5 Assumptions to Reconsider About Your Pantry

The pantry is an essential part of any kitchen. But an effective pantry for modern homeowners is more than just a closet with shelves. To design the perfect pantry for your lifestyle and house, you may need to rethink some common assumptions about pantry design. What are some of these ideas that deserve more consideration? Discover a few of the most important.

1. Shelf Uniformity

Most pantries have shelving that is pleasantly uniform in size, shape, depth, and material. However, is this really the best use of space? If a shelf will hold shorter items, like baskets of miscellaneous nonperishables, having a tall shelf wastes significant space in between. You could end up losing out on one, two, or more shelves that you could have otherwise added.

Instead, consider a targeted shelf plan that includes shelves of differing heights and even depths. Some homeowners today opt for adjustable shelves rather than fixed versions. Homeowners could easily tailor these to changing storage needs over time.

2. Walk-In Concept

Do you, like many people, desire a large walk-in pantry? Many consider the walk-in pantry a luxury item, and some kitchen owners consider them a must-have. But the walk-in idea is not necessarily the best use of space in every situation. This will cut off a lot of floor space from other uses in the kitchen and may not utilize the upper and lower portions of the pantry as well.

Instead, consider the value of a reach-in (or cabinet-style) pantry within the kitchen itself. You could further integrate multiple cabinets into a pantry-like arrangement that keeps the floor space open but provides a similar result as a walk-in pantry. Some cooks even find that separate, targeted pantries strategically around the kitchen keep items handier when working.

3. All-Together Storage

What will you store in the pantry? Gathering together all your cooking needs may improve kitchen efficiency, but many pantries end up holding a much wider array of stored goods for many purposes.

You might do well to plan separate storage for things like paper goods, bulk purchases, cleaning supplies, pet paraphernalia, or small appliances. Removing these from the equation keeps the focus on what you need while cooking, reduces the size of a pantry, and stores these items where they might be better suitable for their purposes.

4. No Design

A pantry can be more than just a functional square in the kitchen. It can — and should — be attractive both inside and out, both for guests and for the ones who use it every day.

The exterior should be designed in a way that blends in with the surrounding cabinets and other features, perhaps using faux elements to achieve this harmonious look. Inside, use full-spectrum lighting (to make things look more appealing). And place some decorative touches on unused walls or doors to give it a more homey feeling.

5. Inevitable Disorganization

Unfortunately, many people accept that eventually the pantry will become a naturally disorganized place. But it does not have to be this way if you plan ahead for long-term organization solutions. Simple ideas like lazy Susan turntables, pull-out shelves, drawers for small objects, wire racks, hanging racks or hooks, and undershelf lighting will help you keep everything clean, organized, and accessible.

Learn more about modern pantry and kitchen design by meeting with the kitchen remodeling team at DESIGNfirst Builders. We can help you assess your kitchen plans and decide what the best approach is to the pantry that will make your life easiest and your kitchen the most effective. Call today to make an appointment. We look forward to helping you!