My $3.55 Pantry Makeover

My pantry has long been overdue for a makeover...I mean 15 years overdue. Yes, I purged and cleaned it about once a year, but it was never painted (just drywall). So, The CSI Project's Pantry Challenge got me thinking. Redoing my pantry was going to be mostly cosmetic because actually, my system of organization pretty much worked for me; it just looked haphazard. This was a bit of a problem since the kids NEVER close the pantry doors. I challenged myself to use what I have and not spend any money. (I ended up spending $3.55 for the shoe molding that was never installed before.) So, here are my before shots:

Here are my after photos:

And, now I'm going to tell you what I did. 

First, I cleared the pantry.

Then, I painted it using a Sherwin Williams paint sample, Gray Cloud (I know you aren't supposed to use this on the walls because the paint samples aren't a good quality paint, but hey, it's the inside of a closet, okay?) No money there.

Then, I painted the trim -- we have loads of semi-gloss white paint. No money there.

Then, I scrubbed each wire shelf. Years of kitchen grease and grime. Pretty disgusting.
No money there.

Then, I needed to think about a pretty way to store random snacks, cleaning supplies, etc. We had these drawers left over from an old vanity. I was using them to store random things in my bathroom until I found a real use for them. Found it!! No money there.

One problem: they had these lovely brass knobs (which used to be cool). So, spray paint (I always have spray paint on hand) and ink to the rescue!

Aren't they adorable? I added a coat of varnish to them for protection. No money there.

Now, just a simple re-organization of what I have. 
No money there.

I added a few decor touches...various hooks I have in my gadget box. No money there. A small grid rack from my bedroom closet (holding stuff I needed to get rid of). No money there.

I kept my school supply drawers -- this has been working for our family for five years, so why fix what isn't broken? No money there.

And I'm done and so much happier when the kids leave that door open, which is ALWAYS. 

Linking to: Cottage and Vine