Pantry

We take you behind-the-scenes of a project and break down exactly how we did it. Follow our guide and whip your panty into shape, fast!

THE BRIEF: transform this pantry into a streamlined, functioning space for a family of four.

THE APPROACH: we used Maison Haven’s signatures 3-step technique: edit, organize, style. We worked with the client to edit out any food items that were out of date or unlikely to be used. We created a personalized system, and then we sprinkled the visual fairy dust!

Whenever we’re designing a pantry system we spend time talking through not just what a client eats, but how they eat. Is their breakfast leisurely or rushed? Do cereal and snacks need to be on a lower shelf so little hands can access? Is the client cooking dinner from scratch most nights? Rule of thumb is this: anything you’re reaching for more than twice a week needs to be prime real estate. No bending down, no reaching up high. In this case, we designated each shelf a separate zone: the bottom is Breakfast, then Snacks, then Dinner, then Baking.

We measure a space at least twice before we decide on containers. And we also decide on a color palette in advance (in this case, whites and neutrals). The larger white baskets work well for bulkier items. Then we pepper in smaller white baskets to store prettier items, and break up the visual. For this client, we agreed on acrylic jars rather than glass so the kids couldn’t break them (where possible we love to purge packaging and decant dried goods into jars - so much easier to see what you have!) We added our custom labels to make it even easier to maintain the system, as well as our cooking labels to scribble down cooking instructions and Use By dates. One of our favorite pantry tricks is a bamboo turntable. They are great at maximizing shelf space and corralling items like cans and jars.

We always create a system within a system so that large baskets don’t become a hot mess. In this case, we added inserts to keep snack items neatly lined up. So much easier to grab and go!

The refill zone is a pantry’s secret weapon. It’s all very well designing a beautiful system, but it needs to be realistic, too. We always factor in a refill area for any multiples or excess. If you’re decanting pasta and have some left over, stash it in the Refill basket. Three bottles of olive oil? They go here too. Just remember to always, always check your refills before your next grocery shop.

Fun fact

Can you spot the Wellness baskets at the top? Increasingly, we’re adding Wellness Zones to our clients’ pantries. These contain vitamins, protein powders, collagen and smoothie shakes. Even easier to stay on the healthy bandwagon!

SHOP THE STORY

- Custom Basket -

- Cooking Label -

- Hamptons Basket -

- Bamboo Turntable -

- Pantry Label Kit -

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Pantry

Homework Room

Q: Five months into the pandemic, can you help me get motivated?

A: Consider us your virtual cheerleaders. These simple mindset shifts will change the way you organize

We know. We’re not used to spending this much time at home either. At first it was a novelty, but fast-forward five months and there’s Nowhere. To. Hide. You kick each week off determined to whip your home into shape, only to find things sliding back to normal by hump day. The key is to identify your organizing style and build a system around it. Break it down into manageable goals. Rather than ‘I want to organize my house’, which feels vague and unwieldy, switch it to: ‘I will create a system that makes my pantry work’. Take it a room at a time. Make it specific. Ready? Let's go!

Skip this step at your peril. Take one room at a time and make a ruthless choice to trash/donate/consign all the things you don't need. Some people advise starting small with an easy-to-tackle spot in your room. We say: go big or go home. Once you’ve nailed the space that makes you scream, the rest of the house will seem like small fry. Need some inspo? Look at the photograph above. Our client was struggling to part with her excess clothes, so we pulled out a third of her closet. She was blown away by the result. Not only was there space for her clothes to breathe, it was much easier to create outfits because everything was visible. She vowed to adopt the ‘one in one out’ rule and remove one item from her wardrobe any time she was adding to it. Remember, sometimes you need a visual kickstart. Also remember: space is your friend.

There’s a reason we spend time getting clients’ entry points right. The way you enter your home sets the tone for the rest of the house. If your entryway is a car-crash of coats, shoes, bags and other paraphernalia, then shoot this zone to the top of your to-do list. Design a drop zone that works for you. Short on space? Your system could be as simple as a standalone coat rack or hooks behind a door. Got drawers? Invest in some dividers. Finally, adopt our ‘60-second rule’. When you arrive home, spend 60 seconds putting things in their place. Not only does it clear your head but it makes it easier to leave the house, too.

Yes, we’ll share our decluttering secrets, cheerlead the hell out of you, and help you design a system that works. But maintaining your system? That’s up to you. Be honest with yourself. If you truly want a home that works hard - a home that looks and feel great - then repeat after us: I will make the effort. There are no shortcuts. Once the system is in place, STICK TO IT. Did you know that 80% of cleaning is picking stuff up and putting it away? Utter madness. Tidy a room before you leave it. Return items to their place. Don’t leave a mess to fester. Get into the habit of doing it as you go along. Trust us, the pay-off is worth it.

Organizing your home shouldn’t break the bank. We love to repurpose (we call it our Shop My Home technique!) We’ve used everything from vintage hampers to upcycled shoe boxes. It doesn’t have to be expensive to work. Also, actually use what you have. Finish the last inch of toothpaste, the last drops of olive oil, the last roll of kitchen paper. Don’t buy multiples of things. You’ll waste less, consume less, and bring less clutter into your home. Finally, adopt the one-in-one-out rule. Make a pact with yourself to donate/consign an item each time you buy something new. This will be EXCRUCIATING in the beginning. But once the habit is formed, you’ll wonder what took you so long. Keep a container handy in each zone for items to purge. Then do it (this is very important).

One of our best-kept secrets? We make a visual statement with the way we organize. We color-code. We use stylish storage. We go the extra mile. Why? There are real psychological benefits to maintaining this kind of visual order. Dr. Sally Augustin, PhD, an environmental psychologist says it’s possible that an organized and visually stimulating space can make its owner feel calmer and less stressed. She says: “Bring the complexity in your refrigerator down to a moderate level, and when you open the door, you would have a positive response.” That positive response means you’re more likely to keep it that way. Amen to that!