Welcome to Week 1 of my pantry upgrade project, aptly named “Pantry Paradise”. I’m super excited to share that this project is part of the One Room Challenge (ORC)! If you’re not familiar with it, the ORC is a bi-annual event where design and DIY enthusiasts commit to transforming a single room in just 8 weeks. It’s a fantastic community-driven event that encourages creativity and progress, and I can’t wait to share my journey with you over the coming weeks.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing my plans, challenges, and weekly updates as I turn a cluttered, chaotic pantry into a functional and beautiful space. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your pantry situation, stick around, because I’m here to help you create your own pantry paradise!
Let’s face it: the pantry is often one of the most overlooked spaces in our homes. It can easily become a catch-all for everything from bulk shopping packages to small appliances. This pantry is no exception, and I’ve realized that there has to be a better way to manage this space.
Stand mixer and blender take up valuable floor space, making it hard to navigate.
Bags of rice, flour, and snacks are piled up, making it hard to find what I need.
Toaster, blenders and kettle are always in the way, creating a cluttered feel.
There are empty corners and areas that aren’t utilized effectively.
The goal of this pantry upgrade is to create a functional pantry that is also aesthetically pleasing. With the right planning and execution, I can turn this cluttered space into a well-organized pantry paradise!
Before diving into the fun part of decorating and organizing, it’s crucial to assess what I truly need from this pantry. Here’s what I’ve come up with:
Adding a countertop will give me a place to prep meals, sort through groceries, and store appliances.
Fresh produce deserves a dedicated spot, and adding vegetable drawers will keep everything neat and easy to access.
I plan to install shelves specifically for my smaller appliances. This will keep them off the counter while still being easy to grab when I need them.
I want to create designated areas for my bulk items, so they’re organized and accessible.
Floating shelves will allow me to display beautiful jars and containers while keeping essentials within reach.
Now that I know what I want, it’s time to design the space! This is where I get to have some fun. I’ll be drawing up a plan that includes:
A fun, vibrant wallpaper will add character and warmth to my pantry. It’s amazing what a pop of color can do!
Good lighting is key to making any space feel inviting. I plan to install bright, energy-efficient LED lights that will make everything easy to see.
I’ll sketch out how I want the new layout to look, ensuring that I make the best use of the space.
With my design in mind, I need to do some research on materials. Here are a few things I’m considering:
I’ll be looking for durable materials that can withstand spills and are easy to clean. Options like quartz or butcher block are high on my list.
I want to choose sturdy and functional drawer and shelf systems that will maximize storage while looking good.
I’ll be browsing local home improvement stores for wallpaper and paint samples to find the perfect colors. I will be collaborating with WallSnobs for a dynamic and fun wallpaper
Every great project needs a budget! I’ll be keeping track of my expenses to ensure I stay within my budget while still achieving my dream pantry. Here’s what I plan to include in my budget:
Countertops, cabinets, shelves, drawers, wallpaper, and paint.
If I need to purchase any new appliances or storage containers, I’ll factor those costs in.
Hiring installers, cabinet makers, electricians and painters.
I’m super excited to kick off my Pantry Paradise project! This week has been all about planning and setting the foundation for a pantry that is both functional and beautiful. I can’t wait to share my progress with you in the coming weeks.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your pantry or any other space in your home, I hope my journey inspires you to get started! Stay tuned for weekly updates where I’ll share the next steps in my pantry makeover.
Are you ready to create your dream pantry? If you enjoyed this blog and want more tips and inspiration, be sure to follow along on my journey! And if you need personalized advice for your own home project, don't hesitate to book a discovery call with me. Let’s make your design dreams a reality!
Ria's interior design expertise truly made the process an absolute pleasure. Her keen attention to detail is evident in every aspect of her work, ensuring that every element aligns perfectly with the overall vision. What impressed me the most was her unwavering commitment to communication and follow-up. No question went unanswered, and she was always readily available to address any concerns or queries I had along the way.
One of Ria's greatest strengths is her ability to listen attentively to her clients. She took the time to understand my preferences and needs, offering insightful suggestions that elevated the design to new heights. Her recommendations weren't just about aesthetics; they were tailored to optimize functionality and enhance the overall ambiance of the space.
Working with Ria was a collaborative and enriching experience. Her passion for design shines through in every decision she makes, and her dedication to client satisfaction is unparalleled. I couldn't be happier with the results, and I wholeheartedly recommend Ria to anyone seeking a truly transformative interior design journey.
Ria did a wonderful job on designing my space. She really took the time to discuss with me my ideas to get a sense of my needs and style. Her communication throughout the process has been phenomenal so I’ve always known when to expect things from her. She’s been responsive to my feedback and to exploring options that fit my design preference. I look forward to working with Ria on more design projects!
I really enjoyed working with Ria, she was great at taking direction and finding the look you had in mind, but any time you weren't quite sure what to do with a space she was quick to offer guidance. I think she went above and beyond to make the whole process enjoyable and as easy as possible.
I was looking for something more polished for my main bedroom. Ria created a beautiful, custom design plan for me based on my preferences and how we use the room. Would highly recommend.
I needed a rental space decorated after my divorce and I was on a budget. Ria came in and understood what I wanted to accomplish and listened to my feedback throughout the process. Although we went slightly over budget, in the end my home now feels like "me" and is soooooo comfortable and cozy when I need to relax and decompress in the evenings after work.
I debated only giving 4 stars instead of 5 due to being slightly over budget (I wish there was a 4.99 rating), but this was a near-ideal outcome in terms of how much I enjoy the spaces she decorated - so 5 stars it is!!!
Thanks Ria for an incredible job!
ria’s positive qualities in this experience
1. Outcome great. That is bottom line
2. Professional
3. Funny pleasant
4. Very organized
5. On top of things
6. Very reachable
I truly enjoyed working with Ria as my designer. Our house looks beautiful. I would highly recommend her as an interior designer for your home.
Ria did a great job with my project. She was patient and took the time to get to know everything I was looking for. Throughout the whole process she was in constant communication with me about how work was going, what issues came up, and how she was helping to take care of them. She was very frank about prices and timelines, but also worked really hard to help me find the right style and stay within budget. At first I wasn't sure I wanted to spend money on a designer, but I'll definitely be reaching out to her for future projects.
Ria was awesome to work with!!!! She has great taste for design and worked with the ideas i had. She is also very honest and professional. I would definitely recommend her if you are needing a designer!!
