Pantry Goals | Smart Kitchen Storage From Weeknights to Holiday Hosting
When clients approach us for custom kitchens or built-ins, I often return to a guiding principle. There should be a place for everything, and everything should be in its place!
I recently shared this approach with Forbes for a story about pantry cabinetry. With gathering season approaching, it feels like a good time to revisit the details that ensure a kitchen functions well, especially when there are more people in the house and more meals to prepare.
Designed Around Your Daily Life
Well-designed kitchen and pantry cabinetry begins with understanding how a client lives. We discuss the appliances they use, where they make their coffee, and what they need close at hand while cooking. Giving those things a dedicated place helps eliminate visual clutter and keeps the main counters available for preparation.
In a recent renovation, we converted an underutilized built-in desk near the kitchen into a fully integrated appliance garage. A combination of open and concealed storage allowed us to accommodate everyday essentials alongside larger countertop appliances.
Here is your sneak peek! Finished project photography is coming soon, but we couldn’t resist sharing a few work-in-progress snapshots in the meantime. Keep an eye out for the full reveal…
Beyond the cabinetry, it’s the intention behind this update that make it work so well. We included integrated lighting, pull-out shelves, and organized drawer inserts for coffee mugs and charging devices.
By planning electrical outlets in advance, the appliances can remain plugged in but hidden, ready to use without crowding the kitchen counters. A dedicated coffee station also streamlined the family’s morning routine and freed up valuable prep space in the main work zone!
A Home for Your Morning Brew
During the holidays, having a separate place for coffee allows guests to help themselves while someone else prepares breakfast. Larger appliances are accessible when needed, and there is a designated spot for the everyday items that might otherwise collect on the counter.
Room to Pour
Maximizing space also requires thoughtful layering of storage. In another project, we designed a butler-style cabinet for wine and glassware. Accommodating bottle storage reduced the available countertop space, so we integrated a concealed pull-out shelf beneath a stack of drawers.
Inspired by traditional English cabinetry, the shelf created a functional surface for pouring and preparation while maintaining a tailored appearance. It’s such a useful detail for entertaining, particularly in a cabinet where every inch has a purpose. I snapped a few photos on my phone to give you a closer look at how it works!
Whether we’re designing a walk-in pantry or a standalone cabinet, the process begins with early planning and intentional conversations.
How a family cooks on a busy weeknight matters just as much as how they host a holiday dinner. Storage should feel intuitive, never improvised, and when everything has a place, the kitchen is ready for both.
Read the full Forbes article here for more on pantry cabinetry.