Yes, I am doing that. I want to have an open floor plan and the current walk in closet is being replaced with a pantry cabinet, maybe 2!

We built our new kitchen from scratch as part of a 2nd story addition. Given the space created underneath the stairway, we used that space for a small reach in pantry closet. However, the door is really in the walkway INTO the kitchen rather than inside the kitchen. Since our kitchen will be large (17 x 20) we already had the space for a pantry cabinet inside the kitchen itself. But our realtor friend told us that buyers really like to see a recognizable "pantry" regardless of how much cabinet space you have.

So our solution? First, we had our builder trim it out as a coat closet, but he also trimmed it with adjustable shelf brackets and shelves which we will store behind a "secret door" leading to the awkwardly shaped but useful storage area under the stairs. So basically we got a coat closet that can transform into a deep reach-in pantry in about 5 minutes if needed.

The "secret door" thing was easy. They started the drywall at the back of the back of the closet about 36" above the floor, created a big square hold at the back of the closet. Then the put some short hinged doors in to cover it up. A great place for putting Xmas decorations, luggage, etc.

Here is a link that might be useful: Our bungalow remodel blog

You might want to search and Google the forum a bit--supposedly the old threads are back.

There was a long thread once talking about cabine t pantries vs. drywalled pantries, and drywalled pantries came out far ahead. I don't remember why but the reasons seemed to make sense when I rea d them!

Our drywalled pantry was a terrible use of space: 3 wire shelves, plus the 4" thick wall. We knocked out the built-in and replaced with cabinetry.
Before:

Wow weedyacres! Talk about a transformation. What a great use off all of that real estate.

I think it really depends on how well each is designed. I am sort of doing a mise-en-place approach, and having both. I wanted to have each "category" of sundries where it would be closest to where I would use it. So I will have oils/vinegars/spices near the range and my main prep space. These are in wall cabinets, and one 5" deep cabinet on the end of my island, which is right by the range.

I am also doing a tall 12" wide pantry cabinet next to the fridge which will have snacks and breakfast foods. This is also within reach of the cereal bowls, etc.

I did 2 closets in the DR (we opened up the kit to the DR) that for me, will function as a fine china pantry (farthest into DR) and a baking pantry. This one will have all of the supplies stored in glass jars on the shelves, and then below, I have a zinc console as a counter in the closet, which will have skirt hiding things underneath. These closets could easily be transformed into a typical pantry closet, or even a coat closet if desired.

WeedyAcres:
Thanks so very much for uploading these photos. I am learning so much from them!