There’s something so satisfying about transforming a space with your own two hands. My pantry was functional but lacked personality, so I decided it was time for a refresh! I wanted a space that felt light, airy, and beautiful while still being practical. With a few simple DIY projects—wallpaper, beadboard, and shelving—I gave my pantry a whole new look! If you’re thinking of tackling a pantry makeover, let me walk you through my process step by step.
Step 1: Adding Character with Floral Wallpaper
One of the easiest ways to elevate any space is with wallpaper. I fell in love with this soft floral print that instantly brightened up my pantry. I used a glue-down wallpaper, which gives a seamless and long-lasting finish. If you’ve never installed wallpaper before, don’t worry! Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Prep your wall – Make sure it’s clean and dry. If your walls have texture, consider sanding them lightly for a smoother application.
- Measure & cut – Cut the wallpaper into manageable strips, leaving an extra inch at the top and bottom.
- Apply the adhesive – If your wallpaper isn’t pre-pasted, roll wallpaper glue onto the wall using a paint roller.
- Position & smooth out – Line up the first strip at the edge of the wall and gently press it down. Use a wallpaper smoother to remove air bubbles as you go.
- Trim the edges – Use a sharp utility knife to cut any excess at the top and bottom.
Wallpaper instantly adds warmth and texture, making the pantry feel more inviting. And trust me, once you see the transformation, you’ll want to wallpaper every room in your home!
Step 2: Beadboard for a Classic Touch
Next, I added beadboard panels to the lower half of the pantry walls. Beadboard is a game-changer—it’s super easy to install, budget-friendly, and perfect for hiding imperfections on the wall. Plus, it adds a bit of charm and texture, which I love.
Here’s how I installed it:
- Measure & cut – Beadboard comes in large panels, so I measured the height I wanted and cut them to size.
- Attach to the wall – I applied construction adhesive to the back of each panel and pressed it against the wall. Then, I secured them with a few brad nails to keep them in place.
- Fill & paint – Once the beadboard was up, I filled any gaps with caulk, then painted it a crisp white to give it a polished look.
Beadboard instantly makes the space feel more finished, and I love how it hides any wall imperfections. If your walls have dents or uneven surfaces, this is a fantastic solution!
Step 3: Stylish Shelving for Function & Contrast
Storage is key in a pantry, and I wanted to maximize my space while adding a designer touch. Instead of building custom shelves, I found the perfect white corner shelves on Amazon to complement my upper cabinets. These shelves helped create a seamless, built-in look and made great use of an otherwise empty corner.
For the back wall, I wanted something that would stand out against the floral wallpaper, so I went with dark shelves. The contrast between the rich wood tone and the soft floral print added depth and dimension to the space. These shelves not only look stunning but also provide extra storage for jars, cookbooks, and decorative pieces.
The best part? These shelves were easy to install and instantly elevated the look of my pantry. It’s amazing how small details, like mixing shelf colors and finishes, can make such a big difference in creating a space that feels curated and intentional.
The Final Touch: Organization & Style
With the wallpaper, beadboard, and shelves installed, it was time to organize! I used clear glass jars for dry goods, labeled baskets for snacks, and chic canisters for baking essentials. The best part? This pantry not only looks beautiful but functions so much better.
If you’ve been thinking about giving your pantry a makeover, go for it! With just a few simple DIY upgrades, you can create a space that’s both practical and Pinterest-worthy.
What do you think of my pantry transformation? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your own DIY projects!
