There’s a common thread running through many of the kitchen and interiors trends in 2026 – we want everything to be hidden. And not in the way you might expect; homes look more lived-in than ever before and gone are the days of sleek, show-home esque kitchen designs, however we still want to keep the cluttered parts behind closed doors.
This couldn’t be truer than with pantry ideas. What fast became a marker of wealth and something to be shown off has just as quickly become a kitchen feature that we want hidden away.
The reasons behind this are varied – some homeowners simply just like to keep a cluttered storage space tucked away, but others are taking inspiration from Victorian interiors where the ‘back kitchen’ is something to be kept firmly behind the seasons.
Whatever it may be, these 3 hidden pantry ideas will disguise the appearance of this kitchen storage hero, streamlining your design and organisation.
1. Make the most of pocket doors
The idea of a ‘back kitchen’ came back into popularity in 2026, with many people opting to create completely separate rooms for their pantries – much like was the norm in the Victorian era.
However, there is a trick to ensuring that a separate room feels like a subtle extension of your kitchen.
‘If space allows, walk-in pantries, or otherwise known as back kitchens, add the most value. They can be designed as a kitchen feature with glass doors, or hidden to sit flush within the cabinetry, giving a secret-door feel. Having a room dedicated to a pantry provides ample storage for busy households and is highly desirable,’ says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr.
Pocket doors are a great option for a separate pantry as the door is less intrusive on the rest of the kitchen and visually, it’s minimal fuss.
2. Choose matching cabinetry
Oftentimes, pantry units are standalone double-door units that look like a freestanding piece of furniture, even in a fitted kitchen. However, if you’re wanting to hide a pantry away, opting to match the appearance to that of your wall cabinetry is the wisest choice.
‘The secret to a successful hidden pantry is making it feel like a seamless extension of the kitchen rather than a separate space. Concealed doors, matching cabinetry and continuous finishes allow the pantry to blend effortlessly into the overall design, creating a clean, uncluttered look,’ explains Tom Howley, founder of the eponymous kitchen brand.
Visually, this creates a cohesive kitchen design that still has all of the essential storage solutions you need.
3. Hide it in plain sight
If you prefer a more eclectic kitchen scheme, this idea will be for you. Traditionally, pantries have been featured as large, freestanding units that make a statement – but what if we chose to hide it in plain sight?
Incorporating pantry-style storage into your general kitchen design means that you keep the functionality but don’t have to dedicate the space to one big unit.
This is especially handy for small kitchens where a large pantry would look out of place. Opting for cafe curtains over a pantry cupboard helps to differentiate the space without allowing clutter to be on show.
Shop pantry storage
M&S
Set of 3 Wooden Stacking Boxes
The warm tone of these kitchen storage boxes from M&S will make a pantry feel welcoming and homely, while also keeping unsightly things stored away.
Amazon
Storivo 24 Pack Airtight Kitchen Food Containers
I bought this set when mouse-proofing my kitchen and it’s been perfect for years now – I love that you can change the labels.
Making use of wall space is essential in a small kitchen – these can be attached to a wall or the inside of a pantry.
Looking for a slightly jazzier pantry idea? The ‘bantry’ is perfect for those who love to host – combining a trendy bar aesthetic with the storage potential of a traditional pantry.
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