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Looking to add closed storage to a small space like a pantry or laundry room? I’m Lena Taylor from Flipping Gorgeous, and today I’m sharing how we built a walk-in pantry using affordable, unfinished upper cabinets — and made them look totally custom. This project is budget-friendly, highly functional, and perfect for those tight or awkward spaces.
Step 1: Rethinking the Dining Nook
Our kitchen lacked a pantry — just one cabinet for a family of five! We repurposed our dining nook into a walk-in pantry, working around an existing window to keep the light. Instead of traditional base cabinets, I used wall cabinets for their narrower profile.
🛒 Hampton Bay Shaker Wall Cabinets (Unfinished Beech):
• https://rstyle.me/+oQl2U7L1wsdfcAON8G…
• https://rstyle.me/+tQs-MWXqyCtLV8RaDP…
• https://rstyle.me/+m7_pUcgNLLHQxdF3GZ…
Step 2: Building the Toe Kick Base
I used 2x4s to create a simple rectangular base that acts as a toe kick. It elevated the cabinets just enough for comfort and function and provided a secure foundation. Everything was screwed into the studs and leveled using clamps.
Step 3: Adding Custom Panels
To upgrade the stock cabinet doors, I glued and nailed raised PVC panels to the fronts using wood glue and a brad nailer. Pro tip: make sure you’re using the correct nail size for your nailer!
🛒 Raised Panels:
• https://rstyle.me/+6YDwsk3GPYF0LU-zba…
• https://rstyle.me/+KB_pWtqZvU0BmyMuNP…
🛠️ RYOBI AirStrike Cordless Brad Nailer: https://rstyle.me/+U8zvnB5iH-aHrCd5zn…
🛒 Elmer’s Wood Glue: https://rstyle.me/+lLdI3lX0g_1RABuEqF…
Step 4: Fill, Prime & Paint
I sealed seams and nail holes with Bondo for a flawless finish, then primed everything with Zinsser 1-2-3 Primer. Finally, I painted with Benjamin Moore Advance in Revere Pewter to match our kitchen.
🛒 Bondo All-Purpose Putty: https://amzn.to/3JwpzEj
🛒 Zinsser Primer: https://amzn.to/3OTwtVj
🛒 Varathane Satin Polyurethane: https://amzn.to/3SuCFWS
🖌️ Paint Brush Set: https://rstyle.me/+39ZxLyCGM7xIPrSazQ…
Step 5: The Final Touches & Reveal
The result is a charming, functional walk-in pantry that feels like an extension of the kitchen. I even added a small backsplash and stone countertop remnant (pro tip: ask your local stone yard for leftovers!). It’s now one of my favorite spots in the house to start my day.
🛒 Shop All My Amazon Must-Haves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/flippingg…
Let’s Chat!
What do you think of this project? Have you used wall cabinets as base cabinets before? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more DIY magic. And as always — you are flipping gorgeous, my friend! 💖
