This most functional of spaces is topping kitchen wish lists. Perhaps it’s the Instagram-driven envy of seeing other people’s shelves and drawers of aesthetically arranged cans and bottles, or just the desire to be ready for any culinary eventuality, but there’s something irresistible about a kitchen pantry. Here, Devol’s creative director Helen Parker helps us look at options to suit every home, and how to select your style…
Why do you think walk-in pantries are so popular right now?
A walk-in pantry used to be a given in pretty much all houses, even small ones, and there is a reason for this! Cooler than the main kitchen, so perfect for storing food, they were practicality at its best. It seems this old-fashioned room is becoming indispensable once again. We couldn’t be happier, as traditional authentic elements are what makes the perfect kitchen and allows it to be free of too much storage, keeping it looking less functional and more beautiful.
What are the first questions you should ask yourself before starting to design a pantry?
Its main purpose will always be to allow you to store as much food and drink as possible, so really the first question should be, ‘How big can my pantry be?’ The look should be functional, practical, utilitarian, with substantial fittings (these can be stylish as well as able to take a considerable amount of weight). Everything should be made to fit your specific requirements. One of the key pros to a pantry is the ability to bulk buy, so make sure the things you purchase often are accounted for when measuring up the shelves and worktops.
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Are there any tricks to consider when trying to find space for one?
Passageways can be transformed into useful pantries, as can small storage spaces under the stairs. Alternatively, you can split up an existing downstairs loo or utility room to give you scope for a pantry. If you can manage to find a suitable spot like this 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, the side of a chimney breast may be all you need. Whatever the restrictions, any type of pantry is better than no pantry.
What will maximise my pantry’s storage potential?
Think slim storage for small items, deep storage for bulk buys and available floor space for heavy items.
How can you add decorative personality to a kitchen pantry?
Kilner jars, tins and bottles are decorative items in themselves, so I would not add frilly elements, except maybe a patterned 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 a smart option for smaller homes?
If you have an apartment or tiny flat, then yes, a freestanding pantry is definitely the next-best option. They look great and can be space-saving, as everything is in one spot which avoids the need for too many wall cupboards. A vintage pantry cupboard can be a good transition from kitchen to dining/living in a small space, too. devolkitchens.co.uk
