It’s official: The walk-in Butler’s pantry is the newest darling of builders and designers. What is the difference between a walk-in pantry and a Butler’s Pantry, you ask? A butler’s pantry is essentially a supersized version of the walk-in pantry. Where many walk-in pantries are more like a small storage closet, butler’s pantries are generally a small room that features cabinets and countertops, sometimes sinks and dishwashers, and they expand your kitchen storage space tremendously. Typically located just off the kitchen, they serve as the perfect area for dining and entertaining prep. Butler’s pantries were once used to store, count, and polish silver, china, and large serving dishes, while an actual butler would keep the pantry under lock and key to protect the family heirlooms!
Candy Anyone?
 

We are seeing concepts that are customized specifically to the needs and interests of each client – whether your style is traditional, modern or somewhere in between, there’s a pantry design for you. We’re going to share some of our favorite concepts that we’ve either helped create, or have been inspired by, and if we help give you some ideas for your dream Butler’s Pantry, all the better.

You are able to get creative with tile selections in the pantry as well – bringing in pattern, color and/or texture based on the materials in the kitchen. Some are choosing to go a little bit more bold in the pantry as it’s being seen as another space to do something a little different than you would in your kitchen space.

Ladder Ladder on the Wall: Sliding ladders that swoop around the entire space are ingenous and a great way to use the full height of cabinetry for storage with easy access no matter what your height is. We have seen metal ladders for a streamlined look or wood ladders to warm the space – either way they are a great way to reach anything and everything and add a cool design element at the same time.

Wine Not? No need for a wine cellar in the lower level, walk no further than from the kitchen into your pantry for your wine storage needs. From full on wine cellars to smaller but substantial wine refigeration systems, the pantry is being used in place of or in addition to an official wine cellar.

Secret Hideaway: Today’s pantry really helps you de-clutter your kitchen. Whether you are an avid home cook in need or organization for all your gourmet ingredients, or just don’t want your basic appliance out on your kitchen counters – the Butler’s pantry is the place to go. Larger coffee stations are being placed in the pantry along with your mix master, toaster and smaller drink refrigerators for waters and sodas, not to mention your cook book collection, special dishes and/or glassware, and so much more; designers are having fun staging these spaces utilizing all that normally takes up space in the kitchen itself.

Command Central: 2020 was the year of being at home, and families were all fighting for space to do homework, participate in conference calls, or just have some peace and quiet. Utilizing the Butler’s pantry as a work/study from home space is a great option as it is typically closed off behind a door of some sort giving family members privacy to focus on work or studies.

Double Duty: Loving the laundry/pantry combo! Practial yet with a twist of fun – bright colored cabinets with patterened floor tiles – a great place to mix it up and get a little more bold with your choices.

Lastly, these are just a few that wowed us for their fanciful beauty…. whatever your needs are, there’s a Butler’s Pantry for you – and if you don’t have the room to create a full extra room, builders can get really creative to build a custom pantry closet for you that can meet your needs. Happy Pantrying!