Walk-In Pantry Remodel

created AI image due to no natural light in space for photo

Walk-In Pantry Remodel Design

First of all, this pantry was a couple years in the making. Not that it took us a couple years to complete, but it took some time to figure out if it could be a reality. I had a dream and vision but my husband was not convinced it would work.

I was dealing with a very shallow wall to the left that could only accommodate shallow cabinets or shelving with a potential deep wall at the back of the room. I had to make the decision if I wanted to keep the same depth around the entire pantry or have different depths.

After working on several design layouts I finalized on shallow cabinetry to the left and standard size base (24″) and wall cabinets (12″) at the back. I am beyond thrilled how it all turned out. This image below I generated in AI to get a full scope of the final design.

Walk-In Pantry Remodel Measurements

Once I posted this walk-in pantry on Instagram, I instantly received dozens of questions about my pantry measurements. Many of you said that you have a similar pantry layout and that my pantry was inspiring you to attempt your own pantry remodel.

The overall pantry is 82 3/4″ long by 49 11/16″ wide. The wall to the left is shallow and could fit up to 12″ deep lower cabinets and 12″ upper cabinets. Even though this says 12 7/8″ depth on the left side; we were able to accommodate a countertop overhang of 13″ total.

Our entire home has 9ft (108″) ceilings and I wanted cabinetry all the way to the ceiling for a seamless look.

The door opening is 28 1/16″ and was totally removed into the pantry. Between the end of the countertop on the left side and the empty wall on the right there is 36″ of space. Which is the size of a standard door opening.

Walk-In Pantry Remodel Cost

Let’s tackle price before we get to everything else because everyone (myself included) always wants to know how much something costs. This total remodel was around $6K. We did all our own labor which saved us money but also slows down the process. We have never hung cabinets before and learned a lot in the process.

If you want to hire someone I would considered adding on another $4K-5K for total completion depending on your area.

Walk-In Pantry Remodel Cabinets

After researching and pricing local cabinet makers and several online options; I selected cabinets.com to work with on this remodel. In total, I ordered seven cabinets for this remodel and the coordinating trim pieces.

Working with a kitchen designer was super helpful as they knew what I would need to complete the project. It’s a bit more involved then just ordering cabinets.

I could not be happier with the cabinet quality and paint job. We considered using unfinished cabinets from a big box store, but the quality of these cabinets surpasses my expectations. They are very nice and solid maple.

This is NOT a sponsored post. I paid entirely for the cabinets myself and received no compensation for this remodel or this blog post.

Walk-In Pantry Butcher Block Countertop

Due to design direction, overall ease of install and cost; we went with a butcher block countertop. In my initial design I wanted a wooden countertop to warm the space. We have soft creamy white kitchen cabinets with honed marble countertops. The wood in the pantry brings in a lovely variety to our home.

We purchased one 10foot section and cut it down to fit the back cabinets and cut down and trimmed down the rest to fit the shallow wall to the left. It is solid wood and each countertop is unique with naturally occurring variations in color, grain patterns and the organic features of real Hevea wood. This countertop is 1 1/2″ thick.

Butcher Block Countertop Stain and Finish

Even though the countertop is relatively smooth; I suggest giving it a good sanding before staining.

I sanded it with 80 and then 120 before adding a pre-stain and then one coat of Minwax Provincial Stain. After allowing the stain to dry I sanded lightly with 220 before following it up with a polyurethane.

The countertop received four total coats of the polyurethane with light sanding between each coat allowing 3+ hours to dry between each coat.

I sanded, pre-stained, stained and did two coats of poly before installing the countertop. The final two coats of poly were done in place after countertop install.

Vertical Shiplap Backsplash

My initial design was for a shiplap backsplash and never considered using tile. We do not have water in this space and the wood backsplash is perfect plus its cost effective. I love the look of vertical backsplash and it tied in with the shiplap in our hallway that we installed last winter.

We cut each board individually to size to ensure proper fit. I painted each board and then installed after the countertop was installed and dried from the polyurethane.

Tip: I suggest cutting each shiplap individually and numbering on the back for easy install.

Blue Paint Color

I wanted a warm blue in the pantry since we have a lot of white in the house. A true blue color drench was the design I was going for. White and blue is my home decor love language. I did consider a soft beige, but in the end LOVE the blue.

We looked at MANY different warm blue paint colors and were going to order the cabinets unfinished and paint them ourselves. (save money) However, even using a paint sprayer would not give us the finish of factory painted kitchen cabinets.

Cabinets.com offered a smoky blue paint color that is the exact match to Sherwin Williams Smoky Azurite. Perhaps I would have gone with a lighter color blue, but I LOVE this color and LOVE even more that the cabinets came ready to install. The paint job is excellent on these cabinets.

Hardware

I love unlacquered brass in my life and we used the same hardware from our kitchen. The same brass round knobs and the brass cup pulls were just carried right into the pantry. Solid brass is more costly than other materials you could use, but I prefer to use real finishes in our home.

Our light switch plates and electrical plates are also solid brass and I love them. There is something to be said for quality even with the little details.

Wallpaper

On the right side of the pantry we discussed adding more shiplap to pull in from hallway and the shiplap backsplash but I really wanted to add some variety.

The wallpaper will bring in a light tone but still stay warm and inviting with a linen and soft beige stripe. It has not been installed yet, but it’s coming.

Walk-In Pantry Door

I didn’t want to create a gorgeous space only to keep it behind a closed door. We removed the door and the pantry is literally an extension of our kitchen.

It just flows so nicely with the rest of the home. The pantry is right off the hallway to the garage and right next to the laundry room. Removing the door was a great decision and I love being able to look right into the pantry. Plus I can utilize the wall to the right that the door would block.

Tools Needed for Remodel

Lost Storage Space

If you are going to account for exact square footage of space I guess I lost some corners of storage. However, for me I gained more organized storage space and that is more valuable to me. The corner in the back that joins the base and upper cabinets is hollow, but I’m ok with that.

I gained countertop and storage from the countertop down that did not exist under the wire shelving.

created AI Image of space since no natural light and hard to take photo

Walk-In Pantry Remodel Final Thoughts

I love our new pantry and hope this information was helpful if plan to embark on a pantry remodel. With thoughtful planning and design you can create your own special and unique pantry space.

Let me know if you have any questions that were not answered in this post in the comments below.