Design Notes
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 but also 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 purposes beyond storing food. As the kitchen is one of the most frequently used areas in the home, it can quickly become cluttered and cramped, hindering it from fulfilling one of its primary purposes: being a place of welcome and warmth. This is where a second kitchen, often referred to as the butler’s 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 a dirty kitchen, the butler pantry serves as a secondary kitchen or a transitional space between the kitchen and dining areas. Though it has a primary purpose of storage and serving the overflow needs of the kitchen, it also fulfills a variety of tasks, which means less mess in the main kitchen. It is also considered a pantry on steroids due to its ability to do more than just store groceries, including food preparation and basic cooking functions. It has evolved over the years to take on a whole new role, doing the heavy-duty kitchen work while 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 maintaining cleanliness and presentability is a challenge. A butler pantry provides a secondary space for homeowners to prepare meals, making it easier to keep the main area looking tidy at all times, which will leave your guests wondering how you manage 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 of a butler pantry, not just for extra food items, but also for supplies like paper products, Tupperware, and cleaning products. These storage options can also be customized to suit your specific habits and needs, such as a wine glass cabinet, an extra beverage refrigerator, or deep drawers for larger items like crockpots and mixers. Counter space is a benefit because it provides more prep area, as well as a place to spread out when doing multiple tasks. A butler pantry brings a host of benefits to the home, especially to those who love to cook and entertain. It provides the expansion needed to store those extras, offers a little more room for food prep, and provides 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 a complement to 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 actually do a little cooking? How many people will use it? Do you need it to store items besides food items? Will it be used as a main prep area and clean-up station? These initial questions can help your designer create the best layout and utilize your space effectively. Using a butler pantry as a cooking station can help keep your main kitchen clean, which is a big plus on days 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 everyday items, and you can customize your butler pantry to suit specific needs, such as a baking station where all your mixing bowls and measuring cups are stored for easy access. It is recommended that when designing your butler pantry, you keep it out of the sight lines. Some designs feature it as a pass-through without doors, allowing traffic to flow in and out with ease. However, this also means that any mess or clutter is more visible. Consider adding a pocket door that can be pushed out of the way when needed, but closed to hide any mess while company is present. A butler pantry can also be located near the kitchen, functioning as its own room, which may offer a larger layout option. You can install a traditional door or one with frosted glass for added 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 that ultimately saves you time and money.
Greenbrook DesignMaking the decision to open our own showroom was not done overnight. It began as the answer to a need for our clients. They needed a place where they could come and explore the possibilities that awaited them for their home renovation. It was important to our owners, Travis and Stacey Walker, that their clients could see and feel the products, enhancing their design experience. As the idea became a reality, the Walkers realized the added benefit of having more than just cabinets featured in the showroom. Greenbrook Design is proud to be an authorized dealer for not just four lines of cabinetry but multiple home furnishings and decor companies like Europe 2 You and Moe’s. Get a peek inside the showroom here and listen to Stacey share her vision of the showroom.
We have all witnessed the transformation this past year, bedrooms become offices, kitchen tables become classrooms, and your basement doubles as a home gym. The problem is that most of these spaces were not ready to accommodate double duty. Multifunctional means one area of the home can handle multiple duties, while this sounds great, no one wants it to look like it’s a three-in-one, which is where good design comes into play. Selecting furniture pieces that can serve several purposes or planning a layout that can fulfill multiple needs is key to creating a home that suits your family’s unique lifestyle and routine. Let’s discuss what goes into designing these spaces and how you can make the most of the space you have.
Walker WoodworkingDesign is more than just creating a layout that is functional and beautiful; it is about turning a house into a home that has an atmosphere just right for you. A functional home is good, but a home where you feel at home is best, which is the end goal for every designer. One way to have a welcoming environment is to draw inspiration from nature, which is a trend that is gaining momentum in the design world.
Walker Woodworking When you think of a closet, you envision a space within a room that opens with a door. For some, it means enough room to hang up clothes or store larger items. It has, however, evolved to become much more than a mere stash and go-to spot for necessities. From hall closets to pantries to linen and bedroom closets, they serve multiple purposes. Today, it can be a mini dressing room, a place to keep all the kids’ sports equipment, and even a place of meditation ( really, it’s a thing). It is a great way to gain extra storage in the bedroom for personal items and is considered an extension of the home.
Walker Woodworking Are you feeling like something needs to change inside your home? Tired of the same old decor pieces greeting you when you come home? Maybe your taste in style has changed, and you’re looking for a little update? The good news is you don’t have to do a full-blown renovation to achieve your goal; sometimes, it takes a little freshening up to update your home.
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