How to Combine a Butler's Pantry

Well-lit, decorative cabinets create an inviting atmosphere in a butler's pantry.

Large, stately homes in the Victorian era incorporated butler's pantries as a space for food prep by maids and butlers. A modern butler's pantry is used for more than preparing food and hiding dirty dishes. Typically located between the dining and kitchen areas, a butler's pantry is an ideal space to stop and linger. Decorative storage spaces and attractive buffet areas can transition your out-of-sight butler's pantry into an accommodating entertaining space.

Things You'll Need

• Latex interior paint
• Painting supplies
• Screwdriver
• Glass cabinet doors
• Lights
• Island
• Rug
• Coffee station
• Ice maker
• Small refrigerator

Instructions

1. Apply a fresh coat of paint to walls in your butler's pantry. Choose a paint color to coordinate with the kitchen and dining room, providing a smooth, aesthetically appealing transitional space between the rooms.

2. Remove any doors in your butler's pantry with a screwdriver. Open doorways create an inviting, open traffic flow between the kitchen and dining area, making the butler's pantry feel like another room and not a storage closet.

3. Replace upper cabinet doors with clear, glass-panel doors. This provides ideal storage for dishes, while showcasing decorative items to guests. Installing small can lights inside cabinets adds an illuminating glow.

4. Install track or recessed lighting in your butler's pantry. Larger spaces can accommodate an attractive chandelier. A well-lit area provides a warm and inviting space for guests to linger longer while conversing over drinks and snacks.

5. Add a kitchen island to the middle of your butler's pantry if there isn't one and space permits the addition. Top the island with a countertop to coordinate with existing counters in your kitchen. Granite provides a classic, upscale island countertop. An island filled with h'orderves and snacks creates an ideal area to stop and grab a bite to eat while chatting with friends.

6. Lay a complementary runner or area rug on a wood or tile floor. This will "cozy up" the space with texture, color and warmth.

7. Add a coffee station, small under-counter refrigerator and ice machine to make your butler's pantry more functional and guest-friendly.

Tips & Warnings

• Open a window or door to provide fresh-air ventilation before beginning to paint.