Pantry Space: The Kitchen Feature Everyone Wants

In today’s custom homes, pantry space has quickly risen from a “nice-to-have” to a must-have. At Buffum Homes, we’re seeing more and more homeowners treat the pantry as a key part of their kitchen—not just for storing snacks and canned goods, but as a highly functional, customizable extension of the heart of the home.

◦ More Than Just Shelves

Gone are the days of a single wire shelf and a swinging door. The modern pantry has evolved into a versatile space designed to suit your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a spot to tuck away appliances, prep meals, or keep your countertops clean, your pantry can do it all—and look good doing it.

◦ Space to Store, Prep, and Hide the Clutter

One of the biggest advantages of a walk-in or built-in pantry is the ability to keep your main kitchen clutter-free. Appliances like air fryers, toasters, coffee makers, and blenders can be tucked away in a pantry with dedicated outlets and shelving. This gives you all the convenience without sacrificing your kitchen’s clean, open feel.

Snacks, baking supplies, and dry goods also stay organized and easily accessible with built-in cabinetry, pull-out drawers, and labeled bins. If you have kids (or guests who love to snack), a pantry can be the ultimate go-to spot.

◦ Add More Counter Space—Yes, Inside the Pantry

Want even more workspace? Adding countertops inside your pantry is a fantastic way to increase prep space without crowding the main kitchen. We’ve built pantries with both melamine countertops (great for simple prep or staging space) and quartz or other hard surface countertops for those who want a true secondary workspace that’s as durable as it is beautiful.

This is perfect for:

◦ Prepping meals without getting in the way of the main kitchen
◦ Packing school lunches
◦ Laying out ingredients before hosting a dinner
◦ Setting up a coffee or smoothie bar

◦ Take It Further: Sinks, Fridges, and More

Want to level up your pantry even more? Consider adding:

◦ Undercounter fridge – Perfect for drinks, produce, or overflow groceries
◦ Prep sink – Handy for washing veggies or cleaning up without walking back and forth
◦ Mini stovetop or microwave – Keep the mess out of sight during gatherings or big cooking days
◦ Lighting and outlets – To make the space fully functional and safe

A pantry like this becomes more than just a closet—it’s almost a hidden kitchen that adds value, convenience, and flexibility to your home.

◦ Designed Around You

The best part? Your pantry can be tailored to how you live. Some clients want something sleek and minimal, while others dream of a full butler’s pantry setup. At Buffum Homes, we love helping homeowners design pantry spaces that reflect their routines, cooking habits, and entertaining style.

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Ready to design your dream pantry?
Let’s build it into your custom floorplan. Whether you’re thinking walk-in, cabinet-style, or something truly creative, we’ll help you bring it to life. Because the kitchen isn’t just where meals happen—it’s where memories are made, and your pantry can be a big part of that.

Get in touch with us at buffumhomes.com or email Luke directly at luke@buffumhomes.com to start the conversation.