Your Grandma’s Favorite Kitchen Storage Method Is the Secret to a Clutter-Free Space

It’s no secret that interior designers and professional organizers appreciate larders, or sizable cupboards with an array of shelving for dry goods, for a wide range of reasons. “A larder brings beauty and function together—open shelving, curated storage, and a touch of old-world charm,” says Ashley Macuga, founder of Collected Interiors. And for many designers, it’s a non-negotiable.

“It’s one of the first things we prioritize in our kitchen layouts, because it creates a designated, centralized space for all dry goods, backstock, and overflow,” says Cathleen Gruver, the lead interior designer at Gruver Cooley. “Visually, it keeps the rest of the kitchen clutter-free, and functionally, it streamlines grocery shopping and meal prep by letting you see everything at a glance.”

Need more convincing? Here, designers and organizers share what all the perks of a larder are and why you should consider one for your kitchen.

They Keep Everything Within Reach

Designer Grey Joyner appreciates larders for both their timelessness and accessibility. “As ceiling heights have gotten higher over the years, we’ve seen upper cabinets rise right along with them,” she says, adding that many people therefore need to utilize step stools to access higher-up items.

“Larders bring everything back within reach,” Joyner adds. “You can open up a set of doors and see all your dry goods, spices, snacks—whatever you need—in one organized spot.” Not needing to grab a stool to access—and put away—your favorite ingredients makes whipping up meals (and cleaning up!) a much simpler process.

Jennifer Du Bois, professional organizer and founder of Home with Jen D, feels similarly. “You open it up and everything you need to plan and prep is right there, with no hunting across multiple cabinets,” she says. “They usually have shelves, drawers, behind-the-door racks, and cubbies that are great for creating micro zones.”

They’re Great for Families Who Buy in Bulk

In today’s world, many people like to shop at stores selling food and household items in bulk as a money-saving method. That said, it’s important to carve out sufficient space for your bulk buys without making your home look like a warehouse—and that’s where a larder comes into play. “A well-designed larder keeps dry goods, cooking staples, and countertop tools organized, accessible, and out of your kitchen’s daily path,” says Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios. “It clears the clutter without killing the rhythm.”

You Can Incorporate More Than One

If you’re looking to really maximize your kitchen storage, there’s no need to stop at just a singular larder; it isn’t considered strange to have a couple within your space. Theresa Ory, the founder of Theresa Ory Interiors, shares that she chose to install two larders in her own home, placing one on each side of her fridge. “They’re practical, serviceable, and functional, with fewer steps to navigate between prep space and a pantry,” she says.

You Can Customize Them

Larders may be freestanding or built-in, and if you’re opting for a freestanding one after living in your space for some time, you can really shape it to your needs. “What I love most about a larder is that it invites you to think beyond the confines of your kitchen,” Du Bois says. “So many people try to work within a layout that does not actually support them, and they end up frustrated by the limitations. A larder gives you permission to customize a system that fits you—not just the space.”

You can also make your larder as open or closed off as you wish when selecting its doors. “If your heart beats faster at the sight of matching jars and perfectly labeled containers, consider giving your larder the attention it deserves with a beautiful transparent door and statement lighting,” says Amanda Sinistaj, founder of Ellwood Interiors. “Prefer to keep the chaos behind closed doors? A retractable or hidden cabinet door lets you preserve the functionality without sacrificing the finesse.”

Larders Can Be Used for a Range of Purposes

In addition to being customizable in terms of layout, larders don’t have to be used for just basic pantry staples—why not designate yours for a specific ritual? “Larders can be used as a coffee area, snack station or breakfast station,” says Michelle Vassallo, the founder of MV Architects. “These areas that might get high traffic from the coffee drinkers or snack hoarders keep those pesky feet out of the chef’s domain in the working kitchen.” It’s truly a win-win.