There are many ways to keep a kitchen organized, but larders are one of the oldest—and the most effective. While the formal term isn’t used as often today, these important storage spaces are still used to house pantry items and to prevent food from spoiling.
You can even personalize a larder, from the color and finishes to the overall layout. Want to know more about these kitchen organization heroes? We tapped three interior design experts and got the inside scoop on larders—including why they were first used, their main characteristics, and a few tips for designing your own.
Meet the Experts
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Leisha Norman, interior designer at LNDesigns
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Catherine B. de la Sablonnière, creative director at custom kitchen company Ateliers Jacob
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Al Bruce, founder of kitchen design company Olive & Barr
Related: 7 Kitchen Cabinet Trends to Try, From Fresh Finishes to Bold Color
What It Is
A larder is a tall cupboard designed to store dry goods, long-life foods and drinks, and other kitchen essentials. They prioritize both practicality and style.
“Larders can be freestanding or built-in, and come in all shapes and sizes, from tall pull-outs to full-height cupboards, with singular or double doors, shelves, drawers, and spice racks,” says Leisha Norman, interior designer at LNDesigns. “It’s all about finding the right style to suit your kitchen and how you live.”
The main benefit of larders? They keep all your goods accessible and organized. “[Larders are] especially helpful in smaller kitchens where smart storage really matters,” Norman says. “They’re a brilliant way to maximize space and bring calm to your kitchen chaos.”
Larder vs. Scullery
Larders differ from sculleries in that they are used solely for storage and are typically not a separate room in their own right. They’re meant to feel like a standalone piece of furniture, rather than their own space. Sculleries, on the other hand, function as an overflow kitchen for prep and clean up, and are located adjacent to the main kitchen.
“[Larders are] often set apart from the rest of the kitchen by material, color, or form,” says Catherine B. de la Sablonnière, creative director at Ateliers Jacob, a custom kitchen company. “Adding features like furniture-style legs, unique door profiles, or a contrasting finish helps reinforce their identity.”
Inside, larders are also very intentional. “Shallow shelves on top are ideal for storing jars, grains, and spices. A counter-depth surface creates room for modern small appliances and daily routines,” de la Sablonnière says. “Below, deeper drawers or cabinetry bring balance and functionality.”
Related: What Is a Scullery? Experts Explain What It Is & Why You Need One
History
Olive & Barr
Larders were originally used to store perishables.
The term larder comes from its original use, which was to act as a cool, dedicated space to store lard and other perishables.
“Long before refrigeration, the larder was the ancestral heart of kitchen storage,” de la Sablonnière says. “Often built into or close to thick, north-facing stone walls or tucked away in cool basements, the larder was either a room or furniture. Either way, it was designed with natural ventilation and thoughtful architecture to prolong the life of food.”
Over time, however, the larder evolved into what we now commonly refer to as a pantry. “The distinct character of the original larder has softened into more generalized storage spaces,” de la Sablonnière says. “But with the return of traditional design and the reintroduction of antiques into modern interiors, the larder is making a refined comeback.”
How to Design a Larder
A larder is a beautiful, practical addition to any kitchen. Here’s how you can design your own.
Decide Between Freestanding or Built-In
There are advantages to both freestanding and built-in larders.
“Freestanding larder units encompass it all, from storing your dry food to harboring electrical goods…. they’ve become the must-have of any kitchen,” says Al Bruce, founder of kitchen design company Olive & Barr. “[They] can be repositioned during a kitchen remodel or packed up and transported if you move home.”
On the other hand, built-in designs offer sleek, space-saving appeal. “Ideal for filling an awkward space, these tall units are perfect for smaller kitchens, as they use all of the available wall space while enhancing storage,” Bruce says.
Optimize the Layout
Olive & Barr
Larders can house toasters, coffee machines, and more.
Beyond food storage, larders can also be used to hide electronic appliances—or even as a breakfast cupboard to house toasters, juicers, and coffee machines.
“As long as you’ve got plenty of sockets on the back panel, the options are endless, and your worktops stay clear and calm,” says Norman.
To prevent clutter, it’s also helpful to distribute items along each shelf. “Display your ingredients in neatly labelled glass jars and canisters to make finding exactly what you’re looking for more aesthetic and accessible,” she suggests.
You’ll also want to prioritize placement and layout over size. “A well-placed, well-planned larder will serve you far better than one that’s just big,” Norman adds. “Group similar items on different shelves, use clear trays for smaller bits so they act like drawers, but still let you see everything inside. Try rotating bases for condiments.”
A spice rack on the inside of the door is a great way to keep your go-to ingredients within reach, too.
Consider Colors
To retain cohesion, you can paint your larder the same hue as your existing cabinets. “Or to create more of a contrast, add a pop of color,” Bruce says. “Painting your larder in a different shade will act as a focal point, while adding depth and interest to the space.”
If bold color on the outside feels like too much, then you can just highlight the inside with a vibrant tone. “It gives you a burst of happy color when you open the doors, but can be hidden away when you want a more minimal look,” says de la Sablonnière.
Select Intentional Finishes and Details
Adding stone or slate shelving to your larder is a great way to regulate the temperature of your food. “Slate is naturally cooler than quartz or marble, hence why it’s the more traditional choice, especially for larders,” Bruce notes.
To echo the origins of your larder, you can also incorporate vented door panels. “Traditionally used to allow airflow and prevent spoilage, this detail can be reimagined even if it’s for design purposes only,” de la Sablonnière says. “It’s an opportunity to add character with a custom perforation design.”
LED strip lighting that switches on when the doors open also helps with accessibility and adds a modern touch. “I recommend running the lights vertically as it helps you see everything stored from top to bottom with ease,” Norman advises.
Ultimately, the materials and hues should tell a story.
“Choose woods with visible grain, unlacquered metals, or natural stones that add depth. Consider a secondary color on the interior,” de la Sablonnière says. “[This] small gesture adds a sense of intimacy, like stepping into a private moment within the home.”
Read the original article on Martha Stewart