Perfect for increasing your kitchen’s functionality and keeping things organised, butler’s pantries are becoming all the more popular in Brisbane homes.
An extra culinary space that often links directly to the kitchen, these fantastic additions provide a dedicated setting for preparing meals and storing items. Thinking about creating one in your property? Here are some need-to-know tips to get you started…
Maximising space
One of the most crucial things to keep in mind is the space of your new butler’s pantry. These additional culinary spaces are typically on the smaller side, making it important to use clever design ideas. However large your butler’s pantry is or will be, the general rule of thumb is that its walkway should be 1,000 millimetres wide and its benchtops should be 600 millimetres wide – this ensures you actually have room to move and use the space.
When planning out your butler’s pantry, look into open shelving to avoid ‘closing up’ the space. Alternatively, you can also invest in glass shelving so natural light can also easily flow throughout and you can see what is stored inside. Next, take inventory of what items you will actually keep in your butler’s pantry. Any bulky or awkwardly-shaped appliances might require custom storage solutions; turntable-style ‘rollable’ shelving and ‘pull-out’ draws can be very helpful.
Consider functionality
Along with considering how to increase space, it’s also important to think about exactly how you will use your butler’s pantry. Are you an avid cook that needs extra preparation space? Do you love to entertain and want to keep your kitchen tidy when hosting guests? Are you planning on basically using your butler’s pantry as a large walk-in pantry? Ask yourselves this in advance to create the best butler’s pantry for your abode.
For general everyday use, it’s advisable to include a small sink and power points where you think you might store a kettle, a toaster and other everyday appliances. If you’re wanting to use your main kitchen as an entertainment space, look into perhaps adding a wine fridge to your butler’s pantry. An extra dishwasher will also hide dirty dishes away from the main kitchen when gathering family and friends for a home-cooked feast. Whichever is more your style, be sure to also leave ample preparation space.
Keep things light and bright
As butler’s pantries tend to be small in space, maximising the light coming into the area can essentially ‘open up’ the room and have a great impact. If possible, add windows and or skylights or even create a window-style splashback. Smaller butler’s pantries will also require an extractor/exhaust fan to keep air circulating properly.
Your butler’s pantry is also a functional space, so think about where you might want to install lighting. Strip or under-cabinet lighting will help illuminate the whole area and make it feel beautifully airy. Directional spotlights or downlights will also brighten up the space and make food preparation hassle-free.
Intelligent design ideas
Another brilliant way to make your butler’s pantry feel larger is to create a flow between it and the adjoining kitchen. Whether you decide to keep the space fully open or close it off with a sliding or barn-style door, using the same benchtops and cabinetry in both culinary areas will create cohesiveness and keep things from feeling too sectioned off.
With space at a premium, it’s also smart to opt for sleek finishes in your butler’s pantry design. Seek out cabinetry with clean lines and handle-free cupboards for incredible results. Lastly, get the most out of the space by using full-height shelving and storing items you might not use regularly up high.
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