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Pantry vs. broom closet allocation

9 years ago

We're looking at a layout similar to the wall in this photo (though in a more traditional style), with a 36" french door fridge on the left and a 36" pantry/broom closet on the right:

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Contemporary Kitchen by Vancouver Architects & Building Designers Moeski Design Agency

A broom closet is very high on the reno wishlist, and I'd been assuming the pantry/broom cabinet would be split 50-50, which is how the architect has drawn it. I'm wondering now though if a 12" broom closet would be enough, leaving more pantry space-- or would that look strange and/or be to narrow to be useful? Are there great pullouts that would make better use of the 24" deep space?

Any thoughts or experience or ideas are welcomed. Especially photos!

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Comments (7)

szruns
9 years ago
If the pantry/broom closet space would allow access from the "open" end (on the right in the picture), you could access the broom section from that side and then leave the left side for the pantry. I am sure it could be paneled to look nice on both the pantry "front" and the broom "side".
sjhockeyfan325
9 years ago
I'm sure it can be made to look nice and function well, but I'd caution two things - 1) figure out what you want to keep on the broom closet side to be sure everything fits and will be easily accessible, and 2) if you're getting stock cabinets (not custom), know that many are not "open space" from floor to top - they have a stabilizing shelf about 2/3 of the way up -- that made it very difficult for us as our brooms didn't fit (height-wise).
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Ok, suspicions confirmed! Thanks, desertsteph! Lascatz, how do you fit all that in 12 inches? Pegboard? I thought a lot about where to put the pantry. It is currently where the fridge and pantry are pictured with 12 inch deep fixed shelves and much wasted space. I really want to avoid all tall cabinets on the short wall against the bathroom as it makes the space feel closed in (fridge is currently there). It was hard to decide between having the Advantium next to the fridge or the pantry, and in the end I wanted the pantry by the fridge and to steal the 6 inches for an 18 inch drawer stack vs 12 inch. I agree a straight line isn't ideal, but the space is small, and that's the only option that works without major structural changes or filling up that short wall floor to ceiling. Or we could lose the Advantium, but DH is pretty excited to get one and it's the only thing he's asked be included other than a double sink! So any additional ideas for making a 24 inch cabinet into utility/cleaning storage? Looks like I can work on converting the utility closet to a pantry while I'm waiting for the remodel to begin, kind of excited about that as it feels like it's starting!
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I don't think aesthetically having a closet to the right of the Electrolux appliances would be a mistake as long as it had the same framing and finish as the walk in on the left. However, I would urge you not to do it. It is not a walk in. It is way too small. It is a small closet that will hold little and be difficult to see into for items in the back. I know. I was dumb enough to have a 37" closet built into my kitchen about 20 years ago, because I thought it looked neat. I cannot wait to have it ripped out and replace it with tall utility cabinets with roll out trays. If you are desirous of having a built in look along that wall instead of cabinet pantries, then I suggest using that entire run as your sheet rock constructed closet (again, in the same style as the walk in on the left). If 24" deep then not just shelves but also roll out trays, a divided area for cleaning supplies, brooms, etc.
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Someone had an interesting note about repainting rooms. Most people when they repaint their bedrooms don't want to be bothered to empty out their entire closet or to paint around the shelves so the inside will remain the old color. We have lived in a few houses where the closet interiors when we moved in were a different color than the room because they had never been repainted. If you are that type of person I would stick to a neutral in the closets. Also if your room colors are dark, definitely do a lighter (white or close to white color, as your closet light will go further at illuminating the closet contents the closer the closet interior is to white. My vote would be for white or the room color if it is fairly neutral and light.
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magpier
9 years ago
Following as I have been wondering how and how much broom space to include. Love the idea Szruns posted.
AvatarWalt
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the responses. I've seen photos of the cabinet-side broom closets before; it's a great and useful idea, but ours has to open to the front.

Magpier, have you gotten any feedback from other sources on what a reasonable broom closet space is? I hate to give up room on EITHER side, but it seems like 12" would be enough for a broom, swiffer, small bucket, and a cordless vacuum mounted on the back wall. On the other hand I'd hate to (over) think this and still wind up gnashing my teeth at knocking everything over to get a broom out.
szruns
9 years ago
I think something like this would maximize your space. You can also find "pull out broom cabinet" options, but you lose a good bit of space with pull outs. Mounting hanging things on one side of a deep cabinet like this picture does would work well. Then the other side can be roll out shelves OR a big roll out pantry. I like the roll out pantry idea a good bit, personally, but could get heavy if it was very large.
szruns
9 years ago
FWIW, I'd want ideally 15 inches wide "cabinet width" for a 24" deep cabinet, because you need to really get your arm in there to reach things. If I used the above design, I'd make sure to add a shelf or two above (or, better yet, BELOW) the tall height needed for brooms/vacuum, so I'd have at least a 12" high shelf for supplies. (Either in a well sized bin or two to slide out, or in a rollout tray/shelf.) Once I got the minimum I needed for a workable broom closet, I'd devote the remainder to the pantry. Ideally, I'd want at least 24" of pantry if that was my only pantry, but 18" could work if you have minimal storage needs. If it was 18" or under wide, I'd consider the pull out pantry . . . if larger, probably the roll out shelves.
magpier
9 years ago
I haven't gotten any official feedback yet but like you I was hoping to fit it in a 12" space. I'll have to think about Szruns' suggestions. I was thinking the closet would be next to the pantry area.

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