an oak timber veneer creates an opportunity to style pottery and trailing indoor plants.

When paired with the window splashback, the effect is a space that blurs the line between indoors and out. 

7. Butlers pantry shelving

The kitchen of this colourful Hamptons home designed by Anna Spiro has two distinct personalities. The main kitchen is sleek and streamlined, but step into the light-filled butlers pantry and you’ll see where the action really happens.

Glass jars filled with essential baking ingredients line rows of open shelving while stainless steel benches are a practical and durable surface to whip up a storm.

8. Galley kitchen shelving

Not only is this relaxed kitchen the heart of the home, it’s also its main thoroughfare, connecting the living room to the back bedrooms and bathrooms.

Open shelving prevents cabinetry from overwhelming the space and also creates the perfect opportunity to display art, textural objects and treasured trinkets.

9. Floating shelving on nib wall

Floating shelves allow a nib wall separating the main kitchen from the butler’s pantry to serve more than one function.

It keeps all of the “ugly stuff” concealed in the butler’s pantry, holds art, cookbooks and indoor plants, and allows an otherwise blank wall to become a real style statement.

10. Shallow pantry shelving 

Interior designer and homeowner Laura Hollingsworth made a point of installing custom shallow open shelving in her kitchen’s butlers pantry.

“So many pantry shelves are too deep, and you can’t see or reach things easily,” she says. “I wanted to find everything immediately, which is also why I used glass jars.”

The post 10 shelving ideas that will add storage and style to your kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

1. Consider how much space you have

Think about the footprint you can allocate to a butler’s pantry and how it will be utilised. As a general guide, the width of the walkway should be at least 1000mm, then add another 600mm for benchtops. Consider L-shaped cabinetry to make best use of space and for a modest pantry; allow a minimum area of 1.6m x 2.2m. For a pantry with a double sink, dishwasher, microwave, fridge and bench space, allow upwards of 2.4m x 2.8m.

2. Know when to save and splurge

Keep costs down by opting for inexpensive materials, as this area won’t be on display. Laminate benchtops are a fraction of the cost of other finishes and can be closely colour-matched to your main bench, ensuring continuity of style.

3. Opt for open shelving over cupboards

This will help to stretch your budget further. If you prefer cupboards, try melamine door fronts, which are cheaper than laminate, polyurethane or timber veneer fronts.

4. Get organised to maximise space

Pack in the storage by taking shelving to the ceiling and organising the contents by frequency of use. Glass jars or stackable square containers with locking lids are ideal for bulk foods like cereals and pasta and are available from major retailers such as Kmart. Wire baskets are good for under-bench storage and tricky corners can be utilised with pull-out cupboard systems such as Blum’s Space Corner.

5. Section your butler’s pantry off

Keeping your pantry off-limits is as simple as installing a door. A great space-saving option is a cavity sliding door or a bifold.

6. Map out your storage needs

To prevent losing items at the back of the pantry, opt for a U-shaped design with shallow shelves. For smaller items such as herbs and sauces, aim for a shelf width of 200mm. Open shelving is a great option for condiments, salt and pepper, which can be seen at a glance for easy access.

7. Ensure your pantry is well-lit

Good task lighting is a must. Consider using a ‘micro switch’, where a trip catch attached to the door frame turns the light on when the door is open.

8. Find the right sink

Factors such as cupboard placement and pot size will help you determine the most suitable one for your space.

9. Create a list of must-haves

Allocate a spot for regularly used appliances within the pantry and calculate your space requirements.

10. Little extras make all the difference

Install hooks and rails to hang tea towels, utensils and reusable shopping bags and utilise wall space.

The post Top 10 butler’s pantry ideas and designs appeared first on Home Beautiful.