With the continuing trend for open plan kitchens, our clients often ask us to design schemes that are functional but also easy to keep tidy.
There are various ways to achieve this with closed storage units and pocket doors to hide appliances and small work areas for example, but where space allows a separate pantry is an excellent and increasingly popular solution.
The term ‘pantry’ originates from the Latin ‘panis’ (bread).
In the Middle Ages, pantries were stores for bread and dried goods, later evolving to include cool stone shelves for perishables like butter and cheese before refrigerators arrived. In grander homes, the butler’s pantry developed as a space for tableware, wine, and food service between kitchen and dining room.
Today pantries can perform all these functions and more depending on their size, location and needs of the individual household.
Our design director Mike Fetherstone shares some expert insight on how to design the perfect ‘modern day’ walk-in pantry for your space:
- The space doesn’t have to be as large as often thought. With clever planning, even a small alcove (if not a separate room) can become a useful backup space to the main kitchen.
- Ideally, a pantry should be in a cool, dry part of the house, preferably north-facing, without windows or central heating—to help keep food fresh at a steady temperature. Adding a simple vent or extractor fan will also ensure good air circulation.
- Think carefully about the layout to maximise use of the space—U-shape, L-shape or linear. There should be enough clearance between surfaces to access everything comfortably.
- Open storage with adjustable shelves is the simplest and most practical option. These can be graduated in depth—shallower ones for spice jars, deeper ones for larger items including small appliances.
- Deep drawers are perfect for tall bottles, jars, and root vegetables, offering easier access than reaching into the back of shelves. Baskets are also great both practically and aesthetically, and can be carried into the kitchen during prep.
- A natural stone, quartzite, or ceramic worktop is a good choice to help keep things cool and to provide a practical surface for light prep work or for small appliances.
- A sliding door or bifold doors work well to enter the pantry—especially in tighter spaces—maximising access.
- If space allows, consider adding a secondary prep sink, dishwasher, or back-up fridge. These are very useful when entertaining or during holidays when the kitchen is extra busy. Add plenty of electrical sockets above work surfaces too.
- Good lighting is essential. Combine ceiling downlights or pendants with LED strips inside shelving. This not only supports task lighting but also enhances finishes and features.
- Finishes and colours should extend your kitchen’s style, but a pantry is also a great place to be playful—consider bolder shades, interesting textures, or distinctive lighting that might not work in the main space.
Bonus Tip:
A classic pantry cabinet remains a versatile option in smaller kitchens, offering flexible storage for dry foods, bottles, jars, and root vegetables. We love designing these to suit each client’s space and needs in both traditional and contemporary styles. Stay tuned for Mike’s expert insight on designing a pantry cabinet, if that suits your space better.