kitchen pantries
Design director Tom Howley on the considerations for the most effective storage
A walk-in pantry doesn’t need as much room as you may think. It is more about the bespoke nature of the space, but as a guide I would say you would need to be able to host a standard size door at 762x1981mm. But if you don’t have space for a walk-in pantry, there
are alternatives. Depending on the space you have available and the style of kitchen, pantries can be built into a large alcove or unused nook; you can opt for a breakfast pantry for your cereals, bread and jams or a double-doored full-size style that will keep all of your tinned, boxed and dried goods in one place. The biggest consideration is effective storage, which is of course the primary function of the pantry. This comes down to not only the internal working of the cabinet but also where to incorporate it into a kitchen design. Where possible it’s always useful to keep the pantry adjacent to your fridge, meaning that your food storage is all zoned in one area.
Integrated drawers are perfect for storing more perishable items such as fruit, vegetables or breads. The pantry provides huge versatility when it comes to stockpiling ingredients. Group similar goods together using baskets and shelf organisers, and take into consideration shelf height and depth. Getting the shelf spacing right can maximise the room you have for storage. Large, deep cupboards with integrated workspace are ideal for storing appliances you may not want on your work surface. The easy-to-reach middle section of your pantry is perfect for tins and jars. If you have space, include a rack for spices on the inside of the door – it’s convenient if you’re cooking and need to go straight to the ingredients you need.
A bespoke kitchen designer will be able to design floor-to-ceiling units that give maximum storage as well as being able to tailor the internal components to your storage needs. If your cabinetry is crisp white or cream, you could opt for a contrasting walnut finish for the racks and shelving within.
Think about the weight of the items you’re storing as well as height. Lighter racking is perfect for cereal and bread while sturdy oak shelving is good for holding the weight of jars and tins.
Many people may shy away from open pantries fearing that it may leave the kitchen looking cluttered or untidy but, done well, it actually helps to create a sense of space. Glass is an excellent finish in this case. Glazed cabinets maximise the flow of light into darker corners.