Case Study · Pantry Remodel + Kitchen Refresh
From Dark Paneling to a Pantry You'll Wantto Sit In
Serious work. Local accountability.
Lexington, KY · Residential renovation
Custom shelving built to fit the existing framing. Outdated paneling removed. Kitchen backsplash refreshed. One contractor, start to finish.
The Project
A pantry stuck in the past — dark wood paneling from the 60s made the space feel smaller and harder to use.
The goal was simple: make the pantry bigger, brighter, and organized so everything is easy to see and access. We removed the old paneling, worked with the existing studs, and built sturdy custom shelves to maximize storage and create a layout that fits how the homeowner actually uses the space.
The result is a pantry that's clean, open, and so functional the homeowner joked she wants to put a reclining chair in there. To tie everything together, we also updated the kitchen with a new backsplash and helped refresh key details that hadn't been updated in decades.
What We Did
Custom work, built for the actual space.
- Removed outdated wood paneling from the 60s and 70s
- Expanded usable pantry space with better access to every shelf
- Built custom shelving for easy visibility and organization
- Kitchen backsplash update for a fresh, modern finish
- Owner follow-ups during the project to ensure everything matched the customer's vision
How We Did It
Step by step, from paneling to finished shelves.
Remove the old paneling and assess the framing
We pulled out the dark wood paneling from the 60s and 70s, worked with the existing stud layout, and confirmed the framing lines that would drive the shelving dimensions.
Build custom shelves to fit the space
Shelving was designed around the actual stud spacing and ceiling height — not a stock unit dropped into a corner. The goal was maximum storage visibility and easy daily access.
Refresh the kitchen with a new backsplash
To tie the refresh together, we updated the kitchen backsplash. New tile changed the feel of the whole cooking area without requiring a full cabinet or countertop replacement.
Owner follow-ups through the project
Manny checked in during the project to make sure work was tracking to the homeowner's vision — not just the original scope sheet.
In the homeowner's words
Three things the homeowner said after the project.
“I want to put my reclining chair in my pantry, because I love my pantry now.”
“He follows up and makes sure everything's still working.”
“Cannot go wrong with Manny's.”
See it for yourself
Watch the pantry transformation.
A short walk-through of the finished pantry — custom shelves, open layout, and the backsplash refresh in the kitchen.
Your project
Want a pantry that actually works for your home — and looks great doing it?
Handy Manny's LLC handles custom shelving, kitchen refreshes, and full residential remodels across Lexington and Central Kentucky. Reach out and we'll help you plan the right scope for your space.