Pantries are like the motor vehicles of the kitchen. They come in all different shapes and sizes, some designed more for function and some designed more for fashion. They can vary in color, dimension, capacity, and feature varying options for upgrades. The growing trend in custom home design, both new construction and minor remodels, is featuring a personalized pantry that is not only an aesthetically pleasing staple in the room, but that also helps keep things organized and practically laid out, minimizing countertop clutter.
The pantry can, and should, be home to many things in the kitchen. Obviously food storage is its number one intended purpose, but its space can also be used as storage for other things like utensils, dishes, bulk-purchased back stock, and even cumbersome (and often rarely-used) kitchen appliances (we’re looking at you, stand mixer). Whether your pantry is the size of a tiny closet, or your guest bedroom, here are some custom pantry concepts that can help you get the most out of what you’re already working with, or get the wheels turning as you build your dream kitchen, even if only on your Memphis Custom Homes Pinterest board for the time being.
Build In Your Shelves: Think about what it is you’re looking to store in your pantry. Do you typically buy grocery items in bulk? Do you have a lot of items that take up counter space that you want to get out of the way? Are you borderline obsessed with spices and seasonings? Do you need a designated place for your Christmas china to collect dust? All of these factors should come into play when designing the layout of your built-in shelving units. Maybe you even want to install some sliding drawers or secret compartments to keep smaller items contained and tucked away from plain sight.
For the Perfect Hostess: The Hostess Pantry set-up is perfect for entertaining at parties and holiday gatherings. You can’t put a price tag on being able to store all of your merrymaking necessities within arm’s reach when you’ve got guests over. Easily access everything from party platters and ice buckets to fine china, and of course the wine rack.
Do it Like a Chef: Have you ever watched one of those cooking shows and been instantly jealous of how efficiently the chefs are able to walk a few steps and access everything they’ll need? Especially when you’ve got pasta boiling over on the stove, the oven timer going off, and the smoke alarm not far behind. The open concept of a Chef’s Pantry might be just the thing you need for streamlining meal prep and minimizing kitchen disasters.
Farmers Markets Aren’t Just for Saturday Mornings: Going to your local farmers market seem to be the hip new thing to do on the weekends. We’ll admit there’s definitely something to be said about supporting small businesses while also doing yourself a solid by eating organic. Well now your pantry can be set up just like your local fruit stand display. Yes, it’s actually a thing. Wire pull-out baskets storing loose produce make for easy grab-and-go snacks, and a chalk board sign displaying the “fresh pick of the day” are all you need to start charging the kids $.25 per apple out of their allowance. Just kidding. Sort of.