A butler's pantry is a small working room just off the kitchen, where the coffee machine, toaster, food storage and the messy prep can live out of sight. In open-plan Queensland homes, where the kitchen is on show from the living room and the deck, it is one of the most requested features we build.
Do you need one?
A butler's pantry earns its space if you entertain often, have lots of small appliances, buy food in bulk or simply like a clear bench. If space is tight, a well-planned walk-in or tall pantry cupboard with pull-out drawers can give you most of the benefit.
Popular layouts
- Galley: benches or shelves along one or both sides of a narrow room. Simple and efficient.
- L-shape or U-shape: more bench space and storage, if you have the room.
- Walk-through: connects the kitchen to the laundry, garage or dining area, which is handy for carrying in the shopping.
- Hidden door: entry through a door that matches the kitchen cabinetry, so the pantry disappears when it is closed.
Allow enough room between benches for one person to work and turn around comfortably. Around a metre is a comfortable minimum for a galley pantry, and we check the space properly at your measure.
What to include
- Bench space for the appliances you use every day, with plenty of power points above the bench.
- A second sink if your plumbing allows, for washing up after entertaining.
- Open shelving for everyday items, so you can see what you have.
- Deep pull-out drawers below the bench for heavy items and bulk food.
- A coffee station with cups above and pods or beans below.
- Good lighting, ideally LED strips under the shelves so the bench is never in shadow.
- Ventilation if you plan to run an air fryer or other appliances that create heat and steam.
Design ideas we love
- A timber benchtop in the pantry for warmth, against a harder-wearing surface in the main kitchen
- A splash of colour, such as sage or deep green, because the pantry does not need to match the main kitchen exactly
- Glass or reeded glass doors to break up a long run of cupboards
- An appliance garage in the main kitchen for the one or two things you use constantly
A real example: Mount Coolum
In our Mount Coolum kitchen, clean white cabinetry frames a rainforest window. The butler's pantry behind it has a timber bench, open shelving and pull-out drawers, so the coffee machine, toaster and everyday clutter have a home and the main kitchen stays clear.
Planning yours
A butler's pantry is easiest to plan alongside the main kitchen, so the two work together. Try ideas in our 3D kitchen designer, read our kitchen renovation guide, or book a free design consult and we will show you how a pantry could work in your home.
