A Comprehensive Guide to Designing a Walk-In Pantry from Scratch

Because your cereal boxes deserve a little dignity.

Let’s be honest. Most of us have that one pantry that’s more chaos than charm.

Maybe the shelves bow under the weight of canned soup from 2018. Maybe you’ve played the “where’s the paprika?” game one too many times. Or maybe—just maybe—you’ve caught yourself daydreaming about one of those perfectly organized walk-in pantries you see on home shows.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

We’ve actually met plenty of homeowners around Raleigh who’ve whispered some version of:

“I just want a pantry where I can actually find things… and maybe even enjoy being in there.”

And that’s exactly what Carolina Closets Plus does best!

We don’t just design custom closets—we help people create better daily rhythms. And a beautifully designed walk-in pantry? That’s like giving your kitchen a superpower.

So, let’s talk about designing a walk-in pantry from the ground up—one that fits your home, your habits, and your love of snacks.

Step One: Start with the Why (and the What You’re Dealing With)

Before we get to all the pretty stuff, let’s talk about your goals.

Are you dreaming of a Pinterest-worthy pantry because you love to cook? Or because you’re tired of opening the door and feeling personally attacked by clutter?

Whatever your reason, the first step to walk-in pantry design is to really look at your space. Grab a notebook—or your phone—and jot down:

• What works about your current setup (if anything).

• What drives you crazy.

• What absolutely has to fit in there (appliances, bulk items, family snacks).

Then, imagine your ideal routine.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have your baking supplies in one neat zone? Your morning coffee station tucked conveniently at arm’s reach? That’s where we start the design conversation—with you, not just the dimensions.

We’ve designed pantries for bakers, busy parents, and even someone who wanted an entire “snack wall.” (Yes, that’s a thing—and it was glorious!)

Step Two: Layouts That Make Life Flow

Here’s the fun part—choosing how your pantry will work.

Think of it as the backbone of your pantry layout design. There are three main shapes that usually make sense:

The U-Shape

If you’ve got a roomy pantry, the U-shape is actually a dream.

Shelves wrap around three sides, which means everything’s within reach. You can also dedicate one side to dry goods, one to appliances, and even one to bulk storage. It just feels efficient and balanced—like the command center of your kitchen.

The L-Shape

A classic favorite. Keeps things open and airy, great for medium spaces. One long wall becomes your main shelving zone, and the shorter wall can hold your coffee nook or pull-out drawers for produce.

The Galley

For smaller homes or tight spaces, the galley layout is magic!

Two facing walls of shelving make everything visible at a glance. Then, add some adjustable shelving on one side and pull-out drawers on the other, and you’ll be shocked at how much space you suddenly have.

The right layout makes every pantry visit smoother—and dare we say, kind of satisfying.

Step Three: Bring on the Features That Make You Smile

Now we’re really getting into the heart of how to design a walk-in pantry—the features that make you think, “Why didn’t I do this years ago?”

Here’s what we love to include (and our clients rave about):

Adjustable Shelving

Think of this as your pantry’s secret weapon. You can shift shelves to fit those tall bottles, cereal boxes, or that Costco-sized bag of rice that’s threatening to take over your floor.

Pull-Out Drawers

These are life-changing! No more crouching down and fishing for that last jar of marinara in the back corner. And with pull-outs, everything glides toward you like magic.

Built-In Spice Storage

A messy spice collection is basically a rite of passage. But custom spice pull-outs? That’s next-level organization. You can finally see every jar at once—and yes, it looks beautiful, too.

Hidden Appliance Cubbies

Got a mixer or air fryer that’s always in the way? We’ll carve out a dedicated home for it. Out of sight when you don’t need it, ready when you do.

Deep Storage Bins & Baskets

Perfect for kids’ snacks, produce, or bulk goods. They also make organization visual, not stressful. Then, label them if you want to feel extra on top of life.

Bonus: Counter Zones

If your space allows, a small counter section turns your pantry into a mini prep or coffee station. Just imagine brewing your espresso in your pantry every morning while the kitchen stays spotless.

Step Four: Give It Personality (Because Pantries Have One Too)

You’re going to see your pantry every single day—so make it feel like you!

This is where walk-in pantry ideas meet design personality:

• Color: Soft whites and neutrals keep it calm, but we’ve also done navy, sage green, and even charcoal for clients who wanted that bold, boutique look.

• Lighting: Don’t underestimate this. Add LED strips under shelves, a motion light, or even a mini pendant. (Yes, can also put chandeliers in pantries—and it'll be fabulous!)

• Mix open and closed storage: Show off your pretty jars and hide the chaos.

• Materials: Wood, laminate, or matte finishes each bring their own vibe. The key? Pick what makes you smile when you open the door.

And if you’re someone who finds peace in labels and glass jars? Go for it. A little aesthetic harmony never hurt anyone.

Step Five: Small Touches, Big Wins

You know what’s underrated? The accessories!

They may seem small, but they’re what make your pantry hum:

• Lazy Susans (for oils and sauces).

• Door-mounted racks (for spices or foil wraps).

• Drawer dividers (for baking tools or utensils).

• Pull-out baskets (for snacks or produce).

• Built-in wine racks (because priorities).

Every accessory here adds a layer of convenience—and personality. And it’s what takes a good pantry to “I can’t believe I get to use this every day.”

The Everyday Magic of a Custom Pantry

Here’s the part that surprises people: once your custom walk-in pantry is done, it doesn’t just look better—life actually feels calmer.

Meal prep becomes easier. Grocery shopping makes more sense. And there’s this quiet joy in opening the door and seeing… order.

Plus, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about your home working with you instead of against you. Now, that’s the power of smart design.

The Pantry That Grows With You

Life shifts. Maybe you start baking more, or your kids hit the teenage-snack phase. That’s why flexibility is everything.

Here at Carolina Closets Plus, we design with the future in mind. Adjustable shelves, modular layouts, and smart zones let your pantry evolve with you. Plus, we specialize in designing walk-in pantries that make everyday life smoother and more joyful.

So whether you’ve got a cozy corner or a full walk-in space, we’ll help you design something functional, stylish, and uniquely yours.

Ready to Design Your Dream Walk-In Pantry?

Schedule your design consultation today. Let’s start planning your custom walk-in pantry—the one that finally feels like you.