The pantry can be an overlooked area in the house. At our house the pantry is a constant place we visit and see in the kitchen. This was my second time “organizing” our pantry. I used acrylic storage bins and containers. I have no doubt that without labels things are destined to get messy and chaotic again.
Our pantry had an array of colors going on and there was nothing cheery about this space. I knew I wanted to add a fun pop of wallpaper on the backs of the shelves. I selected a peel and stick wallpaper with the help of the Pinch Me, I’m Home community. My favorite color has been yellow for as long as I can remember. When I stumbled upon the Rifle Paper Co. Amalfi peel and stick wallpaper from York Wallcoverings that has a beautiful vibrant blue and green floral with pops of yellow, I was smitten. The wallpaper was backordered and took until February to be delivered. But that didn’t stop me from getting started on the project!
Before Pictures
Are you sitting down? I am cringing as I look back at our pantry.
Step 1: Clean, Organize, and LABEL
Even though the wallpaper was backordered, I knew enough was enough. I had to fix this crazy pantry NOW. I ordered these labels for the pantry and got straight to work. I sorted through everything and checked expiration dates. I separated the food into different categories and zones. I used the zones on my labels to help me sort all the food. I had a variety of bins the last time I attempted to organize the pantry. I linked a few of my favorites here.
This is what the pantry looked like after I organized everything and added labels.
Now the pantry looks significantly better than it did before. I could find the cookies, coffee, and wine without any problem. But because I can be a little bit extra and I had this vision in my head of what our pantry could look like I didn’t stop there.
Step 2: Sand, Prime, and Paint
About a month after I organized the pantry, I got word that my wallpaper was in stock and on the way! It was time to start prepping the pantry. One of the best things about reorganizing before painting is moving all your items to a temporary pantry location was so easy! Everything stayed in its designated bin and moved to the dining room.
Prior to any priming and painting, I sanded all the shelves with my orbital sander using 120 grit sanding pads. I vacuumed and wiped everything down.
Then, I taped off all the back sections of the shelves where the peel and stick wallpaper would be installed. You don’t want to install wallpaper over freshly painted areas. Usually the wait time is 4 weeks.
I had leftover Behr semi gloss fast drying paint leftover from another project. I scooped up the recommended primer to accompany this paint from Home Depot. I hand painted all the primer with a high density foam roller brush and hand brush. I sprayed the white paint with my Graco Sprayer. I was able to knock this out in two days due to the quick dry time in between coats.
Step 3: Wallpaper
After I removed all the taped off areas, it was time to clean the wall before I installed the wallpaper. I used krud klutter on all the areas that I was planning on wallpapering.
I recommend using peel and stick wallpaper with areas when shelves are involved. This was a super easy step that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found it much easier to install smaller panels in between the shelves. I always like to start with the corner and peel the backing down a little bit. Line that up straight in your corner and then peel down the other top portion and smooth it out.
The wallpaper was a game changer! The print was fun and cheerful. This was exactly what I was looking for.
Step 4: Stock the pantry
Before I restocked the pantry, I added a curtain to conceal the water heater. I added a blue and oat pin stripe curtain so we could still access more storage and the water heater when needed. I debated on building out a door but I’d be losing too much storage. I needed a temporary fix.
We stocked the pantry and I couldn’t be more pleased with the final look!
Step 5: The Pantry Door
Let’s convert a bifold door to a French door! When I decided to give this a go, I wasn’t sure exactly how it would turn out. Now, I don’t DIY everything but I thought if I could convert my old doors into new doors it was worth a try. Overall, I’m really pleased with the results! Who would want to hide that cute lemon wallpaper?
First, I removed the existing bifold door off the track and from the doorway. This was pretty easy because it already wouldn’t close. I then removed all hardware on the door such as hinges and knobs.
Using a multitool and jigsaw, I cut out the center portions of the door propping the doors up on my sawhorses.
Then, I sanded down all the areas that I cut out along with the front and back of the doors with 120 grit sandpaper. I used my orbital sander for most areas and a sanding sponge when needed.
I measured both of my rectangle cut out areas. I bought corner trim for the top and bottom cut outs. When adding the plexiglass and wood to the top and bottom portions I needed something for them be sandwiched between. This corner trim was the best option. I used a custom color match with my existing door trim for the new door and trim. I primed all the trim first. Then I used my miter saw to cut the trim to fit the door openings for both front and back.
After an Instagram poll on adding plexiglass or real glass, I opted for the plexiglass option. My fridge door bumps the pantry door area a smidge when opening and closing. And a few friends brought up the kids slamming them shut. So plexiglass it is! I ordered custom plexiglass to fit the top sections of the doors from TapPlastics. This was such a great option. I added mdf to the bottom section of the door.
I attached the trim on the back of the doors first using my brad nailer. I turned the doors over and I added the plywood and plexiglass pieces. Then I added my trim on top of that.
After that, I added wood filler to doors, let it dry and then hand sanded with 120 grit sanding sponge. Then I caulked all my edges. Then I painted the doors 2x.
Installing the door
I installed one door stop molding to the top inside of the doorway.
I bought 3 packs of hinges (2 per pack-6 total) and a magnetic door catch. I measured and marked along the door where I wanted my hinges to be attached. I used the side door near the pantry as a reference for the height of each hinge. Then, I measured the inside of the existing door frame and marked the spots with a hinge on both sides of the doorway. I drilled pilot holes on each of the marked spots. Make sure your hinges can open and close well at the depth you install the hinges.
Next, I attached the hinges onto my door. I propped the door up with books and magazines until I had the correct height. I connected to top hinge first and worked my way down. Then I did the same thing with the other door.
I drilled pilot holes for the knobs and then attached the door knobs. I ordered these adorable bee tile knobs from Anthropologie to complete the look.
Final Touch
I had to add a Home Themed Home Beth door hanger with the lemons. Unfortunately, it’s out of stock right now, but always check back if Alexandra adds more. She has so many adorable options, its hard to pick just one! I know you’ll find the perfect one for your house.
I have to say this project was worth the squeeze!
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