Hello amazing friends! Today, I’m sharing our IKEA Billy pantry makeover!! We expanded and completely redid our pantry using IKEA Billy bookcases to customize it.
We started this pantry makeover way back in February of 2020. The idea came to us when we replaced the stair treads while redoing our front stairs. We were able to see that there was quite a bit of space behind the pantry, under the stairs. As soon as the stairs were complete, my hubby busted through the wall at the back of our pantry!
Before
I couldn’t find a true before photo, so this is the best one I have. It was taken right after he busted through the wall:
One of the things that sold me on this house, was this pantry. I mean, who wouldn’t love a walk-in pantry??
I thought it was huge and had plenty of room for everything we needed to store in there.
We quickly filled that space!
We also drink a lot of water in our house, and so we wanted a place to store the large 5 gallon bottles that we have delivered monthly. That was the biggest reason for pushing the pantry wall back.
The main obstacle we had to contend with was the HVAC in that space. Luckily, that is my husband’s business and he was able to take care of that.
He moved it back behind what would become the new back wall…
#WheresLyla
My hubby was in charge of the demo and let’s just say that he likes to take his sweet time when it comes to projects. It took a year to get to the point in the above photo. He had also removed the wall to the right of the opening and all the shelving on that right side. In. his defense, we did have a pandemic to contend with.
By the following month, he had removed the rest of that wall and all the shelving on the left, and added drywall to the new section:
And by April, the bead board was going up on the walls.
We decided to finish the walls in bead board since our walls have a texture to them that would be difficult for we non-professional dry wall installers to match:
New Tile Floor
The most exciting part was the new tile floor!
Our pantry was actually the reason why we decided to replace all the tile downstairs. We never really liked it, and we had a difficult time trying to match it to fill in the new part of the pantry floor. I considered replacing just the pantry with a coordinating tile, but when I saw this at the tile store, I knew I wanted to just replace it all.
We were smart and hired that part out. It was done in May, and they did an amazing job!
The photo above was taken the day our IKEA Billy bookcases arrived! We had to order them which took about five weeks.
We hadn’t finished off the interior completely because we weren’t exactly sure how we were going to work around the bookcases yet since the right side would have to be custom fit under the stairs. This is the point at which I took it over from my hubby.
real life
And just for real life sakes, here is what it looked like before we emptied it out that day:
Can I tell you that I don’t miss digging through those bins one single bit? And how many boxes of Pop Tarts does one household need anyway??
Jack helped me assemble the new bookcases for the left side since they did not need to be cut in any way.
Modifying the IKEA Billy Bookcase to fit under the stairs
The following morning, I started assembling the bookcases on the right, cutting where needed to make them fit under the stairs…
My miter saw got an excellent workout during this project!
Then I continued with the bookcase to the left of it:
Believe it or not, that one was easier! This post is not a how-to because I was seriously just winging it, but I thought I would share some of the photos of the progress anyway.
Once I got the shelves figured out, I added bead board horizontally to the underside of the stairs:
My hubby had originally covered that area in luan, and I had then painted it white because we had a different plan in mind, but after covering the ceiling with the wider side of the bead board, I knew that was the solution for the underside of the stairs also!
The bead board that I used is narrow on one side like we used on the walls and wider on the backside like I used on the ceiling and the underside of the stairs.
Lots of trimming and caulking happened in here before it was ready for its final reveal!
The Reveal of our IKEA Billy Pantry
Here is how our pantry looks empty from head-on:
Busting out that back wall just that little bit made our pantry feel SO much bigger! It’s a shame we had to keep the post, but something has to hold up those stairs!
And to the left:
For reference, the post is where the pantry originally ended. These are the 31 1/2″ X 93 1/4″ Billy Bookcases. They come in a 79 1/2″ height also. By the way, this is NOT a sponsored post in any way!
At the start of this makeover, we had intentions of custom building the shelving in this pantry. However, with the cost of lumber at the moment, it would’ve been a very expensive project. After visiting IKEA, we decided their Billy bookcases might just do the trick!
On the left side, we were able to fit two of the 31 1/2′” Billys and one of the narrower 15 3/4″ width ones:
We found them very easy to assemble, and I love that the shelves are adjustable.
And here is the right side that I custom cut to fit under the stairs:
These were not as easy to assemble ha ha. You can see in that photo why we waited to trim out the underside of the stairs until the bookcase was installed. And I added a piece of lattice trim all the way around the perimeter of the bookcases to give it a more finished look.
This is such a tight space, so it was difficult to get wide angle photos, but here’s a close-up of one of the sides:
I attached it with Liquid Nails and my nail gun.
I also added lattice trim down the center where the bookcases met one another to cover the seam…
And because our HVAC intake is now in the pantry (weird, I know), we kept the original grill in place also so air could still be pulled from the dining room on the other side.
It looked so pretty empty, but we did have to eventually fill it.
Here it is filled!
We have 9 foot ceilings, so that is why I opted for the tallest Billy they have at 93 1/4″ tall. Those high shelves can hold items like extra paper towels or things we don’t use often.
It was raining when I took these photos, so I had to brighten them up in editing which whited out the outside of the pantry, but you can see the important part…the inside!
We had four of these plastic containers that we kept crackers in for years, and nothing beats them for keeping food from going stale, so I knew I wanted to buy a bunch when we redid our pantry!
We use them for just about everything that might go stale!
I found mine on Amazon, but you can also get them at Walmart. And the bin that my Built bars are in is a shoe storage container I found at Walmart.
It comes in two depths. They are awesome for coralling things! We each have one for our own use as we all have different tastes in snack foods.
This is Jack’s, and his is one of the deeper ones:
Everything is so easy to find!
Here’s a closer look at this angled area trimmed out and finished…
As for making room for the large water bottles? We solved that also!
Several fit nicely in this space at the end of the shelves:
And that is the long-awaited makeover and expansion of our pantry! I’m so thrilled with how well the IKEA Billy Bookcases worked out!
If you need me, that’s where I’ll be…the wifi works great in there!
I’ll be back on Tuesday with this girl:
Enjoy your weekend!!
Update! See how this funky little 80’s cabinet looks now here!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
Wow it turned out beautiful! I know I would hang out in there, great snacks in there. I am always amazed at your creativity and ability to adapt things that are not easily adaptable! It is beautiful and I wish I had a walk in pantry like yours. Good job to both you and your husband. Beautiful and functional is what I would call a double WIN!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I’m not going to lie…I have hung out in there a lot ha ha! I always appreciate your kind words and encouragement! XOXO
Peggy says
The pantry is BEYOND AWESOME! Who would have ever thought to custom-saw the corner to fit! I sent this to my son, who has a room like that! Thank you! 😊
Christy says
Thank you so much, Peggy! It took a bit to make it work, but we are really enjoying the finished space! XOXO
Saysee Rizental says
It looks absolutely wonderful. Excellent job! Makes me want to do something like this to my awful pantry.
Christy says
Thank you, Saysee! It is especially satisfying after living in pantry chaos for a year and a half ha ha! XOXO
Robin Stephens says
Oh, Christi…it’s amazing! I have an under-the-stairwell pantry in my kitchen…and h.a.t.e. it. You must have felt the same way. What a fabulous job you did. Wow…. Go you! Happy for you!! Love it!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Robin! I am so excited we were able to take it further under the stairs, but I must have hit my head a dozen times while working on it…hopefully that won’t continue now that is is complete! I’m sure that is something you deal with also! XOXO
Denise Cox says
It’s AMAZING!! Fantastic job!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! XOXO
Jayme says
Your new pantry looks wonderful! and so organized! If it were mine, I would have to keep walking in there just to admire a job well done! A word of caution on the Ikea shelves – they will sag over time if you have too much weight on them, particularly canned goods.
Christy says
Thank you, Jayme! I appreciate the input! I figured as much. I tried to put the heavier items either on the bottom shelves or on the movable shelves since IKEA sells replacement shelves, and they can be swapped out later if they sag. The shelves on the wider bookcases are thicker than the ones on the narrow bookcase, so I’m hoping that is an improvement they’ve made that should help. XOXO
Bev w says
Wow! Shazam! You made it look so easy! Congrats! Lovely!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Bev! XOXO
Paula@SweetPea says
Your pantry looks incredible, Christy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Paula! It sure is feels great to have it finally completed! XOXO
Jennifer says
Looks wonderful! I’m jealous – wish I had a pantry like that!
Christy says
Thank you, Jennifer! I feel so grateful to call this our pantry for sure! XOXO
Elizabeth says
A fabulous space! This pantry makeover ranks right up there with your post on How A Girl Built Her Closet back on January 3, 2014 which has been my all time favorite! Great work and kudos to you and your husband. Enjoy your wonderful space!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! And wow that was an oldie ha ha! That really stood the test of time, and I’m hoping this does too! I appreciate you following along with me! XOXO
Teresa Farrell says
Oh Christy!!!!!That is absolutely gorgeous. Hmmm can you call a pantry gorgeous ?🤣🤣🤣
I’m so jealous
Kudos to you and hubby, it really is amazing.
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! And absolutely ha ha! I am so excited that this is actually our pantry! XOXO
Christina says
W O W ! ! You did a GREAT job here! Absolutely gorgeous! You really maximized the use of this space. I am awed by your skill set cutting the bookcases to fit. Way to go!!! Love the floors! Love how you trimmed it out. I bet Lyla thought you made it for her as a cat cubby! 🙂
Christy says
Thank you so much, Christina! There may have been a few curse words involved, but I got it done LOL! Lyla loved hiding out in there! XOXO
Janice Holt says
How organized can one person be? What a great job and just look at the storage. Love it.
Christy says
Our pantry is super organized, but I won’t be showing you our garage anytime soon ha ha! XOXO
Carolyn Price says
Great job!!! You two amaze me!! I first found you years ago w/ your closet redo at your former house. WOW! Then I saw your yard redo, the gate you made, etc. You’re a marvel with tools, Christy!!
What a great space!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Carolyn! You have been along for the ride for a long time, my friend, and I so appreciate you! Thank you! XOXO
Carolyn Price says
XOXO back to you!!
Abbe says
Mazal Tov on your beautiful new pantry! What a delight to work in your kitchen with such organization.
Super work and it looks fabulous.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Abbe!! Cooking has been so much better now that we can actually find what we need LOL! XOXO
Deb says
Oh, Christy, it’s gorgeous! I’d so love a walk-in pantry. Heck, I’d even take your “before” version (ours is only 24″ wide, so I had to resort to buying a freestanding pantry cabinet for additional storage)! I just love that you improvised with Billy bookcases. Such a great idea and I bet you didn’t miss cutting all those shelves by hand! I’m definitely looking for those clear shoe bins next time I head to the big W. Can’t believe I never saw them before. Anyway, your new pantry is amazing – so bright and clean-looking (even on a rainy day) and that tile is just beautiful… Enjoy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Deb! All my previous homes have had the typical 2 foot pantry. Don’t they know we need more storage than that in our kitchens?? And, yes, the Billy bookcases worked out so nicely…very happy about that! The clear bins are great…hopefully yours has them! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
What a great transformation!! So organized and clean. Job well done.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! It feels so good to be organized again! XOXO
Vicki Lombardi says
Christy, just gonna say… you are amazing!!!! The pantry is beautiful, functional and every girls dream (sorta like Carries closet in SATC) but way more useful! Love your posts!
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Vicki! Thank you! XOXO
Ashley says
Simply. Gorgeous. Pantry. You should have a party in there. 🎉🎊🎈
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ashley! I haven’t had a party in there yet, but I have danced in there! XOXO
Kathy says
Wow, it looks great. (never thought I’d be jealous of a panty – LOL) Amazing job!
And sometimes those DIY projects take longer than you think. We started our bathroom in Jan for a couple quick items and here we are, almost Aug, and still not done. Haha!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kathy! I never thought this would be my pantry! And yup, I guess that’s what we get sometimes when we take things on ourselves…we do eventually get them done though ha ha! Good luck finishing up your bathroom! XOXO
Meg says
Bravo on the pantry! You are so amazing. I can’t get over the projects that you will tackle.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Meg! I’ll try just about anything once LOL! XOXO
Sandra Stone says
Wow, you’ve done it again! What a fantastic professional job you guys did! I love your vision💕
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sandra! I appreciate that! XOXO
Suzanne says
That is absolutely beautiful!! I love everything you did and the details make it so nice! Inspires me to redo my pantry.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Suzanne! I love that you are feeling inspired! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
Wow; turned out great. I love your attention to detail. And without the hashtag, I would never have noticed Lyla, silly cat! But she’s sooooo cute!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! Ha ha… Lyla would end up back there every time the pantry door was left open, and she even got shut in there a couple of times! XOXO
Karen Thompson says
You and your husband did a great job redoing the pantry! Looks great, I’ll admit, I was a little sad you covered up all the beadboard you installed on the walls though! LOL What a dream to have a walk-in pantry though 🙂
Christy says
Thank you so much, Karen! W XOXOe thought we were going to be able to leave the shelves open at the back so you would see the bead board. The way the shelves are built though, that left about a half inch gap between the shelves and the wall. So sadly, we had to cover it up. It made me a little sad too LOL. XOXO
Cecilia says
Ooo, nice! I bet it feels good to get that done and organized. I’m working on mine – the organization part. I’m going to look for those containers. They look perfect for storage!
😊 Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! It feels amazing to finally have it done! And yes…those containers are amazing. You’ll never have stale crackers, cookies, or chips again! XOXO
Deb says
Christy,
My last house had a pantry closet in the kitchen. Small but certainly stored a lot.
The house I bought 3 years ago is an older house so no pantry and not a lot of cabinet space in the kitchen. Your pantry is perfect for storing all of the extras and those water bottles. Using the IKEA bookcases was so smart considering the price of building materials today. I have heard several friends say they are putting off projects at their houses until the prices come down a bit. I imagine several people reading this post today will sigh and wish that pantry was in their house. People post all kinds of bathroom updates but let’s face it….we are just seeing something that everyone has in their home but prettier. Now a pantry…..I would take any day over a functioning bathroom update. 😀
Christy says
Thank you, Deb! We couldn’t believe the cost of lumber, so this was a great alternative. And I’m with you…I’d rather have an updated pantry too lol! XOXO
Sandra says
I’m so excited for you! Your pantry looks awesome! I’d probably put a stool in there and just hang out and admire it! Best wishes!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sandra! I do have a small step stool in there and have been known to sit in there for a bit ha ha! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
Looks amazing my friend! So clean and neat and organized! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my beautiful friend! I am so excited to be able to actually find what I need in there now LOL! XOXO
Shirley says
Great job, Christy. We faced the same about two years ago so my hat 🎩 is off to you and your hubby. But it is well worth the effort to finally have a place for everything and everything in its place. Enjoy the fruits 🍎 of your labor.
Christy says
Thank you, Shirley! Oh yes you know how nice it is to finally have everything organized! XOXO
Jean Andazola says
Hey Pretty Lady,
I am loving your pantry! PS I did get that mold made last night! Bondo coming up today. Thanks again for your help! 🙂
Christy says
Oh perfect! Glad you’re able to find what you needed, Jean! Thank you so much! XOXO
Paula says
Well done! How exciting to have just a little more space, and you made it so stylish and sleek. Love it!
Christy says
Thank you, Paula! That little bit of extra space really did make a big difference! XOXO
Cynthia says
Wow!! I’m so envious that you were able to make your pantry bigger and pretty at the same time.
Kudos to both of you.
Cynthia
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cynthia! I still can’t believe this is my pantry LOL! XOXO
Karen Hoisington says
I love the pantry. I would like to know what kind of tile you put down. I LOVE IT!
TIA
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! I found that tile here locally at floor and decor. Here is a link for more details: https://www.flooranddecor.com/available-in-store-only/gunnison-gray-wood-plank-porcelain-tile-100242098.html XOXO
Connie says
The pantry is just beautiful. Good job Dad!@
Christy says
Thank you, Connie! XOXO
Donna Moore says
Greetings Christy; What a fabulous project. I am so impressed. Gives me some ideas on a little used, awkward closet we have. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate your ingenuity and talent. And I always look forward to your emails. Be safe and stay healthy. Warm Regards, Donna.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Donna! I’m glad you’re inspired to give a little love to one of your closets! Thank you for following along with me! Take care! XOXO
Lilly Thomas says
Christy, it looks great! You gained so much space. I wish I could find the space like yours to keep all my cooking appliances. Beautiful job!
Christy says
Thank you, Lilly! It really is so nice to have that extra storage space for all the cooking things! XOXO
Michelle says
OH, Christy, I love how your pantry turned out! I have those awful wire shelves and have wanted to replace them with wood shelves for the longest time! I am going to look into the Billy Shelves!
Of course, as always, once I read your blog, I begin exploring past posts, so I have a question. Several years ago, I painted a large frame and used white wax to enhance the embellishments. I now want to paint the frame another color since we recently updated that room. Can I paint right over the existing wax once I clean with white lightning? I have put off updating the frame for quite a while because of the wax (all Dixie Belle products). Any advice would be appreciated.
-Michelle
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michelle! The Billy bookcases worked out so nicely! And yes, the Dixie Belle wax is water-based so you can paint right over it! XOXO
Ellen Shook says
Fabulous do-over! I am totally green with envy. Be sure to submit this to Ikea Hackers blog — it is about a million times better than a lot of what they show on there!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Ellen! Great idea… I might just do that! XOXO
Jennifer says
Great job on the pantry, it looks huge now! My little pantry aspires to be like yours one day:). Thank you for constantly inspiring me to start new projects. I love seeing your work. I just wish I lived near the ocean so I could paint all of my furniture in the same palette you do. I live in Texas and am constantly looking for the right color to inspire people to buy my furniture. I guess there are pros-I get to try out new colors all the time. Anyway, thanks for the inspiration!
Christy says
Thank you, Jennifer! I appreciate your kind words so much! I’m not sure what folks in Texas are after design wise, but I hope you find it, and true…you get to enjoy trying out all the colors! Best of luck! XOXO
Denise says
Absolutely amazing what you did with your pantry! Always remember — you can never be too rich or have too many Pop Tarts!! I love those things. Be well and enjoy your new space.
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Denise! Truer words were never said! Heaven forbid we run out! XOXO
Kathie says
I love this idea of yours! Thank you for sharing with us today.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kathie! My pleasure! XOXO
Sue H Mellette says
What an amaizing makeover! Your pantry turned out just as you described. I like the beadboard and the Bill shelves do the job. I know it must have taken a long time to get it demolished, fitted, new floor and everything else you had to do! It looks custom made! Thanks for sharing this amazing project! Have a wonderful weekend. Can’t wait to see what you do with the “girl” Tuesday!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! It took us a bit to get it done, but it we finally did it! It has been so nice to be able to walk in and find exactly what we need! Enjoy your weekend too, my friend, and I’ll see you Tuesday! XOXO
Jules says
Wow, Christy! Thanks for the inspiration. We will be redoing our pantry next year as part of a kitchen reno and you gave me lots of great ideas. I look forward to your makeovers and upcycles in my Inbox! Jules
Christy says
Oh awesome, Jules! I’m glad I could give you a little inspiration for yours! Thank you! XOXO
Cindy Hathaway says
Wow! It looks amazing!!! Great job!!! I adore the beadboard. But you get it in small strips? I’ve only use the 4’x 8’ sheets. I’ll have to look into that.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Cindy! Yes, I buy it in the strips. It’s a bit pricier that way, but it makes it so much easier to install! XOXO
Niki says
Your pantry turned out great!! It’s nice to have enough space and not fell claustrophobic. We are working on a linen closet and don’t have near the space.
That floor is still amazing!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Niki! We are really enjoying the extra space so far for sure, but the floor is still my favorite! Good luck with your linen closet! XOXO
Eileen says
Beautiful job. I love the pantry and especially love the new floor.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Eileen! XOXO
Addie says
GREAT make-over!!! LOVE it!!!! I have always had a pantry in every home I’ve lived in…until this one….me sad!!! I am trying to figure a way in the laundry room. AND I know what you are feeling with just the little bit more space. At one house we had a slanted side gate. Hubby decided to straighten it out. At the widest part it extended only two extra feet….BUT!!!!!
it felt like we had a new backyard!!!! It made such a huge difference!!!!
Enjoy your new space!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Addie!! Sometimes just that little extra space makes all the difference! I hope you can carve out a space for a pantry in your home! XOXO
Deanna says
Lol. Had to laugh about the wifi being good in there! Good place to hang/hide out. Great makeover with found space making such a difference! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Christy says
Oh yes, I tested it lol! Thank you, Deanna! XOXO
Susan says
Omgosh how great is that space!!! I would love a pantry like that, you and your husband did such a great job!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Susan! XOXO
MADELINE l NEWTON says
wow this really turned out great …so fantastic…good job…
Christy says
Thank you, Madeline! XOXO
Marietta R Walker says
WOW!
Zefi Famelis says
What am amazing result!!! It looks gorgeous and so well organised now.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Zefi! It is so nice to not have to dig through big plastic bins to find what I need ha ha! XOXO
LEANN JACKSON HILEMAN says
Great job! It looks so beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Leann! XOXO
Terry Moore says
So functional and awesome now! Who doesn’t need a good pantry no matter how small! Great job!
Christy says
Thank you, Terry! Absolutely! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
What the who Christy! Just so awesome! I would love to be inside your head to learn how you manage your time and get SO MUCH DONE! It’s kind of dazzling!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Connie! Making to-do lists is my big secret ha ha! XOXO
Mary W says
Get a Berkey water filter! I did and solved the continuous storage problem AND got better tasting water. We do have a well out back so I just go out every evening, draw a bucket full and just like Little House, I poor it into my filter and have ‘live’ water that is so pure, free, fresh, and the kids love it, too! Well worth the price and that is coming from an old woman living on social security.
Christy says
Thank you for the tip, Mary! XOXO
Susie says
It’s weird I didn’t get any pictures of anything after the left side of pantry?
Christy says
Oh weird? I wonder if it just delayed in loading?
Sue Facklam says
Hi, I am a dairy farmer and I am whitewashing our barn since our regular whitewasher retired. Have you had any experience with hydrated limestone type S ( found at Menards for @$9.00 for a 50 lb bag.) I was wondering if you could spray it on? Have you ever tried something like that? I didn’t know if that would clog up sprayer tips or ruin the sprayer due to the abrasiveness . I’ve already rolled the walls, it is the ceiling that I’m trying to get!
Christy says
Hi Sue! I haven’t done anything with the limestone before, so unfortunately I can’t advise you. I would think that might clog a sprayer? Good luck! XOXO
Leslie says
It looks fabulous!
Christy says
Thank you, Leslie! XOXO
Sandi says
Your pantry looks wonderful! I just love it! Hugs,
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sandi! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Oh Christy! What a huge undertaking and it looks great! The added lattice finishes it off perfectly. Congratulations on your lovely and functional pantry.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cecilia! I was super excited to complete this project after a year and a half! XOXO
Patty says
Christy – a beautiful pantry update!!! Love it & so happy for you – the flooring looks amazing, too. I have a walk-in pantry but not large enough to have as many shelves as you have but it still helps to store those out of site items that we all have. You always amaze me with your carpentry skills!💕
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Patty! I have a bad habit of hanging onto things even though they rarely get used. I always think that I might need them one day! It’s nice to have room for all the might-need-this-someday items ha ha! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Christy, you continue to amaze! It looks like a custom pantry that one of those fancy closet companies installed. Never would have occurred to me that there was extra space back there, looks like it’s almost double the size now. So nice to have all the extra storage and everything where you can see it and get to it easily.
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I am really excited that this is my pantry! And yes, it is amazing how much bigger it is with just that little added space! XOXO
Carroll Xavier says
Wow! You did an amazing job! Love the flooring, bead board, and bookcase hack. I have 3 of the Billy bookcases and never thought to trim them like you did, so I learned something, too 🙂 And I love that Lyla loves to inspect the jobsite just like my cat, Blade, does! Two paws up !
Christy says
Thank you, Carroll! Yes, the lattice really finished them off nicely! And funny how cats are so curious about everything! XOXO
sharon says
wow, so beautiful. i have a question, if i may. how were the tiles in the kitchen removed? did they also run under your cabinetry? i’d like to replace mine but i was told if the kitchen cabinets were installed over them, it can’t be done.
great job!
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! Most builders install the cabinetry first and then the tile. However, our island was built on top of our tile. The installers just removed the tile up to the island and after installing the new tile, they trimmed everything out with quarter round. It looks great! The tiles were removed with a jackhammer-like tool that has a spade bit on it. You can rent them at Home Depot. XOXO
Cindy says
That is beautiful. I have a very small pantry. I am jealous, lol.
Christy says
Thank you, Cindy! I can’t even believe this is my pantry! XOXO
Cheryl Claiborne says
Thank you for sharing. I saved several photos to Pinterest to show a carpenter.
Christy says
My pleasure, Cheryl! Glad I could give you some ideas! XOXO
Cheryl says
Wow!! What a wonderful job you guys did!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! XOXO
Ruth Anne says
Your pantry turned out so well! You and your husband make a good team! Just color me green–my pantry is less than two feet wide and 28″ deep! I’m sure you will enjoy having it for many years to come!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Ruth Anne! I too have always had a pantry about the size of yours. This is a real treat for us for sure! XOXO
Leslie says
Wow! You and your husband are brilliant! My house doesn’t have a pantry. Even those 2-footers look good to me, lol, as I store a lot of things like canned goods in my garage. Yours is a work of art. I’ll bet it makes you happy just to open the door and look at it. Love your tile, too!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Leslie! I’m still pinching myself that this is actually our pantry! There has been lots of happy dancing in there lol! XOXO
Leslie says
I imagine it’s about a million times more fun knowing that you did it yourself. Happy for you. And your cat, lol!
Christy says
Yes, for sure…so satisfying!! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
This was a very interesting project to see, and it turned out so well. Seems like the space is doubled! Loved seeing Miss Lyla peering from the back! Did you have to install additional lighting to brighten up the back of the pantry?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Debbie! It’s amazing how much more storage space was created by moving that wall back just a few feet. Miss Lyla headed straight back there as soon as we opened the door every time lol. We had to make sure she wasn’t still in there before we closed the door as a couple of times when we couldn’t find her. Then we would hear faint meowing and realized she was stuck in the pantry! And the lighting above the door and was swapped out for a small track light fixture that illuminated the space much better. XOXO
Becky says
Lovely! There’s no such thing as “too much storage”… so how can builders close off so much space?! 😊 You guys did a great job of restoring this space to its real purpose. I love it! You can bet I’d be sitting in there too if it were mine! 😁
Christy says
Thank you, Becky! I know, right? In their defense, they had to use that space for the HVAC ductwork. Glad my hubby was able to rework that! I still go in there just to look at it ha ha! XOXO
Liz says
OMG that is just gorgeous (LMAO, is it weird to be so excited at the organization???? ha ha ha!!). Great job!!!! Your imagination and creativity is amazing, enjoy your new pantry!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Liz!! No way…I am equally as excited lol!! Putting groceries away has never been so enjoyable! XOXO
carolyn lawrence says
Love the shelves. I have one whole wall of my sewing room lined with these. They hold a lot of fabric(weight). I love how you finished yours! You inspire me with your creativity!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Carolyn!! I’m glad to hear they are able to take a lot of weight! They are fantastic for the price! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
This turned out so so good, Christy!! Sounds like about how we finish ours… Years later! Haha Good job.. Both of you. 🙂 xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! Ha ha yes…but at least we do eventually finish! XOXO
Kristin salazar says
This turned out beautifully!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kristin!! XOXO