Do you just dump out the onion skins from time to time? My problem is that I occasionally get a moist rotting veggie. So I am wondering how I would clean a wicker basket?

If you're talking about storing an entire bag of onions or potatoes, I would do something breathable, but more washable. What about baskets made of repurposed plastic of some sort? Check "green" websites.

If not, look at objects not necessarily used for pantry storage. You can repurpose things.

I guess I would call my kitchen traditional/transitional and not modern. I tend to buy potatoes in sacks. And I wouldn't be so good at regular vacuuming under the baskets.

The bamboo steamer idea is intriguing because I was thinking I would like to get another set or 2 for Asian cooking. I like the dual purpose idea.

Kitchen progress is slow lately. I am still impatiently waiting for my leathered Antique Brown Granite for the center island. I'm trying to make sure I have this pantry organization well planned out this weekend because my GC will be wanting to put it together this coming week. And then he'll be looking at me for specifics, which I don't have yet!

We are about done with our vaulted ceiling eating area, except for trim/paint. Here's the link to our "progress":

I LOVE those canisters! So cute. How are they working out for you? How full can you/do you fill them?

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=16552976

I love your organized pantry! It looks like your potato holder has aeration holes in it? What brand is it?

The basket does have lots of holes all around. I'm sorry to say that I can't find a brand on them. They come in small, medium, and large...the potatoes are in the medium, which has absolutely nothing imprinted on it. The large one I have says, under the recycle number, PP, then PI-3025, and Made in Japan. The small ones say that same thing, plus having a square that is full of Japanese characters. But I can tell you that I found them at Storables, so I've linked the page for the medium one below.

http://www.chefscatalog.com/product/24267-garlic-onion-potato-canister s.aspx

Doonie as far as keeping the wicker basket clean . . . I inherited a Longaberger Basket that I keep our potatoes in at the moment. I just put a paper shopping bag on the bottom of the basket and that keeps the basket from getting yuky. Some basket also come with liners.

Several good storage ideas so far. Good luck with the rest of your project.

The canisters are a little rustic looking (can't see that by the picture) with some of the paint along the rim edge. It's very tastefully done. They're a great addition to my counter. They also extend the veggies shelf life longer.

Thanks for the info! They look really great and it's good to know they sound completely functional.

Good luck with the last little bits of your project, it has come together so well. Congratulations! Rachel

I originally wanted the other canisters that are the white metal that Aleighjc linked, but they only carry the garlic one now. Boo. Regardless, the ones I have are quite adorable and functional.

My walk-in pantry is still being constructed. Right now I'm keeping potatoes and onions in decorative banana leaf baskets. I lined each with black posterboard to block the light, and then a recycled brown paper shopping bag cut to size to make a liner. The woven top provides ventilation.

Keep posting so I can get the perfect long-term idea...!

Baskets, whether wire or wicker are the time-tested method, as long as the pantry is dark.

I also brought home for evaluation a black bin with sides made of plastic circles (air spaces between them) which was even cheaper at $2.50. Also comes in white. This would serve the purpose well--it's taller than the other style but has same footprint.

But until my pantry is done, my spuds are in a long, thin handleless garage sale willow basket that disappears when set on my new mottled countertop. I rather like it and it's very convenient.