When envisioning their ‘forever’ kitchen many people’s imaginations stray into homely, countryside cottage territory. After all, who doesn’t love a dreamy country-style kitchen? If your home is more modern or you think this aesthetic is off-limits, stop right there. Introducing a pantry and upgrading your cabinetry could be the only thing between your dream and reality. Hence why we’ve compiled this 12-point list of kitchen larder ideas to suit every space.
12 showstopping kitchen larder ideas
From colour suggestions to larder cupboard design ideas, drink in this kitchen inspiration to turn your indecision into resolve.
Kitchen larder colour schemes
1. Sage green
Sage green kitchens are something of a trend, so why not a sage green larder cabinet? While long gone are the days of chilly, stone-walled larders, you can bathe in a sense of nostalgia as you enhance the ambience with an example of refined classic design.
2. Dusky blue
An indulgent, dusky blue can be the elevating finish you that takes a kitchen larder from lovely to breathtaking. Picture coordinated cabinetry topped off with marble counters and a subtly veined backsplash – what a stunning way to incorporate detail and flow into the design.
3. Perky orange
Let’s give the humble pantry a glow-up with this zany kitchen larder idea. Paint your cabinet with a pop of playful orange and you instantly transform something old into something new – an ideal choice for anyone hoping to make a statement without falling into any kitchen cliches. We love it!
4. Mushroomy off-white
If you’re about to cry “Give me elegance!”, here’s a wonderful option. Pair a sleek and demure backdrop of soft neutrals with a complementary light brownish off-white. Muted shades are a perennial choice for kitchens and will allow the fixture to shine, standing out due to its own merit and stunning craftsmanship.
Working with your kitchen layout
5. Walk-in larder wonders
Did you read that heading and immediately think “There’s no way I’m fitting in a walk-in larder!” While there might be a grain of truth in that, before you cast this idea aside, let it be known that size isn’t the only consideration.
Walk-in style pantries have you covered when it comes to storage. And the best part? They don’t need to be cavernous or, on the other end, the size of a tiny wardrobe that has been hastily converted. Usually, you will see them fully kitted out with open shelving, maybe some additional countertop space or even built-in appliances.
The advantage that a walk-in pantry has over the more common cabinet variety is that you can effectively use this area as a spillover zone for your kitchen. Entertaining many guests and running out of counter space? No problem. Need a place to store all your kitchen items that come out once or twice a year? Sorted. Want to have all of your mixing bowls and fancy tableware organised, but out of the way? Easy!
The versatility of a walk-in larder is endlessly useful. You can keep your culinary affairs in order and banish all of your countertop clutter out of sight, even keeping semi-regularly used appliances on show such as an electronic mixer.
If you have a utility room that collects dust or has ended up becoming the dumping ground for random boxes, appliances and pantry stuffs – why not tailor the space to your needs? It’s only common sense!
6. Open kitchen larder
An alternative to the traditional walk-in larder is an open one. You might not have considered this possibility yet, but closed doors aren’t a requirement, rather, consider them as an option you can play about with to mould the kitchen design to your liking.
Instead of relying on the classic kitchen larder appeal with chrome handles or large glass doors, try the open look with shelving, framed with a statement wallpaper backdrop. It’s a wonderful way to add an eclectic twist to a more traditional kitchen and keep things up to date. We find that glassware, ornaments and ceramics are set off beautifully with a splash of colour, and it’s a beautiful option if you are pressed for space.
7. Statement larder cupboards
Larder cupboards certainly bring that wow factor, so why not dial it up a notch by placing them front and centre? Instead of letting it fade into the background, position the cupboard as a focal point and build it up as the centrepiece with a showstopping lick of paint and complementary finishes with shiny handles and a matching worktop.
If you have an abundance of floorspace you could even incorporate your worktops into the design. Imagine pull-out drawers at the bottom to satisfy your storage needs, shelving at the top segment and a hidden worktop nestled in between, creating an unbeatable sense of craftsmanship and flow between the rest of your workstations.
8. Creating a larder nook
Cosy as anything, a larder nook has all the hallmarks of a Studio Ghibli film. Not only are corner pantries adorable, but they are also a clever use of an awkward kitchen layout that might have tight or underemployed areas. Try to sneak your larder cabinet into your kitchen working triangle – i.e., the triangular space between the key elements: sink, fridge and oven – and you will find your life is made significantly easier.
Making the most of your space
9. Opt for the bifold effect
A bi-fold pantry is exactly what it sounds like – a pantry cupboard that folds in two places. A bifold larder cabinet is an exciting take on the traditional country kitchen staple as it offers the best of both worlds: an open display of all the bits and bobs inside with the doors unfolded and the classic cabinet look with them closed.
10. Organising your larder cupboard
With the kitchen larder cupboard making a huge comeback, there are more nifty tips and tricks on how to organise them. Whether you’re the sort who’d favour labelled jars running along the shelves from A-Z or you’d rather categorise your foodstuffs and condiments, a proper organisational system really goes the extra mile to make your life easier.
11. Invest in smart shelving
Nothing is quite more covetable than smart shelving solutions. This handy kitchen space saver is perfect for storage hopefuls looking for a tidy and practical place to tuck away spices, cereals and jars. With all the essentials out of the way, you can take in your countertops, kitchen islands and cabinets for their true worth.
12. Improve with task lighting
For those looking for a particularly indulgent design, task lighting presents the ideal solution. Lighting up your cupboard and bathing your ceramics in an attractive glow, this feature combines functionality and class in the best possible way.
Create your ‘forever’ kitchen
There we have it! 12 impossibly elegant kitchen larder ideas to level up your culinary space from colours to designs and storage hacks. We hope you feel inspired to start your country kitchen transformation and get your pantry items organised.
