Dayton Idea Book February 2021

“Once you get your
food prep and storage
areas in order,” says
Erica Winchester
from Closets by
Design, “Cooking and
cleaning will never
be the same.”
Amped up pantries might include a
second refrigerator, oven, microwave or
dishwasher. While entertaining, homeowners
can clear the table and place the
dishes in the pantry and move on to
dessert with a clean backdrop. (If they’ve
played their cards right, they could have
one of their teenagers load the dishwasher
out of sight while guests enjoy
an after-dinner drink.) These pantries
also work beautifully as a staging area or
catering kitchen for parties.
While it may sound like a splurge,
incorporating a working pantry when
building a new home or remodeling a
kitchen might actually allow homeowners
to cut a few corners. Since these areas
are meant to be out of sight, owners can
opt for more affordable options such as
metal shelving and laminate countertops.
And when small appliances and entertaining
supplies—such as serving platters,
barware and the “good” china—are
housed in the pantry, the kitchen may
not need as much cabinetry and countertop
space, says Michelle Moran, partner
at J&K Custom Homes. ➻
1
2
1 A microwave drawer and natural light make
this pantry a handy and inviting space. Hensley
Custom Building Group 2 Plenty of countertop
space allows this pantry to serve as a roomy
space for baking, preparing coffee, or meal
prep in general. Albrecht Wood Interiors photo
by Bob Winner.
housetrends idea book 2021 57