Why a Dry Pantry Deserves a Spot in Your Renovation Plans

1. Power Up with a Sleek Track System

Today’s kitchen is more connected than ever. Whether it’s a coffee machine, water dispenser, or electric kettle, a dry pantry can quickly become a hub of daily activity—and with that comes a need for flexible power access.

Featured Project: Upper Boon Keng | Mid-Century Modern Interior Design | The Interior Lab

Systems like Line8 or Eubiq offer a clean, modular approach to plug points, allowing you to add or shift sockets as your appliance setup evolves. Built into your carpentry early on, a track system avoids the visual clutter of multiple wall outlets and trailing wires. It’s a small, highly functional feature that makes a big difference in daily convenience.

2. Tuck Everything Away with Pocket Doors

For homeowners drawn to clean lines and a sense of order, pocket doors are a discreet solution. These sliding panels retreat neatly into the cabinetry, revealing your dry pantry only when needed.

Featured Project: 9 Joo Seng Road | Wabi Sabi Interior Design | The Interior Lab

It’s a design that respects both form and function. Pocket doors eliminate the need for swing clearance, making them especially useful in tight walkways or open-concept dining zones. When closed, the entire setup blends effortlessly into the surrounding cabinetry, preserving a seamless visual flow. It’s one of the simplest upgrades that adds a sense of calm sophistication to your kitchen renovation.

3. Tailor the Layout to Your Routine

No two households store or cook the same way—so your dry pantry shouldn’t follow a rigid template either. Combining drawers, shelves, and cabinets allows the space to work harder and look better. Think drawers for cutlery or linens, open shelves for quick-grab items like cereals or coffee, and tall cabinets to keep bulkier items out of sight.

Featured Project: 174B Sengkang | Minimalist Scandinavian Interior Design | The Interior Lab

The key is in how you put it all together. A balanced mix not only reduces visual clutter but also supports the way your household actually functions day to day. In space-conscious Singapore homes, well-planned storage makes all the difference—turning even a small footprint into a seamless, hardworking part of your kitchen.

A good interior designer will help you fine-tune the layout so it complements your lifestyle, not just your storage needs. When done right, your dry pantry won’t just be practical—it’ll feel like it’s always belonged.

4. Style Your Essentials in the Open

While full-height cabinetry keeps things concealed, incorporating a stretch of open shelving adds warmth and personality to your dry pantry. These shelves—typically set at eye level or just above the counter—offer the perfect spot for daily-use items like mugs, teapots, or neatly arranged jars.

Featured Project: 278A Compassvale Drive | Modern Colonial Interior Design | The Interior Lab

More than just a visual break, open shelving creates a natural rhythm within the layout. It invites small rituals into the space—making a morning brew, grabbing a snack, or simply appreciating the beauty of everyday essentials. When thoughtfully styled, it also softens the transition between kitchen and dining, bringing a lived-in charm to your renovation.

5. Design with Entertaining in Mind

Entertaining often happens around the dining table—so why not make it easier with built-in support just steps away? A dry pantry designed for hosting lets you keep serveware, drinks, and essentials close at hand, without crowding your main kitchen.

Featured Project: 121A Kim Tian Place | Modern Contemporary Interior Design | The Interior Lab

One way to do this is by leaving space in the lower cabinetry for a built-in chiller or mini fridge. Tucked neatly beneath the counter, it keeps drinks cold and conversation flowing—without interrupting the aesthetic of the space.

Featured Project: 857 Tampines | Modern Luxury & Scandinavian Interior Design | The Interior Lab

Another approach is to add a display cabinet with a glass door among solid cabinets. Framed with soft LED lighting inside, it can showcase your alochol collection, beautiful barware, or even a tea collection. This subtle contrast creates a focal point that feels both intentional and elevated.

These are just two ways to layer entertaining into your dry pantry, but the possibilities are wide open. With the right carpentry details, you can shape a space that reflects how you love to host.

If you’re planning a home renovation, consider how a dry pantry could elevate your space. With thoughtful details—from pocket doors to hosting-friendly touches—it’s a design move that blends beauty with everyday ease, making your routines feel more seamless, and your home more tailored to you.

Featured Projects:

Discover more about each project by clicking the links below.

• Upper Boon Keng
• 9 Joo Seng Road
• 174B Sengkang
• 278A Compassvale Bow
• 121A Kim Tian Place
• 857 Tampines