MAKE A HOUSE A HOME
IN OUR ONGOING SERIES, WE SELECT SIMPLE COUNTRY-STYLE HERO PIECES THAT LOOK BEAUTIFUL... AND FEEL GOOD
The chicest of pantries
WHETHER REFERRED TO AS THE PANTRY, LARDER, BUTLERY OR SPENCE, A SPACIOUS STORE FOR FOOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN LISTED ON THE ‘MUST-HAVES’ FOR A COUNTRY HOME. NO WELL DESIGNED QUALITY KITCHEN IS COMPLETE WITHOUT THIS TARDIS-LIKE CUBBYHOLE, WHICH IS ABLE TO HOLD AND KEEP A GARGANTUAN AMOUNT OF GROCERY STALWARTS.
WHAT’S THE STORY? Borne from the never-ending entertaining needs of the aristocracy and the well-heeled, a place to gather seasonal ingredients appropriately, and for as long as possible, has been a kitchen necessity for centuries. larders were originally designed as a set of rooms to store produce and pickings for head chefs to plunder, but over the years as kitchens were made smaller and refrigerators became standard, so the store cupboard shrank. still popular, though, with modern-day cooks due to their impressive storage credentials, whether freestanding or built-in, they can house all manner of jars and packets, and be dressed to create the ultimate ‘shelfie’.
WHICH style TO CHOOSE Heavy use and a huge presence in the kitchen calls for a invest-in-the-best policy. A built-in option provides bespoke design, while a freestanding unit adds character. Plentiful shelving is a must for storing dry ingredients, and a cold ledge, lots of airflow and a position next to an external wall will all help to keep food fresh.
style it UP Mix and match wooden internal features, such as jar holders, deep drawers and wine racks, to max out on country style. A painted external finish gives you the option to repaint when you want a colour update in years to come
– for now, the latest forest green will serve as an on-trend touch.
Opt for crafted design details, such as dovetail joints, dowelling rails and cut-out drawers.