Perfecting Your Butler's Pantry
Many new home designs focus on open-plan living to suit family lifestyles, but all homes still need to include storage to keep everyday living organised and easy. The inclusion of a butler’s pantry in your home will give you a much needed second utility and storage space next to the kitchen area that also provides an efficient prep area and keeps day-to-day clutter hidden. We have a few tips on how you can design the perfect butler’s pantry for your new home!
Shelving and Storage
The biggest benefit to a butler’s pantry is being able to make the most of the space to store all your kitchen items in an organised and functional way. By incorporating under bench storage as well as overhead shelving into the space, you’ll be able to work with your builder to design a space that suits larger appliances you only use occasionally, as well as smaller everyday items like crockery and serving ware. You can also include a mix of open and closed shelving options made from complementary materials to your main kitchen. This gives you the opportunity to style the space, making it seem less like a storage room and more like an additional lifestyle space that blends in with your home’s overall interior design theme.
Food Prep
If your kitchen food prep area is on the modest side, or you prefer to keep it out of sight while entertaining friends, a butler’s pantry is perfect for creating a space that’s hidden from guests. The pantry provides an efficient place to prepare food and drinks away from everyone, with the added bonus of being able to close the door to the pantry to conceal any mess as you entertain. You won’t have to spend time cleaning up immediately and can maximise your time with friends and family. If the space allows, including a small sink is an added convenience that will come in handy as you meal prep. You might also like to include a wet bar area and a small wine fridge in the pantry and kit it out with a range of cocktail supplies to really wow your guests when you entertain!
Lighting
Designing a butler’s pantry that includes a window will give the space a beautiful burst of natural light during the day, creating the illusion of space. If your pantry isn’t positioned in a way that allows a window, ensure you have lighting that will sufficiently illuminate every space. Design overhead lighting that includes a statement pendant light to brighten the space and add personality, and complement it with under cabinet lighting to create a soft glow in otherwise darkened corners throughout the space.
When you design your new home, consider choosing a design that includes a butler’s pantry. It’s a luxurious yet functional addition to any new home, and will become a well-used but concealed space perfect for hiding the everyday items essential to family life. For more home inspiration and design ideas, visit the Hotondo Homes website today.
