A well-designed pantry can mean the difference between an organized kitchen and chaos. While you may want your pantry to be out of sight, it’s vital to access it easily. Most people dream of a spacious and functional walk-in pantry. Be sure to consider these things when designing your pantry:
Size and Layout
When you design your pantry, don’t feel limited to the typical closet lined with shelves. A walk-in with countertop space for you to set things up is a much more effective use of space. Instead of deep shelves where items are blocked, consider trimmer shelves that line the three walls of the area so that you can see everything at first glance.
Storage
Consider the items you keep in your pantry. Which things do you use the most? Be sure to install shelving at different heights and depths from floor to ceiling so you can store equipment you don’t use daily, like soup pots. Baskets are great for organizing things. Don’t waste space. Consider putting a spice rack on the inside of the door. Pull-out storage is a must so you can tuck items out of sight. To take advantage of those high shelves, make sure you consider how you will access them. A pull-out or sliding ladder can quickly solve any issues that might pop up!
Lighting
One of the biggest mistakes made when designing a walk-in pantry is poor lighting. A bright overhead light fixture paired with shelf lighting ensures you’ll be able to see everything. Automatic lights are a great choice, especially when you often have your hands full when exiting the space.
Accessibility
Location, location, location. As in everything real estate-related, the placement of your pantry is critical. Place it where you can get to it without interfering with kitchen traffic flow. Chances are, while you are preparing dinner, you’ll have visitors to the pantry looking for a snack to hold them over.
Not Just Any Door
An incredibly canny trend is hiding your pantry in plain sight. Instead of putting a door on the entryway of your pantry, a cabinet maker can match existing cabinetry to design a door that looks like another section of your cabinets, creating a hidden room.
Contact Harbor Classic Homes for help with designing the perfect pantry for your family.