The Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Planning Checklist : The Kitchen & Pantry
KITCHEN + PANTRY — FULL SHOPPING LIST
Purpose: Nourishment, ease, gathering, low-stress daily function
Vibe: Warm, functional, calm, quietly joyful
1. CORE KITCHEN FURNITURE & FIXTURES
Fixed Elements
Cabinets with doors (soft-close)
Drawers with soft-close slides
Countertops (sealed, easy-clean)
Backsplash (wipeable, low texture)
Sink (single or double)
Faucet (pull-down, quiet operation)
Seating (If Applicable)
Bar stools or counter stools (comfortable, wipeable)
Seat cushions (washable)
2. SURFACES & DAILY USE ZONES
Main prep counter
Secondary prep zone
Landing zone near sink
Appliance landing areas
Catch-all tray (keys/phone if kitchen is central)
Small rug or anti-fatigue mat at sink
3. PANTRY (CONNECTED TO KITCHEN)
Pantry Furniture & Structure
Pantry shelving (adjustable)
Closed cabinets where possible
Pull-out pantry drawers (if available)
Step stool (stable, quiet)
Pantry Organization
Airtight food containers (uniform set)
Clear stackable bins
Bulk food bins
Shelf risers
Lazy Susans
Basket bins (produce/snacks)
Label maker + labels
Date stickers
Inventory clipboard or notebook
Pantry Joy Layer
Fairy lights or pebble lights (warm, timer-based)
Small rug or runner
Decorative jars or baskets
Pleasant scent sachet (non-food area)
4. APPLIANCES (CORE + QUALITY OF LIFE)
Refrigerator
Freezer (if separate)
Stove / cooktop
Oven
Microwave (drawer or counter)
Dishwasher
Small appliances as needed:
Coffee maker
Kettle
Blender
Toaster
5. DRAWER & CABINET ORGANIZATION (OFTEN FORGOTTEN)
Drawer dividers (multiple sizes)
Utensil trays
Knife organizer (drawer or block)
Spice jars + labels
Spice drawer insert or rack
Pot lid organizers
Pan organizers
Under-sink organizer
Cleaning supply caddy
6. LIGHTING — FUNCTIONAL + COZY
Overhead
Dimmable ceiling lighting
Task Lighting
Under-cabinet LED lighting
Sink-focused task light
Ambient Lighting
Small lamp (if space allows)
Fairy lights or pebble lights:
Above cabinets
Inside glass jars
Along pantry shelving
Controls
Smart switches or dimmers
Timer for fairy lights
Warm bulbs only (2700–3000K)
Spare bulbs
7. SOUND, SENSORY & COMFORT
Rugs or runners (washable)
Rug pads
Curtains or soft window treatments
Felt pads on stools
Soft-close cabinet dampers
Quiet-close trash can
8. JOY & PERSONALIZATION
Plants or herbs (real or faux)
Decorative bowls (fruit/snacks)
Ceramic canisters
Framed art or quotes
Seasonal textiles (towels, runners)
One playful or sentimental object
9. CLEANUP, MAINTENANCE & SAFETY
Trash can (lidded, foot pedal)
Recycling bin
Compost bin (if applicable)
Fire extinguisher (kitchen-rated)
First aid kit
Paper towel holder
Dish towels (multiple)
Cleaning sprays
Trash bags stored nearby
10. POWER & FINISHING
Surge protector (appliance-rated)
Cord management clips
Light plate covers
Plug-in plate covers
Outlet safety covers
Wall anchors
Touch-up paint
FINAL CHECK — KITCHEN + PANTRY ARE DONE WHEN:
✔ Food is easy to see and access
✔ Nothing falls out when you open cabinets
✔ Lighting feels warm at night
✔ Pantry feels calm, not chaotic
✔ Fairy or pebble lights are glowing
✔ Cleanup is simple
✔ The room feels nourishing, not demanding
What Comes Next
If you’re at the point where you no longer want to think about your home — and you’re ready for it to quietly support your life instead — you can learn more about working together here:
