Designing the Perfect Pantry

If you leaf through interiors magazines and watch renovation shows you can't help but notice that pantries are more popular than ever! From storage, washing up, food preparation and cooking through to top of the range pantries that fit an eat-in option. There is a pantry to suit everyone.

To work out the size and layout of your pantry, ask yourself these questions: Will you use the pantry for storage, washing up or food preparation? How much storage do you need? Which appliances will you need for washing, cooking, refrigeration?

Planning

Planning a pantry is straightforward in a new build but if you’re renovating the kitchen and would like to add a pantry then existing constraints, such as availability of floorspace or building structure need to be considered. Can you jig the floor space to convert an attached area into a walk in pantry? Perhaps extend the side of the house to add a pantry and laundry? Or just enlarge the existing pantry to improve storage?

Image by CNC Home design

Layout

Pantries come in all sorts of configurations. From one sided galley to L and U-shaped pantries. Once the layout is set out, the key to an organised pantry is joinery. The better the joinery design the more storage and workspace available.

U-shaped pantry by One Kindesign

Storage

Jars, containers and baskets rule in a pantry. For that tidy, uncluttered Pinterest-worthy look, invest in clear glass storage containers to store your sugar, flour, rice and cereals.

Well designed joinery ensures ample storage. Pantry by Start At Home Decor

Aesthetics

As pantries are an extension of the kitchen, many carry through the same cabinetry and fittings. The style complements the kitchen and rest of the home.

However, pantries (similar to guest bathrooms) also provide the opportunity to inject some unexpected materials and features. Think contrasting materials in the joinery, brighter colours, wallpaper or a funky light fitting. It's the perfect chance to have some fun.

Pantry joinery matches the kitchen. Image by Carlisle Homes

Lighting

Windows, of course, are ideal in allowing natural light to flood in. However if your pantry doesn't have a window, then consider adding a skylight. Modern skylights have evolved from the tube set up with the frosted plastic cover to beautiful, large openings that allow a view of the sky. The amount of light that enters the space is a huge bonus and definitely worth the cost.

If a skylight is not an option, then strategically installing cost-effective LED lights ensures that your pantry is well lit. Adding strip lighting to the underside of shelves also adds an extra source of light.

Consider adding a beautiful pendant, if ceiling height permits.

Beautiful light pendant. Image by MyDomaine

Appliances

If space permits installing appliances that allow for refrigeration, food preparation and washing up can be a real game changer. To be able to prep food, cook and wash up away from the main kitchen allows for a tidy kitchen (especially when guests are coming to dinner!)

Microwave and drinks fridge tucked away in the pantry. image by Undercover Architect.

I hope these tips help when you're planning your pantry design.

Enjoy your day.

Grace

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