I'll bet it’s not butter. If I peered into your modern day “buttery,” I would most likely find boxes of food, canned goods, paper towels, and small appliances…maybe even a broom or mop. In early America, the buttery, predecessor to our modern day pantry and named for the butts of barrels stored there, was a small, unheated room, usually located on the north corner of a home. It was used to store barrels of flour, sugar and other staples needed to feed the large families who lived there.
The buttery, usually a multi-purpose room with unpainted shelves, would have seen its share of butter churning and cheese making…even bread baking. You know, when you think about it, the buttery of yester-year really isn’t that different from our current day pantries. We still store food staples like flour and sugar, only now they’re usually in 5 lb bags as opposed to large barrels.
Did you know the pantry is one of the most oft requested rooms in homes being built today? I’ve decided…the next time I move, I’d like to buy a nice screened-in porch and a big butler’s pantry…that just happens to have a house attached. :)
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating/adding a pantry, here are some fabulous butt’ry features you just might want to include...
The buttery, usually a multi-purpose room with unpainted shelves, would have seen its share of butter churning and cheese making…even bread baking. You know, when you think about it, the buttery of yester-year really isn’t that different from our current day pantries. We still store food staples like flour and sugar, only now they’re usually in 5 lb bags as opposed to large barrels.
Did you know the pantry is one of the most oft requested rooms in homes being built today? I’ve decided…the next time I move, I’d like to buy a nice screened-in porch and a big butler’s pantry…that just happens to have a house attached. :)
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating/adding a pantry, here are some fabulous butt’ry features you just might want to include...
by Gast Architects
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When designing a great pantry, think about incorporating both open and closed areas of storage. The open shelving will work well for storing appliances or even for showcasing a beautiful dishware collection.
Pull-out wire or metal bins are great features to include in a pantry. You'll easily be able to see what's stored inside.
This pantry actually has two different styles of pull-out drawers/bins. Note the verticle storage area for cutting boards and tall trays...great idea!
Again, we see a well thought out pantry that includes verticle space for cutting boards and pull out drawers and bins. This pantry even boasts a sunny window...a feature that comes in handy during daylight hours, as well as providing ventilation when needed.
Do you store a lot of your food or baking supplies in jars or cannisters? If so, consider adding some shallow shelving to one wall of your pantry. Not only is it functional, it looks great, too!
So, how do you reach those up-high, out-of-reach shelves? If you have the room, tuck a small stepladder up under one of the shelves.
If a step ladder just won't get the job done, go for a rolling "library" ladder. Only, in this case, we'll call it a rolling butt'ry ladder. :)
Even in today's modern interiors, the pantry looks and functions great with both open and closed storage. Wide, shallow drawers work well to store freshly laundered table linens.
Some pantries go a step beyond just providing storage. Since many of the staples needed for baking are stored in the pantry, a baking center makes a nice addition to the modern pantry.
If you have room and access to plumbing, it never hurts to include a nice deep sink for washing extra large pots.
It may just be the pantry, but make it feel special with some pretty lighting. Love the leaded glass feature above the doorway.
Ahhh, the spare refrigerator...we all love and want one, but who wants to hike down to the basement or out to the garage when you need more ice or cold drinks for the party? The pantry makes a fab spot to tuck away an overflow frig. A little stool will give you a cozy place to sit as you plot the week's menu or grocery list.
by David Favero
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This may be my most fav feature of all...just because its so unexpected and plain cool. Do you see it...the little doorway in the backsplash area? If the layout allows, how about a pass-through opening from the dining room into the butler's pantry. In this layout, the kitchen is located on the other side...just through the doorway. I love this idea! It sure would save a lot of walking, especially with a dishwasher built into this space.
So, tell me...what's in your buttery...besides food and stuff? :) Any neat little features that are must haves for the well-stocked pantry?
So, tell me...what's in your buttery...besides food and stuff? :) Any neat little features that are must haves for the well-stocked pantry?
I once had an old house with a separate tiny room for every conceivable function - scullery, laundry, boiler room, pantry, linens store - and it was difficult sometimes. I have just about recovered to the point that I would like a pantry, with marble counter, tiny window, high ceiling and north exposure....sounds a bit like a buttery!
Tricia...sounds like some amazing storage in your old house! What was the difficult part? Was it the cleaning? I love the older homes.
Cherry Kay...thanks for stopping by! :)
Another great collection, Susan --thanks.
Judedolcecapecod dot blogspot.com
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Ahrisha, if you ever find that center-of-the-kitchen pantry blog again, I'd LOVE to see that pantry. My mind is already creating it!
Here's the link to Aunt Ruthie's blog....
www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/blog on the right hand side you can click on Fresh Start and she tells about the pantry and organizing it.....get your kleenex handy cuz you'll be wiping the drool ;)
Wholeheart...you are too funny! LOL Great pantries make me salivate, too! Love 'em!
Csutak...our pantries in GA have to be airconditioned, too...too hot and humid to not be.
PS. Thanks for the "education" on the buttery. I'm helping my brother redo a house and I'm soaking up all the info I can!
Gray, what a simple solution you found...thanks for sharing that. Sounds lovely!
I am glad you called it out. It deserves it.