Walk-In Options Provide Space and Beauty
“Less is more” has its place in style and design, but current trends are the opposite for something we all have and need, but that also sometimes takes a back burner in terms of attention: pantries.
That’s changing.
“There is more thought and planning put into pantries today. Dedicating a place and adding functionality for specific items is something that wasn’t as widely focused on decades ago,” Haley Brooks, Lead Designer for VKB Homes in Menasha, says.
“Pantry storage has always been a ‘more is better’ requirement for homeowners. There is a noticeable difference in the kind of pantry that is common lately. We see less of the corner pantries and more walk-in or full height cabinet style pantries.”
“We have seen kitchen pantry designs shift from simple closet spaces to more specialized areas like walk-in pantries and even large butler’s pantries,” Paul Welhouse, Owner of Welhouse Construction Services, LLC in Kaukauna agrees. “This evolution reflects a greater emphasis on storage, functionality and design aesthetics in modern kitchens.”
Now more unique than ever, consider walk-in pantries as an extension of the kitchen itself. Ripe for both fun and functional additions.
Added Storage Space + Functionality
Perhaps the most obvious benefit to the walk-in pantry is the added storage space. With the kitchen being the room in your home most likely to hold appliances and gadgets, it’s a welcome reprieve from cluttered countertops and cabinets.
“The open space of the kitchen does not allow the wall space for the amount of large built-in appliances, and clients would rather have the everyday appliances (coffee maker, toaster, microwave, etc.) ready to use but out of sight,” Ben Vosters, Second Generation Owner of Lloyd Vosters and Son Home Builders in Kaukauna, explains.
“Walk-in pantries have become the space for small appliances and secondary large appliances,” Brooks agrees. “From beverage fridge to a full-size fridge, wall ovens, utility or prep sinks, dishwashers, microwaves, air fryers and stand mixers, they all are being incorporated into walk-in pantries.”
The ability to include extra sinks and extra dishwashers maximizes time-efficiency too.
Of course, the major purpose of the walk-in pantry—storing food—is also boosted with more space as well, and allows you to stock more non-perishable items while also providing more room for perishable items that do not require refrigeration.
For those prepared shoppers, more storage = more space, and more space = less trips to the grocery store. Stocking up and preparing in advance is made easier with larger pantries. And, due to the increase in storage space, a walk-in pantry allows for more customization in how you store your food items and kitchen supplies. Kitchens without walk-in pantries are often limited for storage options so they operate less efficiently. By adding adequate storage space, you can enjoy a more functional kitchen area because items are more easily organized, seen and accessed.
Our experts say organization is key in terms of effortless function, and there are a variety of ways to incorporate unique methods while designing a walk-in pantry.
“One thing that is big now are the roll out shelves for almost all cabinet pantries and larger storage areas in the kitchen cabinets and islands,” Welhouse says. “We have also provided pull out panels for cleaning supplies, brooms, vacuums, etc., much like the fancy pull out spice racks. “It is always fun to find out a customer’s needs/wants (pain points) and design elements into the pantries, kitchen cabinets and islands to make those tasks a lot easier/user friendly. Whether it be a special space/assists for the mixer, pots and pans, specialty utensils, spices, toaster oven, cocktail area, etc.”
Fun in Aesthetics
As if the fun of designing and decorating a kitchen isn’t enough, walk-in pantries provide a new, smaller space to dive into.
“The hidden walk-in pantry is a rising trend we have seen,” Brooks says. “From the outside kitchen it looks like a normal full-height cabinet, but open the doors and you walk into a larger pantry with cabinetry, shelving and sometimes appliances.”
Within the walk-in pantry are a plethora of areas to put your unique stamp on.
Because of their natural purpose of functionality, visibility is key, and that means proper lighting. Our experts suggest LED strips under shelves to provide much-needed visibility, while motion sensors add a bit of futuristic convenience.
Lighting outside of the above, like pendant lights, sconces and perhaps even a chandelier, elevate the walk-in pantry and position the space as an intentional room.
Glass-front cabinets offer a mix between open shelving and traditional cupboards, and create a look that makes the room feel larger, while also maintaining a clean, polished look.
Wire-front cabinets create a more industrial feel to your pantry, offering a modern aesthetic.
If you’re not hiding the contents—like nonperishable food items and other kitchen necessities—our experts say to consider uniform organizational items like clear containers and modern labels.
Vivid colors, patterned wallpaper and more are options for the space. Like their small “cousins,” powder rooms, there’s a no holds barred approach to the aesthetic vibe of walk-in pantries.
“People are having fun with pantry designs!” Brooks exclaims. “Once they get the functionality down, they dress it up with funky wallpaper or patterned floor tile.”