pantry with hidden entry

Design Notes

WHY HAVE A WALK-IN PANTRY?

Kitchens remain the central hub of the home, the place where we gather to eat, grab a quick snack, make a cup of coffee, or complete homework. This has seen a shift in the way it is designed, including an area that is often forgotten, the pantry. Once viewed as an extra, it has shifted to a must for many homeowners as cooking at home and stocking up on surplus food supplies is trending. There are many types of pantries, but one in particular is rising above them all: the walk-in pantry. This option is more than just a place to store food. It has evolved into an area to store larger items, create a coffee bar for the morning, and even function as a second kitchen. As the kitchen design continues to evolve to meet new design needs, such as more light to let the sunshine in and open spaces, the call for a separate storage and prep space has created the new walk-in pantry as the must-have item for today’s homeowners. Let’s talk about what it is, its benefits, and the things that need to be included in the design.

What Is A Walk-In Pantry?

Whenever we talk about a pantry, the walk-in is what we typically describe: a designated room near the kitchen that stores extra food and even supplies. Often called a butler’s pantry, the idea was to create a space in the home that allowed you to have the extras you needed, like prep space or storage, without encroaching on the kitchen space or hindering its flow. Historically, it was the area where many valuable items, such as silverware and china, were kept under lock and key. Over time, it evolved into a pass-through in the home and eventually into a closed area. Of course, there are still butler pantries as well, but many have adapted their design or even merged. A walk-in pantry is an actual area, typically near the kitchen, that acts like a second space to accomplish similar tasks as the kitchen, along with creative storage solutions for things like dishes and large items. To be considered a true walk-in pantry, it must be an actual area you can walk around or into, not just a large cupboard or cabinet designated for food items.

red pantry