The Comeback of the Butler’s Pantry
July 29, 2022Have you ever heard of a Butler’s Pantry? Maybe if you’re a Downton Abbey fan. If not, you will probably start hearing about them more often–especially if you’re building or buying a new home. These long-lost spaces from Victorian-era England are making a comeback due to their functionality and character. Read to learn more about the history of butler’s pantries and why they’re growing in popularity again.
What’s The History of a Butler’s Pantry
The butler’s pantry dates back to at least the 19th century in England. These pantries were also called sculleries. They were dedicated spaces or rooms between the kitchen and dining room that were used to store plates and silverware or to stage drinks like coffee, tea, or wine. Butler’s pantries were mostly present in large homes among the wealthier class. Amazingly, when these pantries were big enough, they would serve as quarters for the in-house butler or as places to store valuable items like family heirlooms.
Today, butler’s pantries are a little more modest. They’re often open staging areas between the kitchen and dining room and are used by homeowners for entertainment purposes–particularly when hosting guests.
What are The Benefits of a Butler’s Pantry?
For the modern homeowner, a butler’s pantry serves as a space to make entertaining friends and families easier and more enjoyable. They also add a nice aesthetic element to any home. Some homebuyers are specifically looking for this space when searching for a home.
Here are a few of the advantages of having a butler’s pantry in your home.
- Prep meals without going to the kitchen
- More counter space
- Extra storage space
- A place to display fine china that you want separate from everyday dishware
- Increased resale value
Design Ideas for a Butler’s Pantry
Like any room in your home, there’s plenty of room for creativity when designing and building a butler’s pantry. Depending on the amount of space you have available, you can have a pantry big enough to be its own room. Design options for butler’s pantries include the following.
- Walk-in size versions
- Hidden pantries behind false bookshelves or walls
- As a hallway between a kitchen and dining room
- Separate rooms accessible via swinging or pocket doors
Many homeowners will also choose to display their fine china through glass-fronted cabinetry and backlighting. They can also house wine coolers or built-in ice machines. The sky’s the limit with butler’s pantry designs!
Consider McFall Builders for Your Interior Home Renovation Project in Gainesville, FL
When you get a full interior home remodel with McFall Builders, we provide a design-build approach to the project. We can design and create fun features like butler’s pantries based on your desires, needs, and budget.
We provide a turnkey experience and remove any unnecessary stress, providing you with expert guidance and artistry to create a space you will enjoy for many years.
With McFall Builders, we provide a full-service experience with our home renovations. We handle everything from start to finish — even up to a final cleaning before turning your home back over to you. Contact us today to get started on your remodeling project!