Bay Area Home Remodeling Including Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto ...

November 2023

November 2023-Nine Must-Have Features for Your Kitchen Pantry

Galley kitchen with sliding-door kitchen pantry on end wall

If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, it’s fun to think about the kind of cabinets, flooring, and appliances you want to install, but don’t forget about the pantry. Today’s pantries are more than just a place to store canned goods and cereal boxes. They have evolved into multifunctional spaces that enhance your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetics.

Pantries come in many shapes, sizes, and configurations. The type of pantry you choose will depend on several factors, including your available space, the type of items you intend to store in your pantry, your desired style, and your budget. There are five main types of pantries:

  • Walk-in Pantry – a walk-in pantry is a designated room within a kitchen with a door. Walk-in pantries can be a simple series of open shelves, and more elaborate walk-in pantries include cabinetry, countertops, and appliance garages.
  • Slide-out Pantry – also called a pull-out pantry – is a deep and narrow shelving unit that slides in and out of a kitchen wall. Modern units can be fitted between a refrigerator and the adjacent wall for more seamless incorporation into the kitchen.
  • Wall Pantry – a wall pantry is a series of cabinets, shelves, or a large cabinet installed as part of the kitchen’s cabinetry.
  • Freestanding Pantry – a freestanding pantry is often the least expensive and quickest way to add a kitchen pantry. Freestanding pantry units range from fixtures with a few shelves to larger pieces of furniture that span an entire wall.
  • Butler’s Pantry – also known as a scullery or a serving pantry, a butler’s pantry is a transitional space between a dining area and a kitchen where food can be stored, prepared, and staged. It includes cabinetry and often appliances and countertops to aid in the preparation and serving of food.

If you want a pantry that takes your kitchen to the next level, here are nine features you need to consider.
Ample Shelving and Storage Space
A well-designed pantry includes plenty of shelving and storage space. Choose customizable shelving to adapt your pantry to your specific needs, that maximizes storage capacity and ensures no space goes to waste. Deep shelves accommodate larger items, while narrow shelves work well for spices and smaller cans and bottles.
Three different types of kitchen pantries
Photo: The Secret Drawer/Martin Moore/Jake Fitzjones Photography Ltd/Mowlem & Co.
Organizational Accessories
Add organizational accessories like pull-out baskets, lazy Susans, and spice racks to keep your pantry tidy and easy to navigate. Pull-out baskets can house vegetables and snacks, while lazy Susans help you use the full depth of your cabinets and quickly access items from all angles. Spice racks keep your seasonings neatly organized and easy to find.
Task Lighting
A well-lit pantry is essential for finding items quickly. Install energy-efficient lighting in multiple locations, such as the ceiling and under cabinetry and shelves, to ensure all areas of your pantry are illuminated. Installing motion sensor lighting that automatically turns on when you open the pantry door and off when you close it is a convenient option.
Ventilation
Airflow is often an overlooked aspect of pantry design. Consider adding a ventilation fan or a small window to keep the air in your pantry fresh and odor-free.
Kitchen pantry door with clear glass front
Photo: John Foreman
Doors
The pantry door style can significantly impact its overall look and functionality. Sliding, pocket, or bi-fold doors are excellent for smaller areas, as they do not require extra opening clearance. Clear or frosted glass doors can add an elegant touch to your kitchen and allow you to showcase your pantry’s contents.
Style
Your pantry’s style should complement your kitchen decor and reflect your taste. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern design with clean lines or a more traditional, rustic look with wooden shelves and cabinetry, your pantry can be a beautiful extension of your kitchen’s aesthetics.
Appliance Storage

Consider whether you want to store small kitchen appliances in your pantry. This can free up valuable counter space and keep your kitchen looking uncluttered. A designated area for appliances like blenders, food processors, toasters, or mixers can make meal preparation more convenient.
Utility Features

For a genuinely functional pantry, consider adding utility features such as a countertop workspace for food preparation, a sink for quick cleanups, or an area for recycling and waste disposal. These features can turn your pantry into a versatile space, improving your kitchen’s efficiency and functionality.
Temperature Control

Temperature control features may be essential if you store a lot of perishable goods or wine in your pantry. Climate control options, such as temperature and humidity control, can help preserve the quality of your food and beverages.

Call us so we can start working on a plan to create a functional and attractive pantry for your kitchen.

 

Hammerschmidt Construction




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