A Pantry Might Be What Your Kitchen Is Missing
We add closets to every room in our houses, but somehow the kitchen seems to be forgotten when it comes to closet storage space. Perhaps this is because a kitchen has so much storage already, in the form of cupboards (or mini-closets) hanging from the walls already. But these storage spaces are often not quite enough for the extra things that a working kitchen contains. You may not realize that you lack storage space, but have you ever been annoyed with how hard it is to find that extra can of soup when it is buried 5 cans deep on the 3rd shelf, or noticed that the counters always seem cluttered with appliances that really are only used about once a month. The pantry was quite common for all of these functions in the past, but somehow they fell out of fashion.
A kitchen pantry as part of your new house kitchen design, or kitchen renovation is a perfect way to add that little bit of extra storage needed to keep your kitchen in a perfect balance of function and simplicity. Adding extra storage space will not only make your kitchen a joy to work in, but it is one of those big sellers on the list of amenities that buyers can’t seem to do without. Adding storage space will inevitably add value to the bottom line of your house.
Not only will the addition of a kitchen pantry add value to your home but they also add convenience to working in the kitchen. There are two main types of kitchen pantries: those for storage and those for function. Each has individual merits. The functional pantries tend to be bigger but that isn’t always the case. Choosing the pantry that is right for you and your kitchen is a matter of taste.
A storage pantry is an easy addition if you are renovating – simply add a closet sized space in a tucked away corner, and outfit it with shallow shelves at eye level, and larger shelves down below. You might also want some pull out bins to store extra dried goods. An old fashioned bin for storing your flour is always a nice touch. If you plan to store vegetables, you will want to make sure that your containers have proper air circulation.
A working pantry will often require additional space and extra resources – these are most often walk-in mini-kitchens where you can prepare food and baking without having all the supplies and appliances all over the counters in the main kitchen. These are ideal if you are planning a party and have lots of small dishes and prep mess that you can just leave in the pantry, while you bring out the final dishes for heating and serving in the kitchen where your guests gather. Although these working pantries are generally quite large, I have seen a very functional working pantry made up of a tiny prep sink, a small counter, disposal unit underneath, and storage shelves above. All this was contained in a 3 foot wide space that had floor to ceiling doors that closed up and hid this prep and cleanup area away as though it was just another set of pantry cupboards.
Think seriously about adding the benefits of a kitchen pantry to your house. Pantries are an affordable way to boost the value of your home and the convenience of your kitchen. Think about what type of pantry would serve you and your family best. You can’t go wrong with adding a closet or a pantry to your kitchen.
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