While the pantry is an essential part of the kitchen, it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Your pantry isn’t simply for storing food. You can also use it to contain small appliances and kitchen tools. A well-designed pantry will prevent your kitchen from becoming cluttered and make your space more enjoyable to use. Today, our trusted kitchen contractors share things to keep in mind when planning your kitchen pantry. 

Things to Consider

• Door Clearance – A sliding or folding door is ideal for a kitchen pantry. These door styles don’t consume as much space as a hinged door. However, you can still opt for an outward-opening door if you have plenty of room. If possible, avoid an inward-opening door because it can make your pantry tighter and limit storage space.
• Lighting – A kitchen pantry usually doesn’t have a window, so invest in quality LED lighting to ensure your space is well-lit. Consider adding a skylight if you’re living in a single-story home. Also, make sure that the light switch is conveniently placed by the door. 
• Top Shelf Access – What’s the point of adding floor-to-ceiling storage during a kitchen remodel if you have no way to reach the top shelves? If you have enough space, place a ladder on a sliding rail for top-shelf access. Keep things you frequently use on the lower shelves and the least-used items on the upper shelves. 
• Position – You need to consider how easily you can access your pantry when cooking. Your pantry shouldn’t get in the way of kitchen traffic or be too far from the preparation area. Also, consider having a kitchen counter near your pantry for convenient restocking.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Overstuffing Your Pantry – Placing too much stuff in a small pantry will make it difficult to move around the space. You may need to add more storage in your kitchen if your pantry can’t hold all your items. 
• Excessive Humidity – Place a dehumidifier in your pantry to maintain proper air moisture levels and keep food fresh longer. If possible, don’t place your pantry near the laundry room or bathroom. These rooms tend to be the most humid in the house.   
• Form Over Function – Aside from beauty, consider practicality when designing shelves and picking materials. While untreated wood might be appealing, it’s more prone to mold and pests. Also take note of the depth and height of the shelves. 

Turn to DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Reno for all your home remodeling needs. Whether your kitchen needs cabinet refacing or a complete remodel, we’re here to help. Give us a call at (775) 200-9232 or complete our contact form to start a conversation today!