5 Butler’s Pantry Design Ideas
Kitchens have become THE gathering place, but even large kitchens can quickly fill with guests cramping your meal prep space. If you like to entertain, you might want to consider adding a butler’s pantry in your home. Here are a few ideas and suggestions to help you design the ideal butler’s pantry for your needs.
Planning Makes Perfect
Carefully consider all of the functions you want the butler’s pantry to perform. Are you looking for extra prep space? A place to store serving supplies? Somewhere to hide dirty dishes until the end of the evening? A mini-bar area? Design a space that will make entertaining easier.
If you are looking to add a sink, you will need to consider plumbing. Lighting is also important. Include a combination of task lighting and a statement fixture, such as a chandelier.
Storage Solutions
A butler’s pantry is a great place to store items that just don’t fit in the kitchen, but are used often enough to not be kept in the basement or attic. Store serving bowls and dishes, as well as small appliances like mixers, in deep drawers or solid faced cabinets.
Incorporate dividers for trays and platters. Display rarely used china and stemware in glass fronted cabinets or open shelving. Protect flatware in drawers. Add a wine rack or fridge to keep bottles organized and handy.
Showcase Favorite Items
While a butler’s pantry might have been kept out of sight in the past, today, in addition to serving a specific function, it is also a showcase space.
Feature your favorite finds and pieces in lighted cabinets with glass doors. Incorporate high-end countertops and a tile backsplash. Dot the counter with beautiful trays and bowls filled with colorful items.
Bar and Beverage Stations
Amp up your entertaining with a bar or beverage station for cocktails and coffee.
Include a mini fridge or wine cooler, small sink, ice maker and/or built-in coffee maker.
Complementary Style
The most popular go-to butler’s pantry look is to use the same materials as in the kitchen by carrying over the cabinets, counters, backsplash and flooring.
You could also opt for complementary materials that blend with the kitchen, but make the space stand out on its own. These dark cabinets are a striking contrast to the home’s white kitchen.
