Kitchen Pantry Ideas

Although they have been around for centuries, in the 1950 s pantries became less common in American homes.  Walk-in pantries began making a comeback in the late 1990 s and are now one of the most requested kitchen features. But many of today s homeowners expect more from their pantries than just a place for everything, and everything in it s place space.  Everything from dry foods and canned goods, to cookbooks and dishes and even small appliances are finding their way into these carefully planned storage rooms. Painted or stained fixed shelves wrap the room, making the most of the space.

This pantry is accessed through a pair of single-pane French doors surrounded by shelves for cookbooks. The lead-glass transom above the door is a nice touch.  Usually, only one light fixture is needed, making this is a great opportunity to add personality.  A unique new, vintage or antique fixture will always add charm.

Doors are another way to express yourself. What better place to jot down this week s shopping list than a chalkboard door?  Painting the lower panel gives children a place to create.

This pantry is enclosed with a screen door.  Unpainted shelves hold dry goods and serving pieces.  Other screening materials choices include chicken wire and decorative, flat wire mesh. Shirred fabric or punched tin panels can be used to shield contents from view.

A green chalkboard wall and sliding interior barn door gives this kitchen a loft-like feeling.  The wine refrigerator is easily accessed when entertaining.

No space is too small when it comes to adding extra storage.  A shallow one can deep pantry is hidden behind a distressed wood door with iron insert.  Glassware is stored on the top shelves, becoming an interesting display when the door is closed.

Double pocket doors slide out of sight in this pantry.  A slightly deeper center hutch holds small appliances and has drawers for table linens and roll-out baskets for seldom-used cooking accessories.

Taking a cue from integrated appliances, this pair of pantry doors blends in with the cabinets when closed.

Another pair of integrated doors is banked by glass front cabinets for tableware display.

Instead of using traditional corner cabinetry full of hard-to-reach shelves, here is a corner pantry.  Frosted glass doors conceal its true identity.  Designs and wording are often etched on the glass for a decorative touch.  A properly placed outlet is handy for using of small appliances.  The lower wood panels have a center knob, leading me to believe they are tilt-out bins for recycling or pet food.

If you re brave (and neat), an open corner pantry may be the answer.  Lined wicker baskets help tidy smaller items.  Seldom used things are stored on the top shelf.  The open pantry of the Salie House is similar and includes a farmhouse sink and Traulsen pass-thru fridge.

Another door-free pantry makes a bold statement with mustard yellow paint.  Lined baskets are accompanied by labeled glass jars.  A gathered fabric skirt can hide a multitude of sins.

If there is not enough space for a walk-in pantry, line a kitchen wall or hallway off the kitchen with shelves and stock up on pretty glass airtight containers.  As long as they are away from direct natural light, the contents shouldn t be harmed.

This modern open pantry was built using white painted brick and stained concrete shelves.  Minimalism at its best.

Unfitted English kitchens usually include a larder cabinet that holds the majority of food.  Doors lined with shelves keep smaller items from becoming lost.

Another English larder cabinet is built-in instead of freestanding.

Pantries can be as big and elaborate as your dreams.  Regular depth lower cabinets and countertops will keep small appliances out of the main kitchen.

A hidden feature of our French gray kitchen is our walk-in pantry.  Originally, it was the closet for a bedroom we turned into sunroom during the pre-building stage.  By moving the doorway to the opposite wall, it opens into the arched area near the range.  Our trim carpenter built the shelves and work table according to my specifications.

Based on a potting bench, the table provides space for unloading groceries or making a sandwich.  In keeping with my less kitchen-like look, the toaster and microwave are out of sight in the pantry.  A collection of birdhouses is arranged on the top shelf and they are a fun surprise for guests.

(Sources: Design Babylon Interiors, Kitchen Bath Ideas, Country Living, Cottage Living, Colleen Fox Interiors, Closets Redefined, House Beautiful, Team95, EmersonMade, Elle Decor, Venegas and Company, Tracy Leach, Front Door)