Martha Stewart keeps her 'favorite room' organized with this 'old-fashioned' storage method – it's timeless and reliable (even after 25 years)
'A room like this can be so orderly and so old-fashioned at the same time': The expert's foolproof technique still resonates after a quarter of a century


Few things remain as perfect after 25 years, but in the case of Martha Stewart's pantry storage method, timelessness rings true. Stewart first offered a tour of her set's pantry back in 1998 – but her tips translate to the most contemporary of spaces. Her most translatable lesson? Glass storage jars and boxes will always have a place on every pantry (or kitchen shelf).
'This is perhaps my favorite room in my new set – this is the pantry. Every home, if you can have it, should have a pantry,' Stewart begins.
'A room like this can be so orderly and so old-fashioned at the same time. Many of my older friends have pantries in their basements or in closets, but to have a whole room devoted to the storage of all this delicious excess is really handy. This is also an excellent place to keep dog food, cat food, scales, twine, and my collection of old French bread boards on the wall,' Stewart begins.
She then demonstrates how to use glass refrigerator jars (much like these from Amazon) to organize a pantry – and ensure it stays tidy. 'These are old-fashioned refrigerator jars, and sugar is layered with vanilla beans. On the top shelf, [I keep] things that I need but I don’t use very often. It’s really great to have a pantry.'
A post shared by Martha Moments (@martha_moments)
A photo posted by on
Shop the essentials
Much like the glass containers seen in Stewart's pantry, these storage solutions combine an old-fashioned aesthetic with modern practicality built in. They're designed with removable silicone seals and 4-hinge snap locks to ensure zero leaking or spilling, which also keeps food fresh.
For a vintage-inspired look like Stewart's, we love this glass jar set – perfect for storing dry goods in excess. They have oversized knobs for easy gripping and substantial weight to stay sturdy on any counter or pantry shelf.
As Stewart shares below, she loves old-fashioned Canning Jars, and nothing beats the original. The authentic Kilner® Jar, invented by John Kilner and Co. in England is as much loved and successful now as it was over 180 years ago.
Stewart's old-fashioned refrigerator jars are not the only glass storage solutions on her shelves. She goes on to show off her giant jars (with painted green lids that complement the gray-green hues of her pantry cabinets.
'What a great way to utilize great big oversized jars that you find at antique shows and tag sales. We painted the cap of these big jars to look good in the pantry; this is great for dog food, cat food, and whatever. Grains [should also be kept] in tightly covered jars,' she says.
'Spices [should be] tightly covered, teas tightly covered, jams and jellies[should not be kept] in bright sunlight. Homemade jams will last a lot longer if they’re kept in a cool, rather dark place. It’s also very important to use containers to [your] best advantage. These old refrigerated jars look great in a pantry. Also, if you’re going to buy six or ten boxes of brown sugar, always use the box in front first and keep the newly bought product in the back of the line.'
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Plus, in true Stewart style, she brings a unique flare to her pantry. 'Let me point out that I collect old-fashioned canning jars that have good, tight caps. It’s also very important in a pantry to know what things have to be kept out,' she says. We can't all have an antique canning jar collection as expansive as hers – but they do serve as a reminder that pantry storage can be personal, sentimental, and good-looking.
The new year is the perfect opportunity to rethink pantry and kitchen storage – and if there's any method that will prolong in 2025, it's this. After working for over 25 years, we really can't go wrong.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
-
Amber Lewis just launched her new collection with Loloi rugs – and each design 'blurs the line between vintage and new'
The Molly Collection is made up of 9 vintage-inspired rugs that Amber has designed in collaboration with renowned brand Loloi
By Eleanor Richardson Published
-
Have you refreshed your mantel for spring yet? These 9 spring garlands are sure to add some new season joy to your home
Swap out winter decor for a fresh, floral touch with these spring garlands for your mantel
By Charlotte Olby Published
-
Martha Stewart's festive St. Patrick's Day table setting incorporates elevated dishware and stunning greenery – recreate her look starting at $15
The green tablescape in the home expert's kitchen celebrates St. Patrick's day with an elegant, natural theme – shop the affordable look here
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Martha Stewart's simple outdoor rugs are the ultimate summer patio essential – they are guaranteed to brighten and elevate your outdoor space starting at $43
The home expert's collection of outdoor rugs for QVC are stylish and versatile, coming in a range of colors and sizes for every backyard
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Martha Stewart's basement is a masterclass in organization – recreate her clutter-free oasis with these 3 stylish and affordable accessories
The guru's Bedford, New York basement features bins, racks, and cabinets to keep all her belongings organized and looking visually appealing
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Martha Stewart's stylish day bed is on sale for under $500 – and experts say they are a space-saving hack to shop now, while supplies last
The home maven's daybed is dual purpose, functioning as a sofa by day and a comfortable bed by night, making it a guest room essential
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Martha Stewart's vertical kitchen storage changed everything I knew about open shelving – it's one of the cleverest uses of spaces I've seen
Martha's Bedford home has long served as a source of design inspiration – but nothing has stopped me in my tracks quite like her ingenious kitchen storage
By Megan Slack Published
-
Martha Stewart designed a neutral chair with a sophisticated presence that's strong enough to set the tone in your living room – and it's hiding on Wayfair
Martha's ultimate accent chair embodies country farmhouse living – designers say you can use such a piece to elevate a space completely
By Megan Slack Published
-
Martha Stewart's 'homekeeping room' is a sophisticated twist on a classic garage – it's changed how I think about essential storage solutions
Martha transforms a room in her home into a storage space that is both highly functional and elevated thanks to its layout and accessories
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Martha Stewart painted her entryway in the style of a muralist known as the 'Yankee Da Vinci' in the '70s – her look remains a staple of New England design
Inspired by the artist Rufus Porter, Martha painted her foyer to encompass the beauty of the North Eastern outdoors – 55 years later, it's just as stylish
By Sophie Edwards Published