Walk-in pantry, larder, back kitchen, scullery… Whatever you want to call it, this space is a wonderland of practicality and organisation that can transform your kitchen.

A walk-in pantry has become a ‘dream kitchen wishlist’ item. Although, for many, it may seem like an unattainable goal. But luckily, you don’t need as much space as you might think and, with some clever planning, it can be relatively simple to integrate into your scheme.

Intrigued? KBB journo Charlotte Luxford investigates how to design, style and maximise your own walk-in pantry…

“The current trend is to design a pantry with secret ‘Narnia’ doors that look like part of the tall cabinetry in the kitchen, yet take you to another room altogether,” says Tim Higham, founder of Higham Furniture. The easiest way to achieve this is with pocket or sliding doors to maximise floor space and create easy access to cabinets, drawers, shelves and cupboards.

Tom Howley, creative design director at Tom Howley, suggests that the first port of call when planning your walk-in pantry is to consider how much space you’re able to allocate to it, which will, in turn, determine the overall layout. This may be a linear layout, L shape or U shape – perhaps it’s even tucked in an awkward corner to best utilise the space.

Practicalities

Roundhouse’s senior designer Allison Lynch notes that ventilation and temperature should also be taken into consideration when deciding on its location, to ensure whatever you keep in the larder stays cool and fresh. While originally a larder would be used for storing meats and perishable foods, and a pantry was where linens, crockery and utensils were stowed away, the two have become largely interchangeable, as has their functionality.

The pantry is now a catch-all for storing not just non-perishables, but also bulky appliances such as juicers, mixers and blenders, but also many agree that even fruit and vegetables are best stored here rather than in the fridge, and may even last longer and taste better.

Storing it all is another matter, and working with a designer can help you come up with a tailored solution that works best for you. “A combination of deep shelving and drawers is often best for an efficient space, paired with well-designed task lighting,” says Alex Main, director at The Main Company. He suggests deciding what you’d like to store first, and creating zones within the pantry.

For example, for dried foods, opt for see-through containers like glass jars. Baskets and boxes on shelves are great for storing snacks and bread, while deep drawers can store heavier items like tins and sauces, and provide better visibility.

The finishing touches

Those finer details make all the difference, too. For example, hanging rails are excellent for displaying extra pans and utensils. Baskets are perfect for storing napkins, tea towels, or even root vegetables. Graeme Smith of Life Kitchens also suggests incorporating wine and plate racks, as well as stepped shelving, which not only increases space, but also allows you to see what you have in the cupboard with ease. If you’ve got a tall pantry, a fold-out step ladder may be useful to get to those hard-to-reach items.

Got ample space? Consider plumbing in an extra sink and a second dishwasher, so the room becomes more of a ‘back kitchen’ for meal preparation or baking, as well as for clearing away after entertaining.

Most designers agree that the walk-in pantry should feel like a natural extension of the kitchen. It may be painted in a bold shade for an element of surprise and personality, but its style, whether modern or traditional, will often align with the kitchen’s, with elements such as hardware creating a sense of cohesion.

Now, let’s look at some stunning walk-in pantry ideas for any kitchen size and style to boost your creativity…

Inspiration gallery

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