1. GO FOR A SLIDING PANTRY DOOR
Turn your pantry door into a design feature, with an elegant sliding door system that is both space-saving and design-forward. 'A fluted glazed screen is a wonderful way to visually break up a long run of cabinetry and offer some drama and impact to a space,' says Jennifer Hamilton, director of The Vawdrey House.
2. GO FOR IN-BUILT TECH
Typically a place jars, dried foods and Kilner jars, the pantry is evolving to encompass our home tech. This design from House of Grey features a built-in coffee machine as part of a breakfast bar built into a pantry area. The tech can be easily concealed as the doors shut after use and gives the space a real function and focus.
3. TRY A FREE-STANDING PIECE
You might not want to totally overhaul your interiors with new cabinetry, in which case a standalone kitchen pantry might work best, like this example designed in a kitchen by Patalab Architects. 'We conceived the kitchen area in this project as an extension of the living room and wanted to avoid a too utilitarian and overbearing appearance,' explains Uwe Schmidt-Hess of Patalab.
4. LIGHT YOUR CUPBOARD
The essence of all pantry designs is to showcase the very best of bespoke cabinetry packed with clever storage options – such as shallow shelves inside the door for herbs and spices, deeper shelves for dry foods and neat baskets for organizing fruit and vegetables, to built-in wine racks for your wines and spirits. But to make the space all the more of a statement, consider lighting the interior of your cabinet - adding a stylish spotlight while providing a practical function.
5. DIVIDE YOUR PANTRY WITH CHIC GLASS DOORS
Adding a walk-in pantry can be an option for small kitchens, you just have to be clever about how you do it. Blocking off a section to dedicate to storing your ever-growing pasta collection, isn't really an option as that's only going to make a tight space feel even more squeezed, but you can still get that separate, walk-in effect by using glass doors or a glass screen instead.
6. DESIGN A PANTRY THAT'S ROOM OF ITS OWN
We'll cover many pantry ideas that don't need that luxury of space, but as Alex Main, director of The Main Company says 'it can also be beneficial to consider a pantry that is completely separate from the rest of the kitchen. While you will need to ensure that it is still within a convenient distance for cooking, there can be many pros to having a detached and dedicated area, away from the hustle and bustle of the main kitchen.'
7. ORGANIZE YOUR PANTRY SO IT WORKS FOR YOU
Pantry and kitchen cabinet organization is key to them being an asset to your kitchen, rather than becoming a dumping ground where tins of chickpeas go to die. So consider how you want to use the space? How regularly will you reach for things in there? Will it be solely for food or will baking equipment and spare appliances be stored in there too?
8. ALWAYS MAXIMIZE VERTICAL SPACE
When space is tight in a pantry, making the most of vertical space is a must. Don't stop with your shelving until you have reached the ceiling and even make use of the ceiling too. As designer Katie Thomas advises, 'Don’t forget to utilize your vertical space. For example, you can hang pots and pans from the ceiling or add floor-to-ceiling storage which could be accessed by a chic step ladder. It is best to try and store any less used items nearer to the top, such as seasonal items like Christmas ingredients.'
9. ADD A NARROW PANTRY THAT'S SLIMLINE AND FUNCTIONAL
If you have an awkward nook or alcove in your kitchen, turn that dead space into something really valuable, like a pantry. It doesn't have to be huge, just add in some alcove shelving, and if you have the floor space add doors, or if it makes more sense, opt for a sliding door so you really aren't taking up any room in the kitchen to add a pantry.
10. BLEND A PANTRY INTO YOUR CABINETRY
'If you have enough space, a walk-in larder is the ideal choice and will provide you with an abundance of valuable storage.' advises Alex Main. 'To ensure a cohesive design scheme, opt for a continuation of the same cabinetry and worktops into the larder as the rest of the kitchen.'
11. GO BOLD WITH YOUR PANTRY COLORS
Because pantries don't always have to be purely practical, they can add so much more than storage to your space. 'Personally, I think pantries can be not only functional but pretty too,' says Natalie Papier. 'And a great opportunity for a pop of color and art as we pop in and out of the pantry so often during the day. Why not make it functional and fun?
12. ADD CHARACTER WITH A VINTAGE FIND
As this gorgeous rustic kitchen renovation designed by Lisa Staton demonstrates, sourcing a secondhand pantry cabinet can be such a lovely way to add character to a new kitchen. Bringing in those more natural textures and worn materials is what gives a kitchen personality.
13. NO ROOM FOR A WALK IN PANTRY? ADD A BREAKFAST PANTRY
'Smaller than a walk-in pantry, a breakfast pantry is a great place to hide all the everyday chaos.' explains Tom Howley. 'The doors bi-folding action gives neater, more usable access to the contents of the cupboards without blocking other cabinets. The space inside is expansive, often with work surface space for smaller appliances such as your kettle and toaster. It’s also a great place to store your cereals, crockery, tea, coffee and cookbooks.'
14. BOX OFF A CORNER TO CREATE A PANTRY
Glazing is proving to be a real winner when it comes to adding a pantry. To create this small but incredibly stylish pantry, a corner of the kitchen has been encased in this beautiful fluted glass. It's a really seamless addition, that adds to the kitchen but doesn't take it over.