With so many great organizational tips from Pinterest and bloggers, I couldn’t wait to redo my pantry/bar/butler’s area to gain more space.

In this “before” photo, the closed door is my original pantry. At no more than 2.5 ft by 3 ft, it was neither big nor efficient. I stored the glassware in the bar and my china in the furniture piece to the right. We decided to combine pantry and bar — making that one big food pantry — and to build a new bar/butler’s space where the furniture piece resides.

Looking on Pinterest, I was drawn to pantries that seem to be part of the room, making the whole space feel larger and more open!!

Here is another example!

Finishes by Segreto!

When Segreto officed out of my house, I had this cabinet built to store samples and reference books. I loved the paint finish and the gold leaf the mural on it!!  It was styled for a photo shoot in this picture–a bit outdated styling but it was years ago!. The new use for this space is as an exercise room, so this wall will have a full-length mirror and ballet bar! Sadly, the cabinet and mural had to go — but keep an eye on those cabinet doors!

Removing the cabinet, the home’s history of paint treatments was revealed!

Job foreman, Henry, and the Goodchild Builders’ team that handled the renovation were determined to incorporate my vision: using those office built-in cabinet doors in my new pantry design!!

Doors by Segreto!

The new pantry’s interior was constructed using four doors from the built-ins to create one, united “furniture” piece!! I am thrilled!!!

I couldn’t get this image out of my mind, so using this as inspiration…

I called Bill Pena of ACI Metal Works to make a custom set of metal doors for the exterior of my new pantry. He did a fantastic job!! Note: Bill purchased Alba Custom Iron, so do not be concerned when the link takes you to that page.

Of course, I didn’t want just average lever handles for my new look. When at a meeting at Chateau Domingue, I saw their new hardware line from Belgium — LOVE!!! There are so many different, beautiful styles to choose from — some in stock! Who knew?!

Now it was time to organize!! I hired Hilda, who did such an amazing job in my closet, to work her magic in the new pantry! She got these air tight containers from The Container Store and with chalk stick-on tags, she labeled the items that might be easily confused — so cute!!! I also really like the metal baskets we chose to store fruit, onions and potatoes!

To the right of the cupboard, we selected these fun baskets, also from The Container Store to hold bread, chips, etc.

My family and I became so used to not having a kitchen for so many months of construction that our pantry items are at a minimum!! Must go shopping!! In an effort to keep our counters clear, we let the toaster live in the pantry!

The inside left of the cupboard is very narrow shelving, making it perfect for a row of canned goods and staples. I really love its being only one or two items deep, so I can easily see what we have.

You know, for me, less isn’t always more when it comes to paint finishes. When shopping at the George Cameron Nash showroom at the Decorative Center of Houston, I fell in love with this silk wall covering from Fromental.

Panel Design by Segreto!

Using that as inspiration for the walls flanking the metal doors, Segreto painted this on a plaster wall!!

Finishes by Segreto!

Not a great picture, but this is the finished look!  I am thinking about painting the inset of the panels to read like carrera marble insets! Or…should I leave well enough alone?!!

We were so honored to be in the new issue of New Classic Style. A big thank you to our friend Sarah West, and to everyone involved! Have a beautiful week!