I created a pantry space in the stairwell of our old home that’s both functional and eye catching. When we purchased our home we knew we would have to get creative in order to make it function like the larger and newer homes we were accustomed to owning. Right away we realized the potential of the shelf built along the stairway wall leading down to the basement. On one wall there is a 9″ ledge and on the other a 12″ ledge. It’s perfect for pantry items. Since our house is old and a stone foundation, we have our share of mice, so it’s only good for canned goods or items stored in glass containers. On the deeper shelf I purchased four Anchor-Hocking jars that are large enough to store extra bags of flour, sugar, rice and pasta. I now only buy pasta and rice in bags instead of boxes. What I love about this space is that I see it all the time and can keep track of items I may need to restock. I hung our kids art work making it the most colorful space in the house. It made a dreadful spot into something bright and useful.
The Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill jars are what makes it practical and pretty. I’m constantly amazed in this house of the missed opportunities to make life a little simpler. Like adding hooks in our entry (below) and now a pantry in the stairwell. It’s the little things that make a difference. What are your storage solutions? In a small house, I’m always organizing!
karen says
Love those big anchor hocking containers. Useful for so many things. Bonus AH is an Ohio co.,my home state.
Your pantry looks nothing like mine!
Kristin says
The heritage hill jars are consostently a top seller for me. They are so useful- I hear all kinds of uses for them.
I love this idea for extra space!
Michelle says
LOVE this!! So creative, Annie. And so beautiful, too!
Brooke Christen says
Love this Annie! You are so talented. So have yuh saved your kids art from when they were little?? Love to hear how you saved and what saved.
annie says
Brooke,
Yes, my kids have very little interest in art from a making standpoint. The schools are so great at getting kids to create and I knew even when they were little to save a lot, because that’s all I was going to get from them! This is from preschool up to about third grade. My favorite is not shown in this shot, but it’s orange and yellow abstract buildings that Patrick named “Wall Street” because Brent used to work at 100 Broadway. I love your original apple picking art in your fall gallery wall! So precious!
xo
annie
Garden, Home and Party says
Annie,
That stairwell pantry is not only practical, it’s so pretty with the kids art. I also like the backdrop of black so the items pop and seem almost artistic organized the way you’ve done. We too live in an older, smaller house. I’ve come to recognize what I need and what simply used to take up space!
Karen
annie says
Yes! Living in a smaller home has made me think twice about buying more “stuff” and use what I have!
Karen says
Wow, this is SO cute, Annie! Not to mention functional! And how awesome to get to look at your kids’ sweet artwork all the time. You never cease to amaze me with your cleverness! xo
annie says
Thanks Karen! It makes my scary basement just a bit less scary!
classic•casual•home says
I want to get some of those!