The return of the pantry

April 26KitchenStorage space
A dark green kitchen with a hatch and an inward opening door to a pantry
Not so long ago, the pantry was a staple in almost every home in central Europe. With the advent of refrigerators and freezers, it gradually lost its importance. Even so, the pantry has lots going for it. And when implemented right, it can look genuinely contemporary too.

It may sound paradoxical, but it is precisely the modern, open-plan kitchen that provides the perfect setting for the comeback of the pantry. Nothing disrupts the clean, styled aesthetic of a living and dining space more than provisions left out in the open or on overflowing shelves. This is where the pantry comes into its own – ideally with a discreetly concealed entrance that blends seamlessly into the overall look of the kitchen. Blum Inspirations showcases a kitchen that combines high functionality with an elegantly integrated pantry.

Island kitchen with a discreet extra

It may look like a standard island kitchen at first glance. But there is a pantry, concealed by a clever design solution: Instead of a tall cabinet, a furniture door with inward opening hinges has been installed, blending seamlessly into the handle-less kitchen aesthetic. A light touch is all it takes for the door to open and reveal the pantry

– and the generous storage space inside. The large SPACE TOWER larder unit, in particular, provides plenty of room and convenience. Unlike conventional pantry shelves, SPACE TOWER allows easy access to items stored at the back, thanks to its fully extending drawers.

Tidy and organised...

...and plenty of storage space

A hatch for all occasions

Once the right provisions have been selected, another connection to the front of the kitchen can be handy: a hatch. The REVEGO pocket system, combined with a pull-out shelf, creates a convenient pass-through for quickly transferring provisions from the rear to the front area.

This is especially useful after the weekly shop: dry goods, such as flour or nuts, go into the SPACE TOWER and frozen items into the freezer in the pantry. Anything that needs chilling is placed on the shelf and can be conveniently loaded into the kitchen fridge from the other side. The pull-out shelf also serves as a convenient surface for setting things down while putting away groceries.

A red toaster is placed on an open hatch that links the pantry to the kitchen.

The pull-out shelf in the hatch makes it easy to transfer provisions and kitchen appliances from the pantry to the kitchen area.

A man opening a half-height REVEGO pocket system that serves as a hatch door.

With REVEGO serving as the hatch door, it is completely out of sight when closed, while opening and closing with ease.

An open, inward opening furniture door, for a pantry

The pantry door opens inward and can be implemented with fittings from Blum’s standard range. You can even add a small extra shelf behind the door.

Tips and tricks for the perfect pantry

  • An open larder unit with integrated drawers keeps things organised and provides additional storage space

  • Plan the access door so that it does not block the storage space or pathways

  • Store frequently used food items near the door and within easy reach

  • Provide a surface to set down groceries to make unpacking easier

  • A cool, dark environment helps preserve the shelf life of food

  • Plan the pantry close to the kitchen for short convenient distances

Is a pantry right for me?

Whether a pantry is worth having is a very personal decision. Beyond aesthetic aspects, the decisive factor is simply whether you have the space – not every apartment or house can accommodate one. That said, if you’re building a new home, above-the-ground storage space can be a more affordable alternative to a costly cellar. 

Whether you choose to have a pantry also depends on your shopping habits, which can be shaped by cultural traditions. In many Asian countries, for example, people tend to buy fresh ingredients at the market and use them immediately, while in countries such as Australia or New Zealand, long distances mean people shop less frequently and store larger amounts of provisions. A good rule of thumb: the more provision you like to keep on hand, the more storage space you’ll need – and the more worthwhile a dedicated pantry becomes. 

The details at a glance:

  • Hidden pantries keep modern kitchens looking clean and uncluttered

  • Furniture doors as access doors blend seamlessly with the aesthetics of the kitchen

  • Larder units with drawers make the most of the available space and keep stored items within easy reach

  • A hatch connecting the pantry to the kitchen makes everyday tasks – like putting away groceries – much more convenient

  • Whether a pantry is worth having is a personal decision and depends on various factors: the look you’re going for, how much space you have and how you like to shop

Got a question or ideas you want to share?

We'd love to hear from you!
Sandra Schulz
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