Once reserved for homes of the wealthy, these spaces are increasingly in-demand from regular families who love to entertain or that need substantially more storage space than the average kitchen provides.
What is a butler’s pantry?
Historically, a butler’s pantry was a space between the kitchen and dining room used to store valuable glassware, serving items, and heirloom china.
Today, a butler’s pantry can be a simple storage space with cabinetry and shelving for wine, kitchen linens, and candles to something that could be considered a second kitchen with its own refrigeration, sink, and dishwasher.
Why a butler’s pantry?
Why a butler’s pantry?As open-plan kitchens are an increasingly popular design choice, these spaces are on display. Though it’s great to be able to cook and chat with guests at the same time, putting messy dinner prep on display isn’t ideal. A butler’s pantry can help conceal messes or can assist with early clean-up if the space has a dishwasher.
Do you have room for a butler’s pantry?
A butler’s pantry doesn’t necessarily have to be a stand-alone room separated by a door. Some homeowners have chosen to incorporate the space into a hallway joining the kitchen and dining room.
Still not sure you have enough room? An experienced kitchen designer may be able to help you create an area from the space you already have. Find information for knowledgeable Fairview designers at the bottom of this article.
How do you design a butler’s pantry?
Like almost anything in modern design, it’s important to remember that there are no real rules. A butler’s pantry should be designed to most effectively meet a homeowner’s lifestyle and needs. It can be an extension of the kitchen or a completely separate room. While they are typically located between the kitchen and dining room, they can be located anywhere where their function will be most convenient so consider how they will be used and what you will store inside.
What should you store in your butler’s pantry?
The answer here will depend on the function. If your butler’s pantry will store countertop appliances like a toaster, blender, mixer, etc. then you want to be sure to have a sturdy countertop space that can double as prep space for using those items. Also, with this function, you want to be sure you have enough outlets in convenient locations for easy access.
These spaces can also be used to clear up any busy mealtime traffic jams that may happen at times like breakfast, when everyone is trying to get out the door. Incorporating a coffee station with enough room for a coffee maker, storage for coffee beans and accessories like a grinder, mugs, etc.
As was stated before, a second sink or dishwasher could help hide post-dinner party messes and start the cleanup before the guests have even left.
Finally, if you plan to get a lot of use either prepping or cleaning in your butler’s pantry, consider introducing some natural light so you don’t feel as if you’ve been shut in a cupboard. If it’s along an exterior wall a window or a skylight would not go amiss.
If you’d like to explore your options for adding your own butler’s pantry to your home, speak with one of our experienced designers at a Fairview location near you.
