Pretty Pantries

The slat wall opens to reveal a kitchen pantry.

The large pantry allows all the food to be in one place, visually out of the way, yet still super convenient to the rest of the kitchen.

To Claire Thomas, it was a perfect time capsule with wood-clad walls, a hidden bar, room dividers, and a chrome-edged streamlined kitchen.

The kitchen allows the extension to function completely separately from the main cottage, and can be separated from the boot room and utility rooms at the private entrance via a sliding timber partition.

At 1,026 square feet, being conscious of clutter can be particularly pertinent. Small storage hacks, like this tidy spice and wine rack in the kitchen, save time and repeated headaches in the long run.

Colorful ceramic tiles on the back wall in the Westbourne Cottage scullery

Closet Case To consolidate most appliances and food storage, keep his compact kitchen looking neat, and save money on cabinets, Sherman built a closet into the kitchen wall (“Cabinets are expensive but closets are cheap,” he offers). Inside is a countertop, blackboard surface, toaster oven, garbage cans, magnetic knife rack, and plenty of shelves. When the doors are closed, the unit recedes from view.

A hardworking pantry was essential for the family. “They’re also very keen cooks,” said the firm. “They preserve fruit, make kombucha, keep bees, and grow a lot of herbs and vegetables. The open walk-in pantry, plenty of bench space, and storage are all approaches that allow for lots of food to be produced.” Pantry inserts are made from Maxi Film birch plywood in black, so that the pantry space recedes.

An assortment of vintage glassware fills the open shelves, as well as ceramics from Don Corleon picked up on a trip to Italy.

Not every client-designer relationship would have thrived under such extreme circumstances, but Dovey credits Sarah and Ben’s attitude for the project’s success. “They were observant and thoughtful, and really took the time to ask all the right questions,” says Dovey. “In the end, it went so well just because of the great relationships.”

The box, lacquered in a deep green, works with warm golds and violets and brown tones found elsewhere in the apartment to play off the cool concrete ceiling and wall. Contrasting materials and colors and carefully crafted details make a home that is at once cool and cozy.

Sleek, open shelving custom-designed by Chris Chapman allows household items to become decor.

The kitchen is outfitted with appliances from Vzug.

The residents store perishable items that don’t need refrigeration—like fruits, vegetables, onions, and garlic—in maple-lined pantry drawers.

With a love of plants, Tina made greenery a focal point. She created wall to display her plant clippings. The thoughtful use of space allows her to keep plants without overwhelming the space. It’s also a work of art.

Behind a pocket door, the pantry has plenty of storage and a prep sink. “These intimate, moody spaces accentuate the brightness of the living area and reinforces the spatial organization of the home,” says the firm.

A walk in pantry equipped with microwave drawer, wine cooler and all things coffee.

Kitchen with view to Pantry/Laundry area