Hello, friends! It’s Anna here, and I have one of my latest organization projects to share with you today, open pantry organization. Don’t you love it when a plan comes together? This pantry project highlights the magic that can happen when form and function not only meet, but become besties.This pantry lives in a home with a very busy kitchen. Space is an issue, and easy access to items is a must. Before I designed this open pantry system, a bulky free-standing cabinet sat in its place. Not only was this previous pantry unattractive and cumbersome, it is what I like to call a ‘one trick pony’. This type of pantry that only allows for the storage of items that can be stacked on shelves.We all know what happens when we start stacking things on shelves behind closed doors, don’t we? We forget what we have, and the clutter piles up. Whenever possible, I begin ‘upward thinking’ for projects. Start at the floor and utilize as much space as possible. The pegboard system I created in this project works like a charm for this method.
Here are the tools I used…
METAL TINS
In order to work withe the retro decor in the kitchen, I thought it would be fun to collect some vintage canisters to be used for sorting dry goods. The coffee and oatmeal canister were found at a thrift store for under $2 and work well to store the overstock of these items. When using vintage tins, give them a good cleaning and line with plastic if needed.
Clear mason jars of various sizes work well to store dried goods such as pasta, beans, and rice. If you plan to incorporate the use of glass canisters and jars for storage, start evaluating some of the glass jars you already have on hand. Don’t toss that salsa jar! It can easily be repurposed for storage. If there is a graphic on the lid, simply paint over it using chalk board paint. Built-in label, presto.
LABELS
Of course, if you read my previous post about labels, you know what I am about to say next…label away! The choices are endless. I decided on a country farmhouse look for labeling on this project, so I used a combination of chalkboard and parcel paper labels.
PEG BOARD
Pegboards are another item that can be added to my “favorites” list. Why? Versatility! There are brackets and baskets and hooks, oh my! Not to mention the fact that the arrangement can easily be changed up based upon needs and seasons. 
Anna’s Tips for Installing a Peg Board
1. Do not use primer + paint combinations.
Instead, invest in a good primer give it a couple coats, then you can scrimp a bit on the paint. Otherwise you will have to add 6 coats of paint to an untreated, fibrous board. (I learned this the hard way!)
2. Choose the finish of the peg board based on your desired style.
There are several kinds of pegboard that can be used for a projects like this. I chose to get one with a fibrous finish because it lends itself to a more country-chic feel. A glossy, treated board would work better for a modern space or perhaps a kids’ room with lots of bright colors. (Also, the glossy board will be more stain and crayon resistant!)
3. Carefully consider the spacers.
Spacers hold the pegboard away from wall allowing clearance for hooks and brackets you use to hang items. When mounting a pegboard for this or any other project, do not forget to think about the spacer sizes you need. I only incorporated standard peg board hooks for small to mid size items, therefore ¼” spacers were sufficient. The spacer size will determine how much wiggle room between the board and wall you will have to work with when mounting your hooks or brackets. Larger hooks and brackets call for larger spacers. 
This pantry has been such a fun project. Friends, spring is the perfect time to reimagine organized spaces in your home. Head to favorite store, grab some bins, baskets, and a label maker. Your inner Martha will thank you!!
-Anna
Q: How would you use a peg board for items in your home?
