Hidden pantries are becoming trendy in contemporary homes. This demand is heightened as people want cleaner, minimalistic kitchens. Now, designers and contractors usually include these systems as an added feature of the home’s interior design.
SOSS dives deeper into hidden pantries to discuss their benefits and design considerations. We will also talk about why invisible hinges will help you achieve the “concealed” look. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are Hidden Pantries?
A regular pantry is a storage space usually found in the kitchen that houses dry ingredients like spices, flour, and canned goods. Outside the kitchen, pantries can be used in laundry rooms and offices. You can use the space to store extra towels, cleaning products, and other provisions.
A hidden pantry works just like any other pantry. The main difference, as the name implies, is that it’s concealed. Concealing storage spaces increases security inside the home. Plus, the hidden design creates a clean and seamless look. A hidden pantry brings together the best of both functionality and aesthetics effortlessly.
Why Hidden Pantries Are Trending
Hidden storage spaces have become more popular recently. We might associate it with the rise of minimalism or themes like Japanese or Scandinavian interiors. However, there is more to it. Right now, property prices are increasing, and aspiring homeowners aren’t able to afford big properties. This limitation puts uncluttered and storage-efficient homes in more demand.
Hidden pantries help architects and contractors achieve a minimalist design. A hidden pantry doesn’t look cluttered, but occupants are able to maximize storage. They can conceal kitchen clutter without needing additional space, creating a more organized look for this room.
Concealed pantries are not the only manifestation of the minimalist trend. You’ll also find hidden garbage bins and drawers in kitchens. Vertical storage, especially for plates and other flat items, is also popular. Even toe-kick cabinets are becoming more than a novelty. No space is wasted thanks to these innovative designs.
Top Benefits of a Hidden Pantry
The following advantages of a hidden pantry make it a great addition to kitchen designs.
Clean and Uncluttered Lines
Those who want to achieve a minimalist aesthetic will find concealed pantries a great addition to their home. These storage spaces use components, such as invisible hinges, to achieve clean lines. With the smooth and uncluttered look, homeowners will enjoy the organic vibe that pleases the eyes.
Increased Functionality
A hidden pantry usually has a few added components that increase its functionality. A traditional one would merely open and close. However, you can add features like lighting and soft-close hinges to an invisible pantry. These upgrades increase its functionality and make it more convenient.
Easy Integration Into Kitchen Designs
Storage solutions take effort to integrate into a modern kitchen. You have to consider how these additions affect the accessibility, safety, and functionality of the room as a whole. However, you may not encounter such problems with a hidden pantry. It can easily integrate into the kitchen cabinets, or, if there is enough space, a hidden pantry can be built into an unused wall.
Added Security
One other benefit of a hidden pantry is increased security. While heightened protection is hardly a need in kitchens, homeowners may still want to keep valuable items safe. They may have expensive china or rare spices that they don’t want to store out in the open. Whatever the case, a hidden pantry makes it harder for others to access these items. It’s another layer of security that provides peace of mind.
Increase in Home Value
When the time comes and a homeowner wants to sell their property, hidden pantries can become an asset. These storage solutions are becoming in demand for the reasons we mentioned above. Hence, a property seller can list with a higher asking price. The increased demand may also result in more negotiating power.
Factors To Consider When Constructing a Hidden Pantry
Whether you’re a homeowner who plans to DIY or a contractor about to construct a new-build property, here are a few design considerations to keep in mind for a hidden pantry.
Kitchen Layout
The kitchen’s layout and space determine a lot of things, from foot traffic to functionality. How will a person move from the stovetop to the sink? Is there enough space to open the pantry door completely without blocking space? You’ll have to answer these questions to integrate a hidden pantry seamlessly. You’ll want to place your pantry in a location that won’t impede the flow of movement and increase the risk of accidents.
Accessibility
Your pantry should be in a location that’s also easy to access. This consideration determines whether the hidden pantry will increase the kitchen’s functionality or make it a total mess. Make sure the concealed pantry is easy to access, especially when there are multiple people in the kitchen.
In a similar vein, the hidden pantry door should be accessible as well. Homeowners and designers alike should choose doors that fit with the overall aesthetic but also easily open and close. Swinging doors are a great option. However, sliding and folding doors are also great alternatives.
Hardware and Upgrades
A hidden pantry uses specific components to achieve a seamless yet functional design. You’ll need to incorporate invisible hinges to achieve the uncluttered look. ADA-compliant components are also important considerations. Make sure to incorporate ergonomic latches or knobs when designing the concealed pantry.
Using Invisible Hinges for a Hidden Pantry
If there’s one component that makes a hidden pantry truly concealed, it would be the invisible hinge. A traditional butt hinge will have a pin that sticks out, creating a bump that interrupts what should have been clean lines.
With an invisible hinge, no component will be visible. Products like our SOSS Model 518 Wrap Around Throw Hinge sit flush on the trimming or molding, allowing for complete concealment. You get clean, uninterrupted lines that remove any indication of a pantry being there.
Another benefit of invisible hinges like ours is their durability and longevity. Butt hinges can loosen over time, leading to decreased functionality and lifespan. On the other hand, we engineered SOSS Invisible Hinges with quality in mind. The design and materials allow you to enjoy smooth operations for many decades to come.
Wrapping Up: Hidden Pantries for Modern Homes
A hidden pantry is becoming a popular storage solution for various reasons. It’s visually appealing, helps declutter kitchens, and blends well with minimalist aesthetics. Plus, a concealed pantry is easy to add to kitchens and could even increase property value. When designing one, make sure to incorporate components like SOSS Invisible Hinges. These are the additions that truly make a pantry hidden from view.
FAQs
What are the benefits of a hidden pantry?
With a hidden pantry, homeowners can expect advantages like clean lines and increased functionality. Beyond aesthetics, a hidden pantry can help increase security in the kitchen. You can hide valuable or sensitive ingredients here. Random people or unwelcome guests may have a harder time finding these items.
Why are hidden pantries becoming popular?
Many people want minimalist spaces to avoid cluttered homes, and a hidden pantry is one way to avoid these messes. Plus, these integrations help homeowners maximize space. This benefit is especially significant now that rising property costs limit people to smaller homes.