THE BENEFITS OF A BUTLER PANTRY
Kitchen storage is a critical part of the design phase, whether it is for a large or small layout because it not only allows you to have the essentials within reach in an orderly way. A kitchen pantry is one of the storage elements that comes with multiple benefits for homeowners as it can be used for several things besides food. As the kitchen is one of the most used areas in the home, it can quickly become cluttered and cramped, hindering it from fulfilling one of its many purposes, being a place of welcome and warmth. This is where a second kitchen, often known as the butler pantry, comes into play. More designers and contractors are incorporating this secondary space into the kitchen to gain square footage and have an area that works as an extension of the kitchen. Let’s dive deeper into what a butler pantry is and what the benefits are for you.
What is a butler pantry?
Also known as a scullery kitchen, a back kitchen, or even a dirty kitchen, the butler pantry functions as a secondary kitchen or as a transition between the kitchen and the dining areas. Though it has the primary purpose of storing and serving the overflow needs of the kitchen, it also fulfills a variety of tasks, which means there is less mess in the main kitchen. It is also considered a pantry on steroids because of all the things it can do in addition to keeping groceries, including food prep and minor cooking abilities. It has evolved over the years to take on a whole new role as it does the heavy-duty kitchen work, leaving your main kitchen as the central hub for the family to gather and mingle. Think of the butler pantry as your own personalized “Downton Abbey” area minus Mrs. Patmore and Daisy, of course. This space gives you the freedom to have a few extras that might not have fit into your main kitchen area but are within easy reach and connection.
The benefits of a butler pantry
There are multiple benefits that a butler pantry gives to the home, which we have already touched on, but let’s dig a little deeper. The kitchen is one of the most lived-in areas of the home since meals are prepared there, along with many of our favorite beverages. This can mean that keeping it clean and presentable is a challenge. A butler pantry provides a secondary place for homeowners to do their cooking, which makes it easier to keep the main area looking tidier at all times, which will leave your guests wondering how you do it. This feature also adds value to the home, especially as it is on more people’s wish lists than ever before. Storage is another great bonus with a butler pantry, not just extra food items but supplies like paper products, tupperware, and cleaning products can be kept in there. These storage options can also be customized to suit your particular habits and needs, such as a wine glass cabinet, extra beverage refrigerator, or deep drawers for larger items such as crock pots and mixers. Counter space is a benefit because it equals more prep area and a place to spread out when doing any number of things. A butler pantry brings many benefits to the home, especially to those who love to cook and entertain. It gives you the expansion needed to store those extras, have more room for food prep, and a place to hide those dirty dishes until after the party. If you are considering a kitchen renovation or need more space, a butler pantry could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Designing a butler pantry
How do you design a butler pantry that is perfect for your home and complements your lifestyle? What are the essentials or things that should be avoided? Start with what you want to accomplish. Ask yourself if you want it to be a space where you can do a little cooking. How many people will use it? Do you need it to store other items besides food items? Will it be used as a main prep area and clean-up station? These initial questions can help your designer formulate your space’s best layout and use. A butler pantry as a cooking station can help keep your main kitchen clean, which is a big plus when you host parties. You can cook and bake away without worrying about cleaning up every crumb since no one will see this area. It also frees up space in your kitchen for other things you may use daily. Plus, you can customize your butler pantry to specific things, like a baking station where all of your mixing bowls and measuring cups are stored for easy reach. When designing your butler pantry, it is recommended that you keep it out of the sight lines. Some designs have it more as a pass-through without doors, which allows traffic to flow in and out easily, but it also means that if there is a mess or clutter, it can be seen more easily. Consider adding a pocket door that can be pushed out of the way but closed to hide any mess while the company is present. A butler pantry can be located near the kitchen as well, where it functions as its room, which may offer a larger layout option, and you can install a traditional door or one that is frosted glass for some visual interest. If you want to add a butler pantry to your current space or into your new construction, a designer can be a great help as they bring a wealth of experience, which ultimately will save you time and money.
The return of the butler pantry
As more and more homeowners look for ways to personalize their space to their specific needs and lifestyles, a butler pantry checks all the boxes. It is the perfect place to have an extra oven or dishwasher, keep those party supplies nearby yet out of the way, and store the overflow dishes and glassware. With the potential to increase the value of your home, a butler pantry can also be seen as a good investment move for those looking to sell shortly. Browse places like Pinterest and Houzz to see a variety of styles available that can inspire you and then talk to a designer who can help you bring it all together.
