There are reasons why there are an overwhelming amount of decorating magazines, home remodeling shows and zillions of photographs pinned on Pinterest boards marked pantry inspiration or simply as “inspiration.” Let’s face it; we live in a world bursting with creative geniuses at our fingertips. We watch from afar and dream. Dream about marbled kitchen countertops with the perfect hint of pink quartz peaking through, that walk-in closet with clothes organized so cleverly, and that garden that seemingly has no bad weather, no bugs, no insects or no need for water. Picture perfect.

Perfection is in the eye of the beholder, of course.  And whenever I come across someone with a touch of genius when it comes to organizing or decorating his or her kitchen or pantry, I must share it with you. 

Beth’s pantry is one of those musts. Beth and I go wayyyy back in the blogging world, when she had multiple blog sites and one in particular called The Food Adventuress. Nowadays, she has merged all of those shiny-sparkling sites into one, Little Magpie. Appropriately named, since Magpies are known for loving all the shiny things and wholeheartedly going after all of them with gusto. That’s Beth. These days Beth blazes an energizing path in the online digital influencer world with her role as President of Soapbox Influence (where I happen to work, too!). This is a good fit for her personality, since the digital world moves swiftly and changes direction constantly, and just when you think you have it figured out… an algorithm changes. 

Ironically, Beth’s pantry is quiet, simplified, curated and minimally perfect. Not distracting or overwhelmingly filled with gusto. Before you think that two personalities are in play, it’s not. Having life buttoned up in key areas of her everyday life allows Beth to easily jump on and ride the waves with everything else. Come along with me, and take a tour. Hopefully you’ll find an idea or two to pin, dream about or even emulate.

Pantry inspiration: Spice organization.

Beth’s husband Fred built this functionally pretty rack to fit her mason jars, as well as a few multi-sized random spice containers. Free from distraction, the focus is on the spices, not the brands.

Pantry inspiration: Storing meal essentials.

Beth’s pantry closet in her kitchen isn’t crammed packed of this, that and every purchased-on-a-whim package of whatever. Instead, she has designated this prime property for one purpose: essentials at her fingertips. At any given moment, Beth is able to whip up the core for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I half-jokingly called this her “carb closet” once I saw it. The more I think about it, its beauty is more than visual… it’s beautifully and brilliantly designed for action.

Pantry inspiration: Organizing ingredients so they are ready for meal prep.

Beth and I share the same pantry philosophy… keep ingredients minimal and as least processed as possible. Her pantry isn’t overflowing so organization is easy when there is less. 

Curation continues when it comes to snacks and goodies in this pantry. Beth believes that it is important to keep treats as treats, not as something you take for granted. Her kids know exactly what is available and restocking is quick and easy when visibility is clear.

Pantry inspiration: What is Beth’s absolute cannot-live-without-ingredient?

Maille L’Orginale Moutarde Fine De Dijon. That’s right, the original French Dijon Mustard, originated in 1747. When I asked her about her favorite pantry ingredient, she did take a moment to ponder it, which is telling since I know for a fact that her pantry is stocked with thought. “Maille mustard is my favorite. It takes me back to when I was studying French and living abroad in France.” So, it’s more than an ingredient… it’s a memory, too.

Pantry inspiration: My actionable take-away? 

You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve shared a tour of Beth’s kitchen and left with inspiration. Years ago when she was living in downtown Rogers in a century-old beauty of a home, her spice pantry inspired me to copy it during my own remodel. This time I was inspired in a different, less-physical and more-emotional way. Perhaps it’s my season in life or maybe I’m just getting a little cozier the older I get. My favorite takeaway is this cute little sign, tucked behind a door in the pantry room by the spices, just inches away from darling aprons. My takeaway? Curate a space that is inviting to others and to myself.

What inspired you? Are you dreaming of a minimized pantry for yourself? What’s holding you back?

Less stress and more joy, my friends.

Lyndi