Would You Put Your Fridge in the Pantry? Sarah Sherman Samuel Did

Designer Sarah Sherman Samuel transformed a second-floor full bathroom into a highly organized and functional walk-in pantry in her home. This renovation involved reconfiguring the layout, moving a closet from an adjacent bedroom to expand space, and replacing a swing door with a pocket door to maximize usable area. The plumbing from the former bathroom was easily accessible from the basement below, simplifying the conversion process. To optimize every inch of the new pantry, Samuel collaborated with Leslie Conneely from California Closets’s Chicago branch. The result is a custom-designed space featuring specialized drawers, shelves, and nooks tailored to specific items. This meticulous organization accommodates everything from small appliances, cereal boxes, and canned goods to tableware and wineglasses. One of the most notable and conversation-starting design decisions was Samuel's choice to integrate her refrigerator into the pantry. This move, which initially generated discussion among her Instagram followers, stems from a desire to consolidate all food items in one central location. The convenience of this setup is highlighted by the ease of making a cup of tea in the morning, with the hot water dispenser and sugar readily available within arm's reach inside the pantry. The collaboration with a professional like Conneely introduced innovative organizational strategies. A key feature is the implementation of deep drawers with short faces. This design allows for a greater storage capacity within the drawers while simultaneously ensuring that their contents remain visible. Samuel notes that this approach also negates the need for external hardware, contributing to a more streamlined and uncluttered aesthetic in a space that already holds numerous items. Precision in measurement was another crucial aspect of the pantry's design. Samuel and Conneely took exact measurements of items such as coffee mugs and cereal boxes. This allowed them to create custom-sized cubbies and shelves, including one specifically for Samuel’s coffee mug collection, measuring precisely 6.125 inches high. This detailed planning ensures that every item has a designated and perfectly fitted spot, eliminating guesswork regarding storage locations and promoting long-term organization. #PantryOrganization #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #SarahShermanSamuel #CustomStorage #InteriorDesign #SpacePlanning #HomeOrganization #PantryOrganization #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #SarahShermanSamuel #CustomStorage #InteriorDesign #SpacePlanning #HomeOrganization