Why everyone wants a pantry
20th November 2024
A pantry is the quintessential element of a classic English kitchen. Whether it’s a room, part of a run of fitted furniture or a standalone piece, it is something we would always recommend including in your kitchen design if you can. Luckily, everyone seems to agree and most of us are lusting after the perfect pantry. So I thought I’d chat with our Creative Director, Helen, about this kitchen favourite…
Why are walk-in pantries back at the top of everyone’s wish list?
“A walk-in pantry used to be a given in pretty much all houses, even small houses, there is a reason for this! It is cooler than the main kitchen, it is fitted floor to ceiling, with practical slim shelves that are functional for tins, jars and ingredients that are easy to see and retrieve. It would also often have stone stairs leading down to a dark cool cellar, another perfect spot for storing wines, preserves and bottled vegetables for the winter months. These pantries were practicality at its best and no person who had one would ever be happy without one. It seems this old-fashioned room is becoming just that again, indispensable. We couldn’t be happier as traditional, authentic elements are what make the perfect kitchen and allow the main room to be free of too much storage, keeping it less functional and more beautiful.”
What should you consider before starting a pantry design?
“I think that a pantry is always a place that allows you to store as much food and drink as possible, so really the question is how big can my pantry be? The look should be functional (which doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful) substantial fittings, practical, utilitarian and made to fit all your specific requirements such as bottles, pet food containers, gadgets etc.”
Where can you find space for a pantry?
“A passageway can be transformed into a pantry, a small storage room under the stairs is perfect, or splitting up a large downstairs loo or utility can also be a good solution. If you can manage to find a suitable spot with a bit of creative thinking, however small, it is so much easier than building the room from scratch and probably more cost-effective. Sometimes, if you can’t find a whole room, a corridor or the side of a chimney breast may be all you need or all you can manage. Whatever the restrictions, any type of pantry is better than no pantry.”
How can you maximise storage potential?
“Practicality is the key here, as much storage as possible, slim storage for small items, deep storage for bulk buys, floor space for heavy items and solid well made fittings for taking lots of weight. One of the key pros to pantries is the ability to bulk buy, so make sure the things you regularly buy are accounted for when measuring up the spacings between shelves and worktops.”
How should you decorate a pantry?
“For me, a pantry is a beautiful place, kilner jars, tins and bottles are a decoration in themselves so I would not add frilly elements, except maybe a gingham curtain to hide the boxes underneath the worktop. The place for decoration may be painted tongue and groove panelling or large practical tiles from floor to ceiling. One of the charms of pantries is their utilitarian beauty.”
Is a freestanding pantry the best option in smaller homes?
“Whatever size your home is, the smartest option is to find an existing space, however, if you have an apartment or tiny flat, then yes, definitely a freestanding pantry is the next best option. They also look great and can be space-saving, as everything is in one spot so you avoid the need for too many wall cupboards. A vintage pantry cupboard can also be a good transition from kitchen to dining/living in a small space.”
Breakfast nooks are becoming more and more popular, can you see them replacing pantries?
“A breakfast nook may or may not include the vital things to make breakfast, such as a kettle, toaster and small fridge/storage cupboard. In my opinion, a small table in the corner with bench seating is enough, the perfect scenario, it cannot be considered more or less important than a pantry. The addition of a prep area within the nook is not something I would consider essential or even that practical. For me, a pantry and a little seating area are the most essential additions to any kitchen where it allows these little luxuries.”
If you’d like our help to design your dream pantry, get in touch with our brilliant design team – enquiries@devolkitchens.co.uk
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