As far as kitchens are concerned, storage is the number one priority when it comes to maintaining a functional and beautiful space. And nothing quite hits the nail on the head like a pantry.
Often overlooked as simply a catch-all storage space, the pantry has emerged as one of the most sought-after kitchen ideas. If you want 2024 to be the year you finally get control of your kitchen clutter, then the pantry trends of this year are here to make that happen.
'Pantries are popular again because they are just so good, whether it’s a cupboard or a room, it just makes life so much easier,' says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL. 'Having everything in one place, well laid out and easy to access, in my opinion, is absolutely the most important part of any kitchen.'
To provide you with the most trending of pantry trends, we've spoken to the experts to help you create a pantry that not only delivers on storage, but style too. So let's get into it.
8 Pantry Trends To Get You Organized In 2024
Whether you're in the midst of a kitchen remodel and are looking to incorporate a pantry, or looking to add one in to elevate your existing space, we've got the best pantry trends for 2024.
1. Pull-out stations, shelves and drawers
Kitchen designers are witnessing a surge in the pantry trend for pull-out stations and drawers. Why? Because not only do they help to optimize space, but also offer enhanced accessibility – particularly if your pantry is in an awkward space.
'Pantries are essential to achieve a streamlined, clutter-free aesthetic and can be used to house everything from baking goods and kitchen linens to herbs and spices and small appliances,' says Rebecca Nokes, design director at John Lewis of Hungerford. 'They’re also great for creating breakfast stations so you can grab everything you need at breakfast time easily and efficiently'
Richard Davonport, who designed the pantry above, agrees. 'A great addition to any pantry that is tucked away in a corner, is to have a pull-out shelf, especially when you are storing small appliances in the same space,' he advises. 'Choosing to have this option means you can easily pull items out and use them without having to physically lift them out. Make sure you have electrical sockets fitted at the back of the pantry so that you can plug in your machine.'
2. Using the pantry as an appliance garage
It's easy to see why interior designers and homeowners love an appliance garage. For the unfamiliar, as the name suggests, an appliance garage is essentially an integrated or pull-out space for housing and hiding your kitchen appliances. And the pantry is a natural place for this.
A game-changing pantry trend for those who hate countertop clutter, by including power outlets and smart storage solutions into either a cupboard or walk-in pantry, your pantry becomes a discreet hub for your microwave and toaster, keeping them accessible yet out of sight.
'Regular old food storage has given way to the old-timey Butler's Pantry,' observes interior designer Bethany Adams. 'My home was built in 1897 and came with one, but newer construction homes and remodels are all including butler's pantries which are a mix of prep kitchens, bars, and kitchen storage.'
'A pantry is basically whatever you need it to be! Having a dinner party? Great, you have a wet bar! Need space for all of those serving platters: voila, cabinets galore,' says Bethany. 'It's also a useful place to tuck those "wish list" appliances that you don't really need, but would love to have, like an ice maker or coffee maker that might not have make the cut space-wise in your main kitchen.'
3. Opting for a furniture feel with a freestanding pantry
We're also seeing a shift in trends towards freestanding pantry units that add a touch of personality to the kitchen. Either by choosing a piece that complements the overall design to create a cohesive feel or opting for something bold and beautiful to make a statement, like the ruddy pink and blue pantry created by Plain English Designs, seen above.
'In small kitchens, the pantry can be a large cupboard with u-shaped shelving and spice racks on the back of the doors to maximize storage and allow easy access to jars and packets,' suggests Plain English's Merlin Wright.
'Including a freestanding cupboard with shelves lined with jars and bottles gives an enormous sense of comfort and delight while adding the sense of ease and well-being that a piece of furniture brings to a kitchen,' says Merlin. 'The kitchen has become a more lived-in and somewhat emotional space in modern family life, so including a separate pantry cupboard gives the opportunity to create a less fitted kitchen feel with more character.'
'A pantry cupboard often gets overlooked, but with thoughtful design it can be a hidden jewel of a home,' agrees designer Paloma Contreras. 'I advise clients to continue the hardware selection used in the kitchen into the pantry for a cohesive look.'
4. Space-saving sliding or bi-fold doors
When it comes to small pantry design, it's all about maximizing space. Sliding or bi-fold pantry door ideas are a popular pantry trend for their space-saving attributes. They not only add a modern touch but also provide easy access without encroaching on the surrounding kitchen area, making them a practical and pleasing choice for contemporary kitchens.
'Bifold cabinetry doors make access to pantries and nooks easy, with the ability to use small appliances and make breakfast within the space,' suggests Richard Davonport. 'These types of doors – that fold back and are easy to store away – are perfect for revealing hidden gems as part of your kitchen design.'
Choosing bi-fold, sliding, or pocket doors will eliminate the need for clearance space required by traditional hinged doors, making them an ideal choice for compact kitchens – and means the pantry can be left open for continual use while cooking without interrupting your kitchen’s flow.
5. Aesthetic storage
We all understand the social media power of a well-stocked, glass-jar-adorned pantry. So it's no surprise that uniformity and an aesthetically pleasing is a huge pantry trend for 2024. Invest in a collection of all matching canisters and jars to streamline the organization and decant everything from grains to snacks.
'We always invest in matching pantry organizers like canisters, bins, and accessories to make the space beautiful,' advises Paloma Contreras. 'I particularly gravitate towards simple glass canisters and natural materials. Open shelving is a big pantry trend we are seeing in 2024, and I often prefer to use them in the pantry rather than in the kitchen. That way, should anything not be perfectly in its place, at least it is hidden away in a concealed area,' she adds.
'There is nothing much in the world that is more agreeable, useful or underrated than an organized pantry cupboard,' agrees deVOL's Helen Parker. 'Keeping it stocked with everything you need, in an orderly and appealing fashion is the simplest of chores that will bring you joy every time you open its doors.'
6. Providing countertop space in a walk-in pantry
For those fortunate enough to have a walk-in pantry space, consider embracing the trend for additional kitchen countertop space. This then transforms the pantry simply from a storage space to a prep kitchen, allowing you to keep the really messy jobs contained and giving you (and any little ones) the freedom to experiment with recipes, without cluttering up the kitchen.
Richard Davonport says: 'Pantries are generally at eye level, which means you can quickly and easily see what food items you have, as well as dedicated storage such as spice and condiment racks and even dedicated drawers for the likes of bread and vegetables.'
'If you are lucky enough to have a pantry room that allows you to walk into the space, look to provide additional countertops that can easily be closed off when guests arrive, as well as serving as a home for small appliances such as cake mixers that can be used and kept out of sight,' advises Richard.
7. Shopping vintage for maximal character and minimal spend
Decorating with antiques in the kitchen has always been a good idea but it's definitely become more of a trend this year. Shopping for vintage shelves, containers, decor pieces, and even a freestanding pantry cupboard or hutch will add character, and is kinder to the planet, too.
'At deVOL we are passionate about keeping storage in one place, rather than filling your walls with cupboards, advises deVOL's Helen Parker, who helped to design the kitchen seen above. A vintage, dark wood pantry sits happily alongside a brand new deVOL blue kitchen here. It's all about creating a transitional kitchen space that tells a story, blending the old with the new.
'So for a quick solution, we would always recommend a proper classic pantry cupboard, vintage or new, they are perfect,' she suggests. 'If budget is tight, then have a hunt on eBay or at an antique fair, it may take a while to get the size you want but it’s worth the wait.'
'Paint it inside and out in your favorite color,' advises Helen. 'You can be a bit daring with a pantry, so try something bright and bold. Source some beautiful old knobs or use the same as in your existing kitchen to give a link. Then attach some spice racks on the door, and add old boxes, cutlery trays, and baskets to the shelves. It's a satisfying way to create a whole new place to store things,' she adds.
8. Combining with a boot room for extra function
For those of us without endless square footage to dedicate to multiple storage zones in our home, a large walk-in pantry or larder might feel like a waste of much-needed space. However, there is a popular pantry trend that combines pantry with boot room to create a multi-functional stow-away space.
Pantries can also serve a dual purpose as a way of concealing other household necessities. By designating an area that combines a pantry cupboard with a utility or boot room, homeowners can create a hub that caters to all the needs of a busy household. Including a pantry in a boot room or utility space is not just about saving space – it's about enhancing functionality in the home.
If you can spare a small section of your kitchen, try incorporating a run of full-height cabinetry for multi-use storage with beautiful joinery and hardware to match your kitchen cabinets. This can then be used to house pantry staples, washing machines and dryers, cleaning supplies, and even muddy boots and coats all in separate, well-organized cupboards.
A pantry is not just about storing ingredients for baking, cooking, and life's essentials; it's about curating a space that enhances the overall kitchen experience. It's about maximizing every nook and cranny for something both functional and stylish. From the practicality of pull-out stations to the charm of vintage finds, the 2024 pantry trends reflect a collective desire for storage that not only meets our organizational needs but also inspires a sense of personal style and character.
