{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA Tradepass Advertise jobs Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2024 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

C.J Bruce

Housing author

Bring in the Butler

{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
In a modern kitchen, the butler’s pantry provides functionality and hides away the mighty mess. We reveal the value of the must-have butler’s pantry.

In the latter half of the 19th century, the butler’s pantry emerged as a haven to plate up. For wealthy families, it was the domain of house staffs, thus the name ‘butler’s pantry’. It also stored silverware and china. While we no longer have our ‘Jeeves’ or even Downton Abbey’s ‘Carson’, the butler’s pantry is not a relic of the past. The number of users who searched for this on the Houzz website increased by 311 per cent in 2022 compared to 2021.

Here are top five elements for which customers are looking for in butler’s pantries.

1. Consider the layout and space

This extension adds an additional room to the home, so a Butler’s pantry can be well accommodated. As a guide, the width of the walkway should be at least 1000mm, then add another 600mm for benchtops. Consider L-shaped cabinetry to make the best use of the space.

Photo courtesy: Artisan Kitchen and Bathroom Joinery Coffs Harbour www.artisancoffsharbour.com

2. Close the door on mess

The main function of a butler’s pantry is to store additional clutter, resulting in a streamlined kitchen environment perfect for entertaining and meal prepping. Allowing homeowners, the option to put dirty dishes aside in a separate, closed-off room in the midst of a dinner party is invaluable. By installing a door that aligns with the pre-existing kitchen design, one can achieve a seamless look and functionality within the kitchen space.

Photo courtesy: Mick Ainsworth Building mickainsworthbuilding.com.au

3. Storage solutions

Floor to ceiling cabinets and cupboards ensure optimal storage capacity. Installing open shelving between 100 and 300mm wide above the benchtop allows for ease of access to reach for and replace items. An additional function of glass cabinet and cupboard doors can make everything visible at a glance to avoid items getting lost behind each other. Of course, if you’d rather hide the clutter, doors that match your main kitchen work a treat.

Photo courtesy: Mick Ainsworth Building mickainsworthbuilding.com.au

4. Lighting logistics

Natural light, such as skylights, is a bonus but task lighting is essential for these small spaces to avoid blocked sources. A combination of ceiling downlights, LED strips installed under overhead shelves and in-cupboard lights can mean that every corner of your butler’s pantry is properly illuminated. Flexible lighting is also important as the lighting levels you may require for food preparation will be completely different to the levels required to quickly grab an essential. Consider installing a micro-switch in which a tip catch is attached to the door frame, so it triggers the lights upon entrance.

Photo courtesy: Taswood Joinery www.taswoodjoinery.com.au

5. Multi-purpose function

For homeowners with less space, a room solely used for additional storage and appliances may seem excessive. To troubleshoot this issue, install plumbing into the pantry so the space can be used as a laundry/storage room. Washing machines and dryers are often unattractive and noisy items that can benefit by being hidden away within the oasis of the butler’s pantry.

If the amount of floor space allows for it, one other solution might be to use the butler’s pantry as a link between the main kitchen and the laundry location, which can be a great solution for workflow and efficiency.

Carmen Hansberry Design
Photo courtesy: Carmen Hansberry Design linktr.ee/carmenhansberrydesign

So, butlers’ pantries aren’t just for the select few with kitchen space spare. More households want to hide away more than their food items but also their means to bake, create and clean up.

Through this increase in demand for additional pantry storage and facilities, kitchen installations can increase in cost by up to 30 per cent of the pre-existing fee with the cost of these pantries ranging from $8,000 to $25,000. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to jump on this growing consumer trend!

 

First published on 23 October 2023

You might also like:

Awards Environment Projects Sustainability
Green from the outset
Three award-winning sustainable experts explain how being smart and considered ultimately brings health and happiness to a home and its occupants.
Jan 25
5 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
BASIX Fire safety Inspiration Projects
True grit
Resilience, determination and strength of character came into play for three HIA members when they had to deal with immense challenges. Here’s how they managed to overcome adversity.
Dec 24
6 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Design Inspiration Innovation Projects
Going the distance
In business, endurance is the key to long-term success. Find out how four HIA members have set up for the long game.
Dec 24
5 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Projects Inspiration Residential Renovations
Refined elegance
This reimagined Brisbane residence honours its iconic industrial roots while embracing a striking, refined modern aesthetic.
Nov 24
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Projects Inspiration Innovation Design
Embracing individuality
In an ever-evolving industry such as residential construction, finding a niche is more than a strategy – it's a necessity. Meet three HIA members who have embraced their differences and set themselves on the path to success.
Nov 24
4 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Inspiration Residential Projects
Water's edge
This stunning, award-winning Otago Bay home honours family legacy with a blend of contemporary design, environmental sensitivity and exceptional craftsmanship.
Oct 24
5 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Kitchens Renovations Design Projects
Touches of terracotta
Studio Minosa's award-winning redesign of Teracota Apartments' penthouse kitchen blends luxurious materials and innovative technology, creating a sophisticated, functional space that redefines luxury living.
Oct 24
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Design Inspiration Projects Residential
Carving a niche
Renowned for its commitment, determination and passion for constructing quality homes, VM Building reveals its point of difference that helped take out the 2024 HIA Australian Spec Home Award.
Sep 24
4 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Bathroom Design Inspiration Projects Renovations
In the pink
International art hotels were the inspiration when award-winning interior designer Gavin Hepper designed a luxe ensuite in Sydney’s leafy suburb of Hunter Hills.
Sep 24
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Design Projects Renovations
Swan River beauty
Zorzi Builders, winners of the 2024 HIA Australian Renovation/Addition Project Award, shares how the team transformed this ugly duckling with ‘solid bones’ into a true Swan River beauty.
Sep 24
4 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Design Apprentice Projects
On point
After running a family-owned and operated business for nearly 30 years, Denis and Esther Carroll of Horizon Homes have seen an incredible evolution in display homes.
Sep 24
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Building developments Design Projects
Precast perfection
With a plethora of luxury inclusions and a bright, airy feel, the HIA Townhouse of the Year delivers all the liveability features of a freestanding home – and more.
Sep 24
4 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight