For many homeowners, laundry rooms and kitchen pantries were once secondary concerns – small, utilitarian spaces that received little attention during design. However, as families grow and lifestyles change, these areas are becoming central to the functionality of the home, thanks in large part to Closet Factory’s custom designs. Lead designer Candice Kentch and design consultant Krystyna Beaton shared insights into the evolution of these spaces and how Closet Factory meets the need for beauty and functionality.
Create a more useful, multifunctional space
Kentch, who has worked at Closet Factory for 16 years, has seen a significant shift in the way clients approach laundry room and kitchen pantry design. “Both spaces have gotten larger over the years,” she says. “What used to be just a small area for a washer, dryer and sink is now a multifunctional space, especially for families with young children. There has been a rise in bulk shopping after the pandemic, and people need solutions for organizing their supplies.”
Kentch points out that today’s modern laundry rooms are often designed for multiple purposes, such as a mudroom or a pet grooming area. “People are incorporating dog washing stations, built-in pet food storage and even special areas for pet cages,” she says. “We ask our clients about their pets because these things are often overlooked.”
When it comes to kitchen pantries, the trend is moving toward what Kentch describes as a “pantry.” Homeowners want large countertops and work surfaces where they can store kitchen appliances like toasters and crockpots. “It’s all about keeping the kitchen clean and organized,” she says. “We create workstations with built-in outlets so those appliances are ready to use right away, but neatly tucked away.”
Breathe real life into the room
While homeowners are looking for functionality, aesthetics remain important. “People are spending more time at home and want those functional spaces to look beautiful too,” Kentch says. “We talk to builders and designers early in the process to make sure these spaces are not only practical but also visually appealing.”
Beaton shares these sentiments, pointing out that the goal is to maximize functionality without compromising style, even in older homes with smaller pantries or laundry rooms. “We often work in homes with unique architectural features like sloped ceilings or large baseboards,” Beaton says. “We take these into account by customizing the cabinets to fit the space perfectly. This ensures we don’t lose the character of the home while adding modern functionality.”
Beaton also highlights a growing trend toward color in these spaces. “We’ve done a lot in white, but now we’re seeing more interest in pops of color: blue, green, and even textured materials,” she says. “It adds a level of customization and makes the space stand out aesthetically without requiring a huge investment.”
The process of creating these custom spaces is detailed and collaborative, whether Closet Factory is working on a remodel or designing a new space. “We can do any type of work, whether it’s from the blueprint stage to a complete renovation of a 100-year-old home,” Beaton says. “We have amazing installers who bring our designs to life. They’re the ones who make sure everything fits perfectly and works as intended.”
As laundry rooms and pantries continue to evolve from overlooked spaces into essential hubs of the home, Closet Factory is at the forefront with custom solutions that are as stylish as they are functional.
“A well-designed laundry room or pantry can really change your life,” says Kentch. “It’s about more than just storage – it’s about creating a space that works for your family and makes your everyday life easier and more organized.”
This post was produced by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Closet Factory. For more information, visit closetfactory.com.
