Designer's Touch: 10 Butler's Pantries That Bring It
Help your butler's pantry deliver in fine form with well-designed storage, lighting and wall treatments
Shane Inman
July 30, 2012
Houzz contributor and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. Under Shane's leadership, The Inman Company is committed to raising the standard of business to incorporate the highest-quality customer service with unwavering excellence in design.
Houzz contributor and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. Under... More
Whether you are using it to serve up a dinner party or show off your grandmother's china, a butler's pantry is a valuable asset in your home. Usually used to store serving items, it's an entertainment-loving host and hostess' best friend. But just because it's meant for storage doesn't mean you can't decorate it, too.
Implement these designer tips to emphasize and draw attention to the pantry you already have, or get inspired for your next home addition.
Implement these designer tips to emphasize and draw attention to the pantry you already have, or get inspired for your next home addition.
1. Small and shiny. If you have a smaller butler's pantry, elevate the look of your area with undercabinet lighting and a sheet of stainless steel for your backsplash to get a high-polish shine.
2. High end. Of course, ladders aren't just for libraries anymore. When you need storage and you can't add width, add height. Include a charming library ladder to grab those hard-to-reach items, like the cookie jar you stored up high.
3. Always open. Remove old-fashioned and out-of-date cabinet doors for this fresh look. Expose all your organized glassware and dishware with an open shelving concept to modernize the traditional butler's pantry.
4. Strong statement. Paint your butler's pantry walls and cabinetry a strong color to bring contrast and drama. A unique wall covering adds unexpected style to this pantry's ceiling.
See how to warm your space with a wallpapered ceiling
See how to warm your space with a wallpapered ceiling
5. Double duty. Create the perfect space saver when you combine your butler chamber with a washer and dryer unit. Place your washer and dryer behind doors, and your dinner guests will never know they're there.
See more ways to add a laundry to your kitchen
See more ways to add a laundry to your kitchen
6. Ceiling decor. Make the ceiling of your butler's pantry the focal point. Stencil on a bold pattern and finish the look with a gorgeous, intricate pendant.
7. Light show. Install lighting inside the upper cabinets of your butler's pantry to really let your crystal sparkle. This cabinet lighting can work as accent lighting too for when you need to set a dinnertime mood.
8. Butler's bar. Install a wine cooler and a coffee maker in your butler's pantry to have a bar area and a full-service center right at your or your guests' fingertips.
9. Door number one. Place your butler's pantry out of sight if you prefer behind an architectural door. Blend the door into your home's decor for camouflaged but necessary storage.
See more hidden doors
See more hidden doors
10. Dual passage. Get a two-for-one deal with this corridor that acts as an office and a butler's pantry. Write down recipes, read cookbooks or make grocery lists on one side while organization and storage live on the other.
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We recently turned a closet into a butler pantry and gave it a real penny backsplash. We love it! View all the photos on our blog: Abby & Elle Upstairs Fashion & Design
Very practical but charming at the same time. Great list of picks!