Unused Kitchen Corner? Design It Into Your Dream Pantry With These Tips

Tucked away in the corner, it's easy for kitchen spaces to be overlooked. But just because it's out of sight doesn't mean your kitchen corner can't earn its keep. With a bit of creativity and elbow grease, that unused corner can transform into a storage savior and design centerpiece.

Turning your kitchen corner into a pantry or organized storage is a brilliant way to maximize every inch. You'll gain practical space for all your food items and supplies while also enhancing the room's aesthetics. It's a win-win kitchen refresh!

Why You Should Make the Most of Your Kitchen Corner

Chances are that forgotten corner in your kitchen isn't doing you any favors in its current vacant state. Rather than wasting that precious real estate, there are some compelling reasons to finally do something about it.

It's Wasted Space Right Now

Kitchen corners often end up as dead zones just begging to earn their keep. Without built-ins or furniture, they simply collect dust and remain empty. Since people naturally use the more accessible wall and countertop space, the corner becomes neglected. But with a bit of effort, you can transform it from wasted space into a functional one.

A blank corner may seem harmless, but it's actually wasted potential in your home. Make it work smarter for you with storage, seating, or another creative solution. Your kitchen will benefit from every inch being maximized.

You Could Gain More Storage

One of the best ways to make the most of an unused corner is converting it into extra storage space. Kitchens can always benefit from more organized storage options, and a corner pantry offers an ideal spot. Floor to ceiling shelving and cabinetry means ample room to corral all your dry goods, appliances, dishes, and more.

With a new pantry, you can declutter other cabinets and drawers that are bursting at the seams. Strategic storage placements make your kitchen more efficient. And when everything has a designated spot, you'll experience less rummaging and clutter.

It Opens Up Design Possibilities

An awkward empty corner limits your design possibilities. But by integrating creative storage or seating options, you can dramatically change up your kitchen's aesthetic. Open shelving, a built-in banquette, or cabinetry can complement your color scheme and style.

Plus, it adds much-needed visual interest to an overlooked area. With some personality and purpose, that corner will finally feel like part of the room. Choose from rustic, modern, industrial, or traditional styles to match your kitchen decor. The options are endless!

Clever Ways to Turn Your Kitchen Corner Into a Pantry

Once you're committed to finally tackling that pesky kitchen corner, it's time to decide the best approach. Converting it into a pantry is one of the most effective ways to maximize the space. Here are some clever options to consider when designing your new corner storage.

Build Custom Cabinetry

For a fully customized solution, have cabinetry built specifically for your unused corner. Tailored to your exact dimensions, custom cabinets make use of every inch. Maximize vertical storage with floor to ceiling shelving and stack cabinetry of varying depths.

You can include features like pull-out drawers, slide-out trays, adjustable shelving, and specialty racks. Building a custom pantry requires professional work, but yields optimal storage. On a budget? Get creative and DIY with stock cabinets and shelves.

Install Prefab Pantry Units

Prefab pantry units offer a budget-friendly and convenient option. Find corner-specific units with angled cabinetry in various sizes to fit your space. Many have removable shelves so you can customize the configurations.

While not as tailor-made, prefab units are simple to install and give you more flexibility to move or change up later. Add drawer organizers, lazy susans, and racks to further maximize the storage.

Mix Open and Closed Storage

The best of both worlds is combining open shelving with enclosed cabinetry in your new pantry. Open shelves beautifully display most-used items, cookbooks, or decor. But cabinets conceal less attractive necessities.

Mount floating shelves to keep the space light and airy. Place them above enclosed base cabinetry for ample hidden storage. The blend of open and closed creates an organized, attractive corner.

Dream Pantry Design Tips and Ideas

Designing your ideal kitchen corner pantry means getting creative. Keep these tips in mind when planning:

Think Vertical

Take advantage of all the vertical real estate when planning shelving and storage layouts. Floor to ceiling units double your storage capacity. Stack upper and lower cabinets, and vary depths for ergonomic use.

Shelving that reaches the top makes the new pantry feel built-in and maximized. Just be sure to incorporate step stools for safe access to top shelves.

Use Every Inch

Don't let any bit of space go unused inside your new corner pantry. Incorporate space-saving elements like:

• Spinning "lazy susan" shelves in corners
• Pull-out drawers for hard-to-access areas
• Slide-out trays and baskets

Take measurements and create a layout plan to use every inch. Also install products like can dispensers, spice racks, and divider systems to organize the contents.

Get Organizational

An organized pantry is a productive pantry. Include components to keep your food items, cooking tools, and dishes in order. Some ideas:

• Shelf labels for easy identification
• Matching containers to corral loose items
• Hanging racks for pots and pans
• Spice drawer organizers
• Lazy susans for corner accessibility

Plan where items will go before installing the final pantry. Get creative with practical organizational elements tailored to your kitchenware.

Finally, don't forget those all-important finishing details:

• Lighting illuminates the contents
• Glass doors or curtains offer a peek inside
• Painted or wallpapered interiors add personality

Task lighting and door/curtain options give you complete control over the new pantry's aesthetic. And don't be afraid to add color, patterns, or other decorative elements for flair.

With a bit of planning and creative thinking, that once-forgotten kitchen corner can now serve an important purpose. Converting unused spaces into storage solutions like a pantry doubles your room's functionality. Finally harness the potential of your awkward corner dead zone. Just follow these tips to DIY your dream kitchen!