Pantries can do so much for us: store large quantities of bulk foods when we’re raising hungry teens, hide clutter so that our kitchens always look amazing, and give us the opportunity to be more organized so that we can spend more time cooking and entertaining and less time hunting for a particular spice.
One of our favorite kitchen remodeling projects involved transforming a kitchen into a pantry. That’s right: What was once the client’s kitchen became a glorious walk-in pantry.
While not every kitchen can be relocated to an addition so that the old kitchen can become a walk-in pantry, there are as many ways to build a pantry into a kitchen.
Closet Under the Stairs
In this project, we moved a wall one foot into the old dining room and moved the new refrigerator into the old pantry area and created a spectacular built-in millwork wall that flows into the new open tread staircase. The new pantry is now located under the stairs!
Kitchen Remodeling Trends
Pantries, like laundry rooms, are getting bigger and serving multiple functions. In fact, function is really the key to a great pantry. If it’s just a frustrating, dark closet with deep shelves that you have to unload to find anything, you probably don’t enjoy having a pantry.
But imagine a lighted space with shelves that pull out or are tiered so that you can see everything. Imagine a pantry where you can not only store extra food but also have counter space to prep food when you’re entertaining while still needing to contain the mess. There are a ton of inspiring ideas for creating a great pantry, and there is almost always space that can be carved out during a remodel to create the pantry of your dreams.
Planning Your Kitchen Remodel to Include a Pantry
No matter how big or small your pantry is, the most important part of the design is convenience. The purpose of a pantry is to make it easy for you to get to what you need, whether it’s spices or utensils or boxes of cereal.
When thinking about what will make requires thoughtful planning to ensure it’s functional, organized, and suits your needs. Here are some elements to consider when designing a pantry:
Size and Location
The size of your pantry will be based on your household’s needs and available space. Consider its location in relation to the kitchen for easy access while cooking.
Storage Needs
Shelving: Adjustable shelves allow flexibility for storing items of various sizes.
Drawers: Useful for storing small items or utensils.
Baskets or Bins: Great for organizing snacks, fruits, or vegetables.
Spice Racks: Keep spices organized and easily accessible.
Hooks: For hanging items like aprons, oven mitts, or reusable bags.
Lazy Susans or Turntables: Useful for accessing items stored at the back of shelves.
Lighting
Adequate lighting is essential to easily see and access items. Consider installing LED lights or under-shelf lighting for better visibility.
Ventilation
Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold and maintain freshness. Installing a small exhaust fan or vent if the pantry is enclosed can help.
Accessibility
Design the pantry with easy access to frequently used items. Consider pull-out shelves or drawers for easier reach.
Doors
Choose between swing doors, sliding doors, or no door (open shelving). Consider space-saving options like pocket doors or barn doors.
Other Considerations
Choose durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain. Consider finishes that match or complement your kitchen cabinets for a cohesive look. It can be handy to add electrical outlets inside the pantry for small appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, or charging stations.
No Room for a Pantry?
You can make your kitchen more functional with pull-out shelves and drawers, and appliance garages, like the ones in this Cottage Lake remodeled kitchen; they can add convenience even when there is no room for a pantry.
From smart cabinet spaces to full pantries, kitchen storage is crucial in any remodel. Don’t limit yourself to thinking that your storage solution has to be standard cabinets. Custom pantries and cabinets, or recessed wall storage, can all make a difference in keeping kitchen clutter to a minimum and letting you have the space you need.
No matter what you’re trying to accomplish with your home remodeling project, one of the factors you should consider in every room is storage. The more practical storage we can build into your project, the less cluttered your home will feel. Learn more about our process for helping you complete your project.
Get in touch! We’d love to help you with your kitchen remodel and pantry desires!
