Creating your ‘wow’ pantry

Once a hidden, utilitarian space for storing bread and dry goods, the pantry has come a long way from its traditional English roots. With the rise of open-plan living, today’s kitchens call for smart, stylish storage solutions that keep clutter at bay. Enter the modern pantry, a functional yet beautiful extension of the kitchen, designed to work hard behind the scenes while blending seamlessly into everyday living.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or rethinking your current setup, we’ve noted a few key elements of the pantry and their features to inspire you to create a space that’s as practical as it is beautifully considered.

Storage

Thoughtfully designed storage is at the heart of a truly functional pantry. Open shelving enables the space not to feel too dense but maintain plenty of storage space, perfect for displaying jars, dry goods, tins, baskets or those go-to ingredients you reach for daily.

Soft-close drawers are perfect for storing items out of the way and reduce visual clutter. Who doesn’t love a snack drawer?

Countertop space is always so welcome in a walk in pantry; it’s useful for storage of course but also serves as great prep space and really useful for plating up desserts and keeping things like a cheese board or birthday cakes out of the way until needed.

The prep countertop space in a walk in pantry is also popular for frequently used countertop appliances. In the Westerham project the client does all the baking in the walk in pantry so she keeps everything she needs in there with the kitchenaid on the counter. It’s this careful layering of storage and thoughtful design that makes the pantry not only work harder but feel effortlessly organised.

doors

The doors of the pantry set the tone for the room and influence how the space feels and flows. Pocket doors are a clever, understated choice, sliding away neatly into the wall to preserve openness. A firm favourite for our clients is our Oxford Doors by HM. Traditional glazed doors such as this offer a glimpse inside while keeping clutter at bay. They also allow natural light to pass through which can be helpful, especially if there are no windows which is often the case in pantries.

Slim double doors are also favoured by HM clients, offering a slightly grander look. Another option is secret doors, where doors are integrated into cabinetry which can help when continuity needs to be preserved or simply for a unique wow factor.

Choosing the right door is a really considered decision and you have to think about how you live day to day. Do you want to close off the space completely with a solid door, leave it open most of the time with a pocket door, or keep a glimpse in view with a glazed door?

lighting

Lighting is often the quiet hero of a well-designed pantry. Built-in lighting under shelves adds a layer of warmth, making the space feel both welcoming and open. It’s about more than just visibility; it’s about atmosphere. Discreet spotlights in the ceiling or above key zones can help to define the space. Together, these elements create a pantry that feels as beautifully intentional as the rest of the kitchen, illuminated not just for function, but for feeling.

flooring

Flooring in a pantry should be both practical and visually appealing, grounding the space with character. For example, our Kensington Chequered Marble does exactly that. Its classic look adds a subtle sense of classic English formality and style, while the natural stone brings depth, texture, and durability underfoot. Flooring such as this can offer an opportunity to define different zones and add a striking feature in a space where function leads.

accessories

At HM we offer a range of accessories to boost the functionality and practicality of our pantry projects. The Mini Steps and ladders (both full height and counter height) are functional accessories that bring higher storage spaces into reach, not only making it easier for the user, but it means the full wall space in the pantry can be used in its entirety.

Our bespoke spice and condiment racks are another popular option that creates plenty of storage for smaller bottles and jars and ensures they are easily accessible. They can also be placed in areas where cabinetry wouldn’t fit meaning storage space is maximised.

At HM every room is considered with equal measure, the functionality and look of the pantry are just as important as the kitchen and our expert design team are dedicated to helping you get the most out of your space. If you have a project in mind you’d like to discuss with us please contact us here.

Images by Paul Craig