PANTRIES WITH STYLE Smart ideas for this desirable kitchen addition

PICTURE-PERFECT AND PACKED WITH FEATURES, THERE’S MORE TO THESE STORAGE OPTIONS THAN MEETS THE EYE

1 DIFFERENT STROKES

For something a little out of the ordinary, consider pantry doors in metallic mesh. The opacity level conceals contents, so shelves don’t need to be fastidiously tidy. ‘Mesh doors also promote clean air flow between spaces, and from a design perspective, mesh has an interesting aesthetic, resembling a modern take on rattan or wicker,’ says Alex Beaugeard, director of design at Lanserring. This sliding door design also boasts space-saving benefits. A bespoke

kitchen starts at £80,000, Lanserring

2 FRAME AND GLORY

‘The true wonder of a walk-in pantry is about having everything you need in sight and easy to grab. However, there’s a growing trend for creating high-impact pantries that are a talking point in their own right,’ says Jane Stewart, design director at Mowlem & Co, who designed this beautiful space. ‘Architectural metal-framed glass draws attention to the interior, creating a feature that’s as valuable aesthetically as it is practical.’ Crittall Windows pantry door in Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe. A full kitchen starts at £30,000, Mowlem & Co. →

3 GUIDING LIGHT

‘Much overlooked but an unequivocal game-changer in these windowless spaces, pantry lighting requires careful consideration,’ says Peter Humphrey, design director at Humphrey Munson. Lighting shelving from behind looks pretty and ensures nothing gets lost at the back. ‘The choice of door can also impact lighting control; glazed doors benefit from dimmable lighting that will add atmosphere within the kitchen. For solid doors, lighting on automatic sensors is more practical.’ Nickleby cabinetry in Soot; kitchens start at £40,000, Humphrey Munson

“INSTALLING SHELVES ACCORDING TO THE HEIGHT OF THE ROOM IS A GREAT WAY TO MAXIMISE THE STORAGE SPACE”

PETER HUMPHREY, design director, Humphrey Munson

4 BACK-UP SUPPORT

A well-equipped walk-in pantry can perform a vital supporting role to your main kitchen. ‘This pantry was fully loaded with a second fridge, sink and drinks bar, all within reach of the main kitchen,’ explains Richard Mason, owner of The Secret Drawer. ‘Installing stone worktops and full-height tiling behind the shelving is a great design feature that also helps keep the interior temperature down, taking pressure off the fridge.’ Bespoke pantry in Zoffany’s Musk Pink, from £10,000, The Secret Drawer

5 SMALL WONDERS

Don’t assume walk-in pantries are only for palatial kitchens. In smaller spaces, they can often prove more effective, like this snug walk-in tucked in a corner demonstrates. ‘Creating a dedicated storage area, rather than spreading items around the kitchen, is more efficient when you’re cooking. And although you may lose some worktop space, you’ll gain more storage overall,’ explains Rebecca Nokes, kitchen designer at John Lewis of Hungerford. Bespoke walk-in pantry in Blake Blue and oak, from £2,500, John Lewis of Hungerford →

6 DRESS TO IMPRESS

Carefully considered design details can transform a simple storage space into something truly extraordinary, as Hetherington Newman shows with this delightful jewel box of a pantry. ‘We love to look for unusual ideas to push a pantry beyond the ordinary,’ says John Hetherington, chairman of Hetherington Newman. ‘From mosaic floors and specialist lighting to cast-iron shelf brackets and marble slabs for cheese and butter, the creative opportunities are endless.’ A bespoke kitchen starts at £50,000, Hetherington Newman

7 MADE TO MEASURE

If you don’t have space for a walk-in pantry, a bespoke larder cupboard is the next best thing. ‘Larders give you the flexibility of choosing storage options that work for you, whether that might involve more drawers, an emphasis on shelving or multiple spice racks, all orderly contained behind beautiful cabinetry,’ says Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley. Do supply exact dimensions of frequently bought food packaging – a bespoke maker can tailor shelves to match. Devine Collection kitchen in Inky Sky, from £20,000, Tom Howley