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Whether you boast a butler's pantry or a single cabinet, stylish storage can be yours with these pantry organizing tips.

When it comes to designing a useful and beautiful kitchen, form and function are a constant push and pull, especially when it comes to the pantry. While it is possible to create a space that marries the two seamlessly (especially if you have an experienced design pro on hand), there will inevitably come a time that beauty is sacrificed at the altar of practicality—and nowhere is that more evident than those pantry shelves. Think about it: It's basically a zone dedicated to corralling all the messy, unsightly bits of your kitchen, from bulky countertop appliances to baking ingredients and bags (and bags and bags) of half-eaten chips. It's no wonder that many of us feel resigned to a dark, forgotten space that's devoid of any personality or designer touches. But that doesn't have to be your reality. Pantry shelving and utility closets that serve a purpose—and look good doing it— are totally possible to achieve, as evidenced by these ten stylish spaces. Steal our favorite takeaway tips to help upgrade and beautify your kitchen's most practical space.

For a fun surprise that puts a smile on your face each time you reach for an ingredient or tool, consider coating the interior of your pantry in an unexpected hue. For a playful punch in this space, Pulp Design Studio turned to a juicy tangerine color (Daredevil by Sherwin Williams), opting for a satin finish so the homeowners could easily wipe up any spills or messes in the utilitarian space.

Newsflash: Your kitchen doesn't need to be sprawling to support a functional pantry space. In this apartment, designer Jim Dove made the most of an awkward entryway by commissioning hidden pullout pantries that take up virtually zero visual real estate when not in use.

Quality organization is fundamental to a functional pantry, especially when you only have a cabinet or two. Here, 2LG Studio made the most of a snug space by adding in-door spice compartments and dedicated condiment storage to the interior of this petite-yet-powerful pantry cabinet.

If your pantry is home to everything from baking supplies and spices to grains and after-dinner goodies, you're probably dealing with a lot of visual chaos (all. that. packaging.). Instead of suffering through the visual assault that is a veritable grocery store aisle in your own home, consider transfering your food from its original packaging to sleek glass jars and canisters reminiscent of a bespoke market. Trust us—it'll look pretty enough to eat.

If you have the available square-footage, why not combine your food and dishware storage needs into one comprehensive, do-it-all space? In this Utah kitchen and pantry space designed by the team at Alice Lane, classic penny tile laid in a graphic pattern and green cabinetry (Benjamin Moore’s Dakota Woods Green) act as a stylish backdrop for a three-in-one pantry that houses entertaining essentials, dry goods, and small-scale appliances.

Just because a space has a strictly utilitarian purpose doesn't mean it can't be full of personality too. In fact, because pantries often have a smaller footprint, it can feel like less of a scary commitment to lean into a playful color, pattern, or all-over attitude within them. Case in point? This narrow yet stunning scene in the South Carolina home of designer Rebecca Bridges, which touts lipstick pink walls and abstract brushstroke wallpaper, all disguising the ample pantry shelving within.

While your first instinct may be to opt for pantry shelving that allows you to squirrel away all your kitchen unmentionables, out-in-the-open storage can be a beautiful solution as well. If you have a favorite collection of dinnerware or prized set of vintage olive oil cruets you'd prefer to look at every day, you should do just that. Take this masterfully designed kitchen by Caren Rideau as example, where oversized paned glass cabinets reveal an aesthetically pleasing (yet functional!) collection of cookware, dishes, and appliances.

Sometimes the most timeless solutions are also the most practical. If you've spent any time in industrial kitchens or bakeries, you'll probably recognize the steel pantry shelving that's also taken up residence in this Downsview Kitchens-designed space. Our take? The classics are classic for a reason, and this streamlined (and inexpensive solution!) offers all the flexible storage you could want need without a ton of commitment.

Sometimes all you need to differentiate your pantry shelving from that of a grocery store aisle is a little material upgrade. This collection of ingredients could look chaotic and messy in a basic closet, but feel like a culinary masterpiece in this kitchen designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, thanks to a show-stopping marble backdrop.

If you need a little motivation to whip up dinner after a long day, spending time in your pantry could be just the solution—at least when it looks this good. Get fired up for your next culinary creation in a inspirational space like this moody marketplace designed by Studio Dearborn. The team relied on high-gloss pantry shelving and a museum-worthy wallpaper from Spoonflower to bring a dose of drama to the attitude-packed space.