I can’t find the 24” wide window - is it the 14” high transom? What about a pocket door? Would have to open to right away from frig in kitchen since that wall has electric in it. Can’t see what’s on right wall. But, that wall space behind the 36” door swing looks wasted.

ETA - The empty space in middle might be to allow for freezer door swing on upright freezer. Maybe it needs to be relocated in the room. are those countertops all around perimeter or ...? Where is the open shelving or what’s the plan for that?

@KW PNW Z8, the window is 2436. 24" wide, 36" high.

Jill, the design is not bad. KW is correct that the space in the middle is for you to be able to comfortably stand in front of the freezer and swing open the door. Base cabinets (sink) are 25"D w/ countertop, an upright freezer ~ 30"D, swinging door 33"W, which leaves 24" for you to stand. So, there is really no space to add anything to the middle of the room if that's what you were hoping.

Putting the freezer towards the sides cuts off your access to those corners and placing it by the door would make your path into the pantry pretty narrow with two arms full of grocery bags. Scale on paper can be misleading, because where you see open space, there may be swinging doors, drawers, 2 people trying to use something, or coming through with bulky stuff.

Base cabinets are not great for storing groceries (unless you have full extension roll-out shelves or big drawers), but they are useful for storing additional kitchen gadgets and pots and pans. Whether you need that many depends on your lifestyle. You could get additional space by making deeper floor-to-ceiling shelves instead of that many base cabinets. Also, ask yourself how much counter space (base cabinets) you really need in the pantry vs. storage space. Are you planning to prep a lot inside the pantry?

Make sure the upper cabinets/shelves go all the way up to the ceiling. Even if those are more difficult to access, you can store items there that you don't use that often. Depending on your height and the ceiling height, get a spot for a little step-stool, so you can quickly pull it out if you need it.

You may also be able to fit slim (8-9") shelves along the wall above the sink. That's still a good depth for some canned goods, etc.

I am curious as to why you need the sink in there. Without a sink, the entire pantry can be open shelves for ease of access. Are you also storing extra sets of dishes? And how does the door swing - out or into the pantry?

I really appreciate all of the input. I have been having a very difficult time visualizing this. The goal was to have a door with a double hinge so it could be hands-free. I only want to sink in there as I will be using the vita mix to make smoothies. Not a lot of other prep will be going on in there.

I really like the idea of floor to ceiling shelves instead… Should I just have one cabinet with a sink as it’s just going to be a small bar sink? Where do you think the best placement would be for that? I really appreciate the responses.

If you’re using sink for smoothies might need good counter space for cutting slicing etc as well as for the vitamix to sit. Once to have a drawer for utensils etc & cabinet for glasses. As for placement maybe plumbing will dictate that. Other wise, I’d prefer the rest of the space be open shelving with varied heights for tall things & small appliances. I live to see what’s in my pantry without having to open cupboard doors so I’d nix the cabinets except for sink area. A swinging door! Neat!

What bout making the pantry door a “hidden pantry“?

In addition to what KW lists, you'll also want a compost/trash bin in the pantry for the stems and such that you're cutting off of your fruits and veggies. So in the end, you will devote quite a bit of space to the Vitamix to stock that second prep area inside the pantry. If you are looking to maximize space but use the Vitamix often, I'd consider putting it into an appliance garage in the kitchen or use a Rev-a-Shelf appliance lift in the kitchen for convenience.

If it's the noise you are concerned about and one person gets up earlier than the others and doesn't want to wake everyone with the Vitamix, then perhaps dedicating that extra space is well worth it.

Or do you use frozen produce for your smoothies? You might not be prepping, then.

How else do you plan to use the pantry? Is it for food storage? Less-used appliances? All small appliances? Specialty cook- or serve-ware? Indoor or outdoor serve-ware?

I would try to work the Vitamix into the main kitchen plan. It seems to be hogging a lot of your pantry real estate. Envision yourself in that small space trying to cut all the ingredients. Now you need cutting board, knives, trash bag, etc.
Hmmm, not so much fun. I would rather have all open shelving for quick access.

If I had a one-butt kitchen I think this separate prep zone in the pantry would be particularly nice. I could envision an under-counter fridge with humidity control just for fresh fruits/veg.