Whether you’re looking to build a large walk-in kitchen pantry addition to your kitchen or want to efficiently utilize the cabinet space you already have, we have a design solution for you. Read on:
Building a Brand New Pantry
If you’re not converting an existing space into a pantry, but starting entirely from scratch, there are a number of things to keep in mind to seamlessly integrate the addition into your kitchen:
- The proportions of the rest of the kitchen. Do your cabinets go all the way to the ceiling or is their space between the top and the ceiling? It may look a bit off if your new pantry addition doesn’t match.
- Keep in mind the style of the rest of the kitchen: Will you be able to match the cabinets, color, finishes, and hardware easily or are you going to have to get creative with something that intentionally contrasts?
- When measuring the dimensions to plan for the size, take into account how far out the hardware will stick out as well.
- When selecting a door, consider the amount of clearance you have. You may be better utilizing your space with a sliding farmhouse door than one that swings open, or vice versa. And be sure to optimize behind-the-door storage.
- If you’re building from scratch, you have a lot more control and with that control comes great responsibility! Really take the time to plan carefully and carve out a space for everything. And if you have the space, consider adding a small island or work station, and if electrical outlets allow, utilize the space to hide small appliances like microwaves and toaster ovens, blenders, and coffee makers.
Converting a Closet Into a Pantry
Bi-folding or sliding door closets can be converted to a pantry with the addition of shelving. Hall closets in close proximity to the kitchen can easily be converted into a pantry. All you need is either some custom built-in shelving or a pre-made shallow-shelf unit. Here are a few things to keep in mind when converting an existing closet into a pantry
- Think shallow and vertically: Build to the ceiling, and keep a step ladder on hand, but keep the shelving shallow.
- Make sure you install ample lighting: Oftentimes our closets are cool, dark places and we don’t really need to see much, but when you convert to a pantry, be sure there is at least overhead lighting, and if it is a larger space, consider adding some task lighting as well.
Converting Kitchen Cabinets Into a Pantry
Retrofitting your already-existing cabinets is a great idea from an aesthetic perspective because it will maintain the style of your kitchen. There are a number of ways to optimize already-existing cabinet space as a pantry:
- Work with a contractor to design slide out drawers that make use of all the space, including shelf or drawer corners that often go underutilized when you try to DIY. Custom pull outs can also make it easier to utilize the space at the back of deep shelves.
- If elaborate custom pull-out drawers isn’t in the budget, include premade storage boxes with labels and lazy susans so there is no wasted space!
- Make use of behind the door storage with hanging racks.
Small Space Pantry Design Ideas
Open Concept Pantry
In small spaces like urban apartments, you may run into the issue of not having space for a full room conversion, nor the cabinet space to spare. So you may have to resort to an open concept pantry and luckily there are a number of beautiful pre-made units that can do the trick!
I’m particularly drawn to these slim, double door cabinets which are great for small-space pantries. Generally containing shallow-shelving, which is good for a pantry, regardless of how much square footage you have to work with. (How often does food go stale sitting, forgotten about, at the back of a deep shelf?) Plus, they’re a fun statement piece!
