The Kitchen Pantry...

photo: Country Living

The kitchen pantry has made a huge comeback in today's modern kitchens and has enjoyed a revival for those of us possessing, or pining for, a "kitchen of yesteryear". For some, adding a kitchen pantry stems from sheer necessity: larger and simply more small appliances have invaded our kitchens, and the huge bulk purchases of paper towels and flour that we stock up on take over the recesses of our cabinets like "space invaders" of our own time. Adding a pantry makes perfect sense in our modern world and serves multiple functions for today's busy families.

Of course, aesthetics often factor into the design equation for homeowners wishing to create pretty pantries...pantries that not only serve as a space for our food wares, but also as the perfect spot to showcase our collections of dishware, glasses, and teacups.

photo source: Flikr.com

We have even tossed out the ever-so-sensible Tupperware and plastic storage containers - partly out of fear of leaching chemicals into our foods; and partly because...well... plastic really isn't all that pretty!

Indeed, we are resurrecting the gool ol' Mason jars...giving them orderly tags...even embellishing them with fabric scraps to dignify their metal lids! In fact, it is this need for order in every aspect of our home that has led to the streamlining of our pantries into areas that we now want to show off! We are unveiling our pantries for all to see, using pretty wooden screen or glass doors to enclose their goods.

photo: Country Living

Shelves are often lined with delicate papers in pleasing patterns...perhaps even pom pom fringe or lace trim tacked to their edges! Pantries are no longer the utilitarian closets they once were. Just as we are taught to organize every space in our home, we are also being inspired to do so in an eye-catching way!

photography: Jean Allsopp

For those of us without such grand aspirations, our pantries are left hidden...stuffed full of actual necessities. With today's rising food costs, some are returning to our grandmother's ideals of maintaining a well-stocked pantry "just in case." Pantries like this are oblivious to the need for beauty. It is more about how much is in there rather than how pretty it looks. Either way, I am happy the pantry is experiencing this revival. I have had pantries of both kinds in previous homes, but presently have neither. Which means one of two things: I either finally have ample cabinet space for my food and appliances, or I need to stock up!!

What about you? Tell me about your pantry...

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I love this idea of using a vintage apron to use in your pantry for storage of recipe cards, twine, elastic bands, etc.

photo: Country Home

Pantries are a great spot to store those large bags of pet food. I also love this idea of incorporating a "pet pantry" of sorts into your cabinetry for easy access to your pet's feeding needs.

photography (above and below) Emily Milton Redfield

This is a very common, and more modern, approach to the old-fashioned pantry: organized, and out of sight/out of mind!!

The pantry below was obviously well-planned and incorporated into the design of the kitchen. It is also imminently do-able for anyone with a little extra space at their ready in a pre-existing kitchen.

photographer: John O'Hagan

Aahh...I would love to have a pantry like this! A well-stocked pantry means less last-minute trips to the grocery store!