KAREN HORTE interiors – Aug 2022

The Butler’s Pantry

A butler’s pantry (also called a serving pantry or scullery) is a small service and storage room located near a kitchen, sometimes between the kitchen and dining room, or sometimes between the kitchen and mudroom.

Originally designed to serve as a secure storage space for fine china and family heirlooms, today’s pantries can also take storage overflow from the kitchen.

In general, butler’s pantries can be used to store:

• Kitchen accessories (cutting boards, knife blocks)
• Serving dishes
• Countertop appliances (toasters, mixers)
• Baking sheets and cake tins
• Glassware, dishes, platters, and special- use kitchen accessories.
• Food, such as dry or canned goods

Pantries that bridge the kitchen and dining room (as opposed to the mudroom) can further be used for:

• Storing post-dinner mess until washup (brilliant when entertaining!)
• Food preparation
• Baking preparation (install a lower countertop for kneading dough)
• Beverage station or coffee bar
• Mini bar, with wine storage

Creating Your Pantry

Pantries were off the radar for a couple of decades, but they have become desirable in modern kitchens once again. Here are three things to consider if you wish to install one in your home:

• Usage
• Décor
• Convert or build

Usage

If you are childless and pet-less, your pantry can be solely for adult needs and can feature such things as a wine storage unit, a wine chiller, and a wineglass hanger-all great for adult entertaining.

If you are family oriented, or have pets, you can make your pantry an integral part of your home by creating storage for children’s snacks in lower drawers and cabinets or adding pull-out bins for pet food. The choice is yours!

Décor

Ask yourself the following questions about the space you are creating.

• Do I want my pantry to match my kitchen, or to stand out?
• What kind of lighting do I want in my pantry?
• Do I prefer cabinets or open shelving?
• Do I want glass upper cabinets to display beautiful pieces?

If you want your pantry to match your kitchen, then duplicate your kitchen décor using similar colours and hardware. If you want it to have its own personality, then add decorative accents such as bold wallpaper, bright paint, or interesting accessories. Choose lighting that suits your purpose; for example, a dimmer switch will provide bright light for food prep, and also low lighting for evening entertaining.

Convert or Build

Conversion is easier and less expensive than building (and doesn’t involve permitting or design costs). You can turn an underused closet or enclave into an awesome butler’s pantry simply by adding cabinets and counters.

If this option is not available to you and you decide to build from scratch, or you want something more elaborate in your conversion-such as a small refrigerator or sink-then ensure you hire licensed contractors who will stand behind their work.

Design your pantry with intention so you can enjoy its many uses for as long as you remain in your home!