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When updating a kitchen, it’s common for homeowners to want to improve its storage capabilities. But what’s the best way to go about it? Don’t stress over a cabinetry game of Tetris: It appears one specific configuration is the winner.
According to the 2026 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, 76 percent of homeowners have incorporated (or plan to add) a built-in feature as part of their project. The most popular request maximizes a small footprint: pantry cabinets. Forty-seven percent of study participants flagged pantry cabinets as a must-have for their kitchens, followed by beverage stations (24 percent) and a shared 17 percent for built-in seating and wine fridges.
Perhaps it doesn’t take a survey to see the perks of pantry cabinets: Tall and deep shelving can fit appliances, snacks, and more without requiring a separate “walk-in” room—which can come with a hefty price tag during a renovation. To illustrate the plus sides of pantry cabinets, read on to see five examples.
One That’s Freestanding
Architect Mel Bax wanted a “cozy, warm, and fun” kitchen for her East London home, and made that happen with bright colors and strategic storage. A freestanding pantry stands opposite the custom island, concealing dry goods and other items behind reeded glass and closed drawers.
One With a Coffee Bar
Designer Amy Vroom of the The Residency Bureau needed to update the kitchen within this 1,200-square-foot Seattle condo for a family of three, which included finding more storage space. To the right of the fridge, she placed what she calls a “super pantry” behind panels that match the rest of the room. It opens to reveal a coffee station, canned goods, and snacks.
One That’s Under the Radar
Designer Abby Hetherington also had a 1,200-square-foot space to oversee, this time within an apartment in Bozeman, Montana. She tweaked the new-build’s existing footprint to tuck a floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinet behind oak doors. The paneled fridge on the opposite end of the room adds balance.
One That’s Overhead
Founder Alexandra Gourlay-Craig of Vellum Interiors was definitely challenged by the lack of square footage within a Sydney, Australia apartment. “There wasn’t even space for a full-size refrigerator, only a bar one,” she recalls. But she found a solution by placing a pantry cabinet above the sink, 55 inches from the floor, to hold necessities.
One That Is Produce-Friendly
To make the most of storage and prep space, consider this pantry cabinet from British Standard. Not only does it have open shelving for dry goods, but it also has deep drawers to store fruits and veggies beneath a countertop dedicated to slicing and dicing. There are concealed vents that allow air to pass through, too.