Exploring Pantries, Cocktails Bars and Breakfast Stations

In the ever-evolving landscape of home design, the rise of pantries, cocktail bars, and breakfast stations reflects a significant shift in how we view our kitchens. Once solely functional spaces for meal preparation, kitchens are now celebrated as multifunctional hubs for entertaining and socialising. In this blog, we explore the growing popularity of these features, guided by insights from Uform Group Marketing Manager Ursula O’Dowd.

How have you seen the market for pantries, cocktail bars and breakfast stations develop over the past couple of years?

Over the past couple of years, we’ve definitely saw an increase in demand for pantries, cocktail bars, and breakfast stations as more homeowners prioritise functional and stylish spaces within their kitchens. This shift reflects a broader trend towards making the kitchen not just a place for meal preparation, but also a multifunctional area for entertaining and socialising.

Dawson – Graphite Kitchen with Bar Area

Which option is currently the most popular?

Currently, pantries appear to be leading the trend in popularity, as they provide essential storage solutions while maximising kitchen efficiency. Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to organise their cooking spaces, and well-designed pantries offer both functionality and accessibility for everyday essentials. While pantries are still a top choice for their practicality, there’s definitely a growing love for cocktail bars and breakfast stations. With more people entertaining at home, these spaces add a personal touch to social gatherings and make leisurely mornings even more enjoyable at home.

Belgravia – Reed Green and Cannon Black Kitchen & Pantry

Is there an option that stands out as the fastest growing?

From what we’re seeing, cocktail bars appear to be the fastest-growing trend among pantries, cocktail bars, and breakfast stations. With more people hosting social gatherings at home, there’s a real buzz around creating dedicated spaces for entertaining. Homeowners are loving the idea of having a stylish and functional cocktail bar to show off their personal style and enhance their hospitality.

This shift towards premium home experiences is all about making spaces that are not just practical but also beautiful and versatile. While pantries and breakfast stations are still important, the rise in demand for cocktail bars really highlights how much people value home aesthetics and having versatile spaces for relaxation and celebration.

Wakefield – Lava Drinks Dresser

Are pantries, cocktail bars and breakfast stations only available at the top-end of the market, or are they available further down the market?

Pantries, cocktail bars, and breakfast stations are becoming more accessible to everyone, not just those with high-end budgets. While the top-end options still offer premium materials and custom designs, there are now plenty of affordable solutions that cater to the mid-range and more budget-conscious homeowner. Thanks to innovations in materials and production techniques, you can create stylish and functional designs that fit a variety of price points, allowing more homeowners to incorporate these popular features into their kitchens without breaking the bank.

Kensington – Light Grey Walk-In Pantry

Would you say that these options are more aligned to the use in classical or contemporary furniture?

Pantries, cocktail bars, and breakfast stations are really keeping up with modern furniture trends. They’re all about clean lines, open spaces, and multifunctionality. You’ll often see sleek finishes and minimalistic designs that fit perfectly into today’s multifunctional living spaces. But, if you love a touch of classic, you can still mix in some traditional wood finishes and ornate detailing, allowing homeowners to create a custom look that matches their own personal style. So, while contemporary styles are definitely in the spotlight, there’s always room to blend in some classic elements for a unique and harmonious kitchen design.

Winslow – Porcelain Walk-In Pantry

Are they normally only for larger kitchens or can they play their part in smaller spaces?

Pantries, cocktail bars, and breakfast stations can make a big impact in both small and large kitchens. The key is thoughtful design and innovative use of space; we are seeing a trend towards customisable and compact solutions that maximise functionality without taking up too much room. For example, sliding doors or modular shelving can transform underutilised areas into efficient storage or entertaining spots. By offering versatile options that cater to varying kitchen sizes, homeowners can make the most of their space while still enjoying the benefits of these popular features. This adaptability is essential in today’s diverse living environments, proving that even small kitchens can be both stylish and functional.

Arrington – Shell and Slate Blue Walk-In Pantry with VS TAL Gate Pro storage

What can be easily overlooked when specifying pantries, cocktail bars and breakfast stations?

When specifying pantries, cocktail bars, and breakfast stations, one often-overlooked aspect is the importance of ergonomics and workflow efficiency. It’s easy to focus on aesthetics and storage capacity, but careful consideration of how these spaces will be used daily is crucial. For instance, the height and depth of shelves, the positioning of appliances, and access to necessary everyday items can significantly impact functionality and user experience. Good lighting and ventilation are also key, as well as little details—such as electrical outlets for appliances. By considering these factors, you can create spaces that are not only stylish but also practical and enjoyable to use.

Lawrenson – Shell and Antique Red Kitchen and Pantry

How can you encourage clients to trade up and can they be customised?

Encouraging clients to consider pantries, cocktail bars, and breakfast stations into their space is all about showing them how customisation can really enhance their cooking and entertaining experiences. By offering tailored solutions that meet their specific needs—like personalised storage options, unique finishes, and adaptable layouts—you can highlight the value of investing in higher-quality pieces. It’s also helpful to demonstrate the long-term benefits, such as increased functionality and improved aesthetics.  This can make a big difference in persuading clients to consider upgrades. Using visual tools like 3D renderings and design consultations can really help clients envision their ideal space, making them more likely to embrace custom designs that reflect their personal style and enhance the overall function of their kitchen.

Lawrenson – Cannon Black Bar Area

How do you see the market developing over the next couple of years?

The market for pantries, cocktail bars, and breakfast stations is set to grow significantly over the next couple of years. This growth is driven by evolving consumer preferences for multipurpose spaces within the home. With more people focusing on home entertaining and wanting personalised, functional environments, we can expect more homeowners to invest in customised solutions that reflect their lifestyles. Advancements in materials and design technologies will also play a big role, offering innovative options that maximise space and efficiency, catering to both large and small kitchens. Plus, sustainability is becoming increasingly important, with consumers seeking eco-friendly materials.

All 25 of our door styles can be tailored for innovative kitchen pantries, cocktails bars and breakfast stations. Explore our comprehensive door collection here and our Vauth-Sagel storage solutions here.