Kitchen pantries 'making a comeback'

Despite the desire for modern, high-tech kitchens, the traditional pantry is making something of a welcome comeback.

This is the view of Period Living magazine, which spoke to a number of interior designers in its January issue who hailed the benefits of the classic larder.

The publication pointed out that storing all foodstuffs in one place makes "great ergonomic sense" as it reducing the number of trips cooks make around the kitchen.

"People want pantries or larders because they hark back to more old-fashioned values in living," furniture designer Naomi Dean claimed.

However, in today's modern world, it's acceptable to add modern touches, such as soft closing hinges, 180-degree opening doors and automatic internal lighting, the magazine insisted.

"If space allows, a separate walk-in pantry is the ultimate storage luxury, particularly in open-plan kitchens that lack a hiding place for large pots and pans," it added.