A pantry is a kitchen area that is designed to store food and other provisions, such as tablecloths, cutlery, and dishes. A larder, on the other hand, is a cool area where food can be stored at lower temperatures. The term “larder” comes from its original usage to store raw meat, which was covered in lard to preserve it. Nowadays, larder storage can house milk, butter, bread, pastry, cooked meats, and any other type of food you’d like to stow away.
Larders have been used since the Victorian period, but they have recently come back in fashion in contemporary kitchens as a space-saving solution. This guide will explore the various ways to incorporate a larder into your kitchen, offering tips to help you choose the best larder layout for your lifestyle, and a design that will suit your kitchen style.
In terms of size and space, traditional larders were typically a large free-standing unit or small room within the kitchen. Larders of this style are a fantastic choice for those with a large kitchen who prefer traditional design. If there’s no separate larder space in your kitchen, a standalone unit is a viable option.
The free-standing larder units typically offer storage in the form of shelving and drawers hidden behind a set of double doors. Kitchen larder rooms, in comparison, are typically made up of shelving set from the floor to the ceiling of the room, offering space for huge amounts of ingredients and appliances.
If you don’t have enough space for a free-standing kitchen larder, or if you prefer modern design over traditional, there are contemporary solutions. Pull-out larder storage blends into the overall design, appearing to be a normal cupboard at first glance. Once opened, the larder slides out to reveal its contents, offering far more storage space than a standard cupboard or drawer can offer. These are available in almost any size or height, with floor-to-ceiling larders being popular, as well as floor-to-worktop height units.
The internal structure of a larder can be designed around the ways in which you’ll use the units, to accommodate your items. Consider what you plan to store in your larder. Does it include food ingredients, spices, utensils, crockery, and appliances? If so, you’ll need to consider what height you wish each item to be stored at, and the size of each product.
Heavy and cumbersome pieces should be kept towards the bottom of the larder, such as food mixers, pans, and crockery. Then, create an area for frequently used products such as spices, tinned and boxed food. Finally, less frequently used products, such as baking supplies, could be kept towards the top – accessible, but out of the way. You should also always consider the amount of space you’ll need between each shelf.
Modern kitchen larders can even include dedicated shelves for specific products. For example, would a dedicated spice rack work best for you? If so, see if you can include a shelf dedicated to holding herbs.
Once you’ve decided on the type of larder unit you’ll have and size to suit your kitchen, all you need to do is consider how it will fit in with your overall design. You can choose to have it blend in, which will mean choosing the same material for the door in the same colour, with the same handle as the rest of the kitchen. This is particularly flattering for modern or gloss kitchens, as the design typically aims to be sleek and minimalist.
Speak to one of our Design Directors for more storage ideas and how we could plan a larder for your perfect kitchen by Stag Interiors of Derbyshire.
