In earlier times when most people lived closer to the land, winters were the perfect time for celebrations. Harvests were reaped and stored, and it was time to socialize and share the abundance of a good year. A kitchen storage closet is usually called a pantry, but also the larder, storeroom or butlery. The function? Keep handy all those things we need, especially during the holidays, to welcome guests and share in the abundance of life.
In the opening shot, the glass cabinet doors display the special ornaments, pedestal plates, bowels, pitchers and candlestick holders that make the table festive. (Upland Development for a home in Promontory.)
Upland Development (Ryan and Jesica Taylor) have been perfecting their approach to walk-in pantries without doors, as seen above. The kitchen screens the pantry behind, and it is accessible from both sides in a U-shape against the far wall. For collaborative cooking, movement is easy without getting into one another’s way.
The organization of this pantry keeps heavy things on the lowest shelves; food items on open shelves where they may be quickly retrieved; seldom used items like the fondue pot, tiered serving plates and vases on the top shelves; and closed cabinet doors for large platters and table linens. (J Squared Interiors)
Robert McArthur Studios creates new pantry space in this remodel of a home.
Very subtle opaque glass doors open to the pantry in this sleek Promontory home designed by K. Rocke Design (Kristen Rocke).
Inside are a combination of open display shelves with LED lighting, closed cabinets, appliances, and glass display shelves for heirloom linens and silver.
Ezra Lee Design + Build created a pantry with ample light provided by high windows, pendants and task lighting on the counters set with small appliances.
AMB Design (Anne-Marie Barton) creates a pantry without doors. It is set along the hallway with a wall separating it from the kitchen.
In a very different approach, Aerie Construction (Mike Mercer) creates a secret door to this pantry.
In a Glenwild home, J Squared Interiors adds functionality to the pantry with extended countertops and ample electrical connections.
Color makes this pantry in a Promontory home designed by K. Rocke Design (Kristen Rocke) a delightful room for spending time.
In addition to aesthetics, the roll-out bins add practical and make it easy to inventory supplies.
If this pantry looks familiar, you can find the home and the pantry featured in the current issue of Utah Style and Design.
It’s interesting to me that pantries were quite common in luxury homes of the 19th and early 20th Century, but they largely disappeared from modern kitchens. They are certainly back. I see them in not only luxury homes, but more modestly sized houses, apartments and condos. It returns a practicality and ease of living and adjusts storage to the needs of today.
All Photos by Scot Zimmerman.
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