Welcome to our latest blog post on everything you need to know about kitchen pantries! In this post, we’ll be discussing the most popular types of pantries, sharing tips on how to optimise your pantry organisation for maximum efficiency, and even revealing some insider secrets on how to make your pantry not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
The Evolution of Food Storage
During medieval times, different rooms were designated for specific types of food and supplies: meats were kept in a larder, alcohol in the buttery, and bread in the pantry – which derived its name from the Old French word “paneterie” meaning “from pain”, the French word for bread. Pantry and larder are now commonly used interchangeably to refer to a place where food is stored.
With the evolution of modern kitchens, the way food is stored and preserved has changed. In smaller homes with modest-sized kitchens, cabinets are often used to store dry foods, while taller shelved or pull-out units are referred to as larder cabinets. Larger kitchens may feature a corner walk-in pantry that is often hidden behind a kitchen cabinet door to blend seamlessly with the overall design, while the altogether larger homes may even have dedicated pantry rooms.
The good news is that a kitchen designer with experience can make the most of any size kitchen and optimise your food storage to match both functionality and aesthetics.
Do you really need a pantry in the kitchen and does it add value to the property?
Regardless of the size of your kitchen, having a designated storage space for food items is essential for maintaining a functional cooking space. Even in a tiny kitchen, you’ll need some space to store pantry staples such as flour, eggs, beans, pasta, and other dry goods. Having a pantry or other designated storage area for these items not only helps to keep your kitchen organised but also makes it easier to find what you need when you need it. Our survey results showed that a significant number of people consider a pantry to be a key improvement for a functional kitchen, and having a well-organised pantry can add value to a home.
How to Organise Your Kitchen Pantry
To ensure convenient access, a pantry should be spacious enough to store a week’s worth of groceries. To organise the pantry efficiently consider these important factors: Convenience, visibility and accessibility.
Convenience:
Incorporating innovative storage solutions when designing and planning your pantry can help you make the most of your space and enhance its functionality. Pull-out larders, drawers, and door racks are just a few examples of efficient pantry storage solutions that can provide easy access to items and maximise storage space.
Visibility:
To ensure good visibility of food items in the pantry, use open shelving, install proper lighting, group similar items together, and label everything clearly for easy identification. These steps will make it easier to find what you need quickly, and simplify your meal preparation and grocery shopping.
Accessibility:
It’s essential to make sure that the pantry shelves are not too deep to prevent items from getting lost at the back. Pull-out drawers, baskets, and other storage solutions can be installed to ensure that items are easily accessible.
Consider Innovative Pantry Storage Solutions
Incorporating innovative storage solutions when designing and planning your pantry can help you make the most of your space and enhance its functionality. Pull-out larders, drawers, and door racks are just a few examples of efficient pantry storage solutions that can provide easy access to items and maximise storage space.
How to Design a Beautiful Pantry
If you’re aiming to design a stunning walk-in pantry, try incorporating a blend of painted wood fronts and panels with a solid oak or walnut interior to create a striking contrast. LED lighting can add a touch of glamour to the pantry, while natural wood veneer bottle racks can enhance its overall aesthetic. In addition to these design features, using containers, wicker baskets, and dovetail oak boxes can help maintain the pantry’s organisation and enhance its visual appeal. These storage options not only keep pantry items neat and accessible but also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the pantry’s overall look.
Common Pantry Design Mistakes
- Shortage of electrical outlets: Electrical outlets are essential for powering appliances and lighting in your pantry. Make sure to include enough outlets to meet your needs, and consider installing outlets in strategic locations to make it easier to use small appliances like blenders or mixers.
- Temperature control: Temperature control is crucial for keeping food fresh in your pantry. If your pantry is too hot due to radiators or other pipework, it can cause food to spoil or go bad more quickly.
- Awkward layout: A poorly designed pantry can be frustrating to use and can lead to wasted space. Make sure to plan your pantry layout carefully, taking into account the size and shape of your space, and choose storage solutions that are efficient and easy to use.
In conclusion, having a functional and organised pantry is essential for any kitchen, and with the tips shared in this blog post, you can create a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing space for food storage that complements the overall look and feel of your home. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve your existing pantry, these tips will help you maximise your space and achieve the perfect balance of style and functionality.
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