The single biggest trend in kitchen design at the moment is the Butler’s Pantry. How do you know if it will work in your home? Read on to find out.
A Butler’s Pantry – The biggest trend in Northern Beaches’ kitchens
The single biggest trend in kitchen design at the moment is the Butler’s Pantry. If you are currently planning or dreaming about a new kitchen, it’s definitely worthwhile considering as it could be the most versatile area of your home. But let’s start with the history behind Butler’s Pantries and go from there.
What is a Butler’s Pantry?
Also known as a Butler’s Kitchen, Butler’s Pantries were originally used for storing fine china, large serving platters, silverware, alcohol and other valuable items. In wealthy families, the area was locked and only the Butler had the key. In smaller homes, the Butler’s Pantry was also used to serve and plate meals.
What is a Butler’s Pantry used for today?
These days, Butler’s Pantries are as individual as their owners and a lot depends on how much space you have available.
Generally speaking, a Butler’s Pantry is incorporated into a kitchen design in one of three ways.
- The workhorse of a home
- Valuable kitchen storage space or
- Additional preparation area
Here are our top 7 suggestions on how you could incorporate a Butler’s Pantry into your new kitchen
#1
If you have an older home with a walk-in pantry, you could convert it into a Butler’s Pantry to store your china, crockery, wine, bakeware, glassware etc. If possible, you may also like to include a dishwasher or drinks fridge.
#2
If you would like to expand the footprint of your kitchen without removing walls and other big renovation tasks, look at gaining additional kitchen space by including a Butler’s Pantry on the other side of a wall.
#3
Some people use their Butler’s Pantry to provide invaluable bench space for preparing school lunches, baking, meal preparation or as a cocktail bar.
#4
Butler’s Pantry can also be used to accommodate small appliances such as toasters, sandwich makers, blenders, mixers, kettles and coffee machines. With a large bench and lots of powerpoints, you could have these kitchen essentials permanently set up and ready to go.
#5
If you have a number of pets, a Butler’s Pantry can be a great zone for preparing their meals. This works particularly well if it’s the kid’s responsibility to feed the pets because it keeps them out of your busy main kitchen area while you are cooking dinner.
#6
Medium-sized Butler’s Pantries can include sinks and dishwashers so all the dirty dishes are hidden from view.
#7
If space is available, you can design your Butler’s Pantry as a full working kitchen with sink, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator and oven. Then the rest of your kitchen can be used as an entertainment zone and serving area.
2 Things to consider when designing a Butler’s Pantry
#1
While a Butler’s Pantry is a great idea to provide additional kitchen space, if it’s not designed with care, it can increase prep time as you walk between your main kitchen and your Butler’s Pantry. So when designing your Butler’s Pantry, make sure your everyday items remain at hand.
#2
Think carefully about how you want to use your Butler’s Pantry. That will determine:
- How much space you need
- How many powerpoints you will require
- If you need plumbing for a sink or dishwasher
Sydney’s Northern Beaches prestige kitchen designers
When planning a new kitchen, there is a lot to consider to blend aesthetics and functionality. It’s also a big investment so it’s worth doing well.
When you choose Collaroy Kitchen Centre to design and build your kitchen, Butler’s Pantry or bathroom, you are choosing a team of perfectionists. In fact, our Director, John Olsen began his career at one of Denmark’s most renown customer furniture makers. He now incorporates this level of care into every client’s home.
For your protection, we are licensed builders who are members of the Master Builders Association and the Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA).
If you are looking for a custom-designed kitchen that’s built with care, contact Collaroy Kitchen Centre by calling 02 9972 9300 or email us.
