12 Great Pantry and Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas

When it comes to kitchen remodeling or renovation, people often focus on certain “big ticket” changes, such as layout and floor plan changes, high-end appliances and smart technology, new countertop selections, lighting and ambiance, and of course, dining and seating-related furniture. These go-to renovations can eclipse other types of renovations, such as pantry and cabinet redesign. It warrants reviewing some kitchen cabinet and pantry design ideas, as well as some small pantry design ideas that can give your kitchen a fresh new look and feel while even adding some extra functionality.

Modern Handleless Cabinets

If you’re trying to stay on the cutting edge of aesthetic design, you can’t go wrong with modern, sleek, handleless cabinets. These cabinets usually come with a push-to-open design or integrated handles for a minimalist aesthetic, and this kitchen design trend is exceedingly popular in LA and other larger urban areas.

Floor-to-Ceiling Pantry Storage

Floor-to-ceiling pantries are not only in style design-wise but are simple in their design and maximize vertical storage space in your kitchen. This easy pantry design idea can also create a clean, seamless aesthetic in line with modern interior design trends that works well with open-concept kitchen spaces!

Darker Colors, Earth Tones & Two-Tone Design 

If you’re willing to be more daring, you can eschew classic white and lighter color kitchen and pantry colors for deep blues, matte black, earth tones, and warm neutral colors. This kitchen and pantry design idea is increasingly popular in contemporary design. You can also go with a stylish two-tone design with darker lower cabinetry in contrast to lighter upper cabinets!

Mixed Material Finishes

If you’re looking for a unique design that catches the eye, you can blend finishes, like matte and gloss finishes, or materials like wood veneer and stone surfaces, to create a stunning visual contrast. With this approach, you’re afforded a wide range of design combinations to better tailor your kitchen or pantry space to your liking.

Glass-Front Cabinets

Glass-front cabinets come in so many different styles, such as clear, fluted, frosted, or smoked, and put an interesting contemporary twist on traditional cabinetry. With this kitchen cabinet design idea, you can showcase your kitchen utensils, appliances, and cutlery as part of the overarching design vision.

Hidden and Pocket-Door Pantries

One great small pantry design idea is hidden pantries. Pantry storage hidden behind sliding or pocket doors can help save space and contribute to a sleek, modern kitchen design. This hidden pantry design idea allows for your pantry space to blend right in with the rest of the cabinetry in your kitchen for a seamless, uninterrupted look.

Smart Storage

There are so many smart storage pantry and kitchen cabinet design ideas that can make your pantry and kitchen more functional and aesthetically appealing too. This is a great design idea for small pantries and cabinets alike. For instance, you can install pull-out racks and drawer dividers to help with organization and to maintain a clean-cut aesthetic.

Rotating Cabinets and Shelves

One easy pantry and kitchen addition that can both make for a modern kitchen design and enhance organization is rotating shelves and cabinets. This is a great kitchen and pantry design idea to make getting your appliances, utensils, and other things much easier and to create a seamless modern kitchen experience.

LED-Lit Interiors

You can integrate high-quality, motion-activated LED lighting directly into your pantry shelves and kitchen cabinets for an interesting design twist. This cabinet and pantry design idea has the benefit of contributing to both functionality and the creation of a futuristic look.

Ceiling-Hung Storage Racks

Though not a conventional kitchen cabinet or pantry, ceiling-hung storage racks can make for an interesting design substitute. These racks are usually open shelves or hanging racks suspended from the ceiling that can add more storage space and create a rustic, industrial, loft-style kitchen design.

Floating Shelves

One popular, modern kitchen cabinet design idea is to replace old cabinets with floating shelves with hidden support! These contribute to making a minimalist aesthetic with an open, airy feel while making appliances, utensils, cutlery, and other kitchen materials easily accessible.

Integrate Appliances, Tools, and Workstations

With this cabinet and small pantry design idea, you can directly integrate certain appliances, tools, and workstations into extra kitchen cabinet and pantry space. For instance, with this simple design idea, you can install a pullout coffee bar directly into a cabinet or pantry shelf for an interesting design quirk and to save space!

Don’t Let Pantries and Cabinets Be an Afterthought!

Pantries and kitchen cabinets are not only functionally important in terms of your kitchen’s workflow but can also greatly enhance the aesthetic value of your kitchen just as much as some of the more intensive kitchen renovation projects. Your kitchen cabinets and pantry space grant you the chance to give your kitchen a unique flair that can set it apart from others and bring you closer to your ideal kitchen space. Many of these kitchen and pantry design ideas can be done on your own and in an affordable way with careful planning and hard work.

5blox offers free interior design services to remodeling clients in the greater Los Angeles area. We work with you to bring your ideas to life, from developing mood boards and floor plans to producing 3D renderings and giving you a virtual 3D walkthrough before construction begins. Contact 5blox today to start your kitchen transformation.