Designs for Living: The Perfect Pantry
With so many guests coming and going during the holidays, a fully-stocked pantry can be a lifesaver. Filled with entertaining essentials like large serving pieces, ingredients for whipping up an impromptu meal, and a few extra bottles of wine, it's got all the extras you need when the house is full.
And who says you need a large home for a useful larder? Here, my picks for perfect pantries of all sizes.
And who says you need a large home for a useful larder? Here, my picks for perfect pantries of all sizes.
Simple and effective, this butler's pantry provides storage for wine, a little extra fridge space, and patterned glass doors to keep not-so-pretty packaging obscured. And what's that I see? Looks like another penny tile floor!
A little pantry area is hidden behind sleek white doors in this modern kitchen. The bright red interior adds a playful contrast when you open the doors.
by Gast Architects
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A closet off of the kitchen only requires some shelves, cabinets, and a little spare counter space to become an exceedingly useful pantry.
Same thing holds true even if your closet's not a walk-in. This little larder barely takes up any room, but is helpful for storing all manner of serving ware.
Glass double doors keep most items within eyesight, and built-in shelving on the exterior walls offer a place for all your cookbooks.
by Gast Architects
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If you have the space, a spot to sit and plan a menu is most helpful. This one is near ingredients and a few shelves of cookbooks (cleverly arranged by color, I might add) to provide inspiration for your meal.
by Faiella Design
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I saw this butler's pantry at a showcase home in San Francisco a few years back. It was on an upstairs level, so hungry folks could grab a quick snack without having to go downstairs to the kitchen — ingenious for those who frequently get the late night munchies.
This giant wine fridge might overpower a kitchen, but in the pantry it's a fully-functioning showstopper, no cellar required.
On a smaller scale, this little pantry space works as a handy wet bar, thanks to a tiny sink and plenty of storage for wine bottles and drinking accoutrements.
The sawtooth sides in this cabinet let you easily adjust shelves to accommodate serving pieces of all sizes.
While most pantries are windowless, this one employs open shelving and lots of natural light to ensure each piece of porcelain is easily visible.
This pantry mixes rustic elements like wood shelves and a farmhouse sink with modern amenities—namely that big glass-front fridge.
Most pantries stick to a utilitarian aesthetic, but why not have some fun? A pretty blue color and thin mosaic tiles turn this one into a little jewel box, and makes cooking more enjoyable.
Comments
emily05mle when you live in a space with a tiny kitchen and almost zero counter space - this is my idea of luxury. Lots of beautiful spaces.
3 years ago · Like
Lily Gahagan Agreed, emily05mle! But it's fun to dream. :)
3 years ago · Like
Susan I have something similar to the closet off of the kitchen; not as large, but very functional. It's a great addition to a house if you can find the space. Thanks for all of the great ideas!
3 years ago · Like
Shareen Webb My parents took the front entry closet, since the entry was into the great room and the kitchen just three feet away from the closet, and turned it into a pantry closet with 4 sections of adjustable shelves. It has french-double opening doors for easy access. It is AMAZING how much food, dishes, and other items they have stored in there. (They use the small closet in the guest room to hold coats when they have friends over.)
3 years ago · Like
Shareen Webb I adore the second photo with the hidden pantry that is such a surprise both in color and what is hidden behind the "cupboard".
3 years ago · Like
Lily Gahagan Sounds like your parents really made their space work for their needs, shareen72. Good for them!
3 years ago · Like
Shannon Sadler I just love pantries!! Thanks for sharing these great pantries. I can definitely use some ideas for mine.
3 years ago · Like
Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab This is a fabulous ideabook! Thanks so much for putting all these in one place!
3 years ago · Like
efpearsall I love the lighting fixture in photo 7, does anyone know who makes it?
2 years ago · Like
Lily Gahagan @efpearsall: The designer made it out of a vintage basket, actually.
2 years ago · Like
missy123456 I had a 10 X 10 small bedroom behind the kitchen, moved the door and closet and now it is my pantry just off the kitchen. We keep a freezer in there, a table, microwave and wire shelving on 1 wall. Stores all my food and kitchen appliances. Want to make wodden shelving for storage. Nice photo ideals.
4 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Dec. 7, 2010.
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