A Baking Pantry
May 08, 2008
I have this little room off my kitchen, Mrs. Mathews the previous owner used it as a breakfast room. We were using it for an office, but there was always a huge mess. I decided to not fight the mess and just move it were I can not see it. Makes a happier marriage ;-) Even thought I have a big kitchen, I still needed more room. I need storage for all my bulk (almost 30 jars) and baking items. So I decided to turn the room into a baking pantry. I am just using what I already have on-hand but slowly over time will replace and make the room more like I want. I want it to feel more Victorian, without feeling cutesy. You know what I mean ? So I decide use use black as an ascent color. It feels a bit more formal. My big find (well I did buy this) is this French marble pastry table. I was looking on-line all day and could not find one I could afford. When low and behold on Craig's list was one, Wa-hooo !!! I love it and it works great to make my bread and doughs right on the table.
The girls and I painted over the wallpaper a pale buttery yellow and all the trim white. It looks much more yellow in these pictures (it also looks much more crowded with stuff in the pictures). This room has some sweet woodwork and corner shelves, I really wanted them to stand out. But I also wanted the walls to be neural and warm for those gray days we have. I am really happy with it.
A lot of the accessories you see, I will change out. I just sort of set things in, to live with it for a while. I can not decided if I want a more European French feel (which I am leaning towards) or a old fashioned general store. Or a mish-mash of both. I know everything I do not want the room to be, but still working on what I do want. It is very tempting to go out a buy a bunch of new stuff, but I am trying to be good.
By the way the below picture is standing in the party looking into my kitchen. The hall on the right goes to the library. So this is what I have been up to. Next is taking the room apart again and pulling up all the yucky linoleum. There is hard wood floor underneath. I will see what it is like and then decided what to do. I have my lap-top back and just today I can get on-line. Thank goodness. All is right with the word. I would love your feedback on the pantry. Remember be honest , not polite xoxoxoxox
Clarice, I'm not sure I've ever told you, but I LOVE this room & want to live in it everyday.
HUGS
K~
Posted by: Kay on the farm in Neb | January 01, 2009 at 07:58 PM
Dear Clarice,
I absolutely love your baking pantry and your hoosier cabinet and how you have everything decorated!!! You make such a beautiful home for your sweet family and I am so glad you share it with me! You are so inspiring!!! I love all the details and your windows afford an incredible view. I can just imagine us making a Chocolate Souffle and sipping cups of tea!
Love, Paula
Posted by: Paula | August 14, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Okay, I am not one to covet but one could easily over-desire this. :)
Beautiful!
Posted by: Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks&Me | July 08, 2008 at 03:33 PM
I found you via the As I See It Now blog, and what a treat for my eyes to see this pantry. Oh, how I love it; every corner, and the wonderful window. Does it open? What direction does it face? My growing-up-in house had a room like this, but we called it a butt'ry. I actually did a blog entry based on a cookbook called The New England Butt'ry Shelf Cookbook, and if you are interested, you may read it here:
http://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2007/11/
sunday-supperblueberry-pancakes.html
Posted by: Nan | May 23, 2008 at 07:56 AM
I posted once (just a second a go), but either it didn't go through or it's taking its time, but just in case, I'll post again. Because this is gorgeous! So beautiful. You did an amazing job, Clarice. I looked and looked at your photos. :-)
Susan
Posted by: Susan L | May 19, 2008 at 04:27 PM
This is gorgeous and inpsiring, Clarice! You did a beautiful job. When I first saw this post, I looked and looked and didn't want to click away from it... :-)
Susan
Posted by: Susan L | May 19, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Oops! I guess if I want you to visit me, that I should give you my URL. :)
Once again, take care,
Salina
Posted by: Salina | May 18, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Your room is so awesome that I could just weep. So inspiring. If only I had an extra room off my kitchen like that! :)
Take care Clarice and please give me a visit sometime.
Salina
Posted by: | May 18, 2008 at 12:02 AM
You have created, without a doubt, the most beautiful pantry I've ever seen. I love that it is totally functional, but at the same time filled with warmth and coziness, not to mention the beautiful view. I can only imagine the wonderful delicacies you will be baking with this awesome pantry as your inspiration!!
Posted by: Susan P. | May 15, 2008 at 05:10 AM
Clarice, I love all your ideas, and I especially relate to not wanting things to be too cute. I especiallly love the way your Hoosier and the new table look.
I use a little bit of black in all my rooms. I love the way it gives my eye a place to rest within rooms that include collections.
Posted by: Lena | May 13, 2008 at 10:19 AM
What an inspiring space!!! Love the view out the window and I love that Hoosier!
Posted by: Susan | May 13, 2008 at 05:02 AM
I'm still (!) drooling over your kitchen!!!! Love it!
LaTeaDah
Posted by: LaTeaDah | May 13, 2008 at 12:02 AM
What a lovely baking room...and to see out that window is wonderful!
Posted by: Sarah Keith | May 12, 2008 at 01:38 PM
I like your baking pantry. It has more knick-knacks that I personally would put in, but the big window by the mixer, and the lovely pastry table, and the cabinets for all the jars, lovely! :)
Does your Frigidaire oven/stove work? We have one in the single oven variety. Some of the features like the clock don't work any more, but the oven and stove cook beautifully. It came with our house, and we're planning on using it until it dies. And then I want a gas stove.
Posted by: Deb L | May 12, 2008 at 10:32 AM
I LOVE your new baking pantry! Such old world charm! And your new marble top table is gorgeous.
I love to see homes lovingly decorated in a way that reflects the personality of the owner--not some generic magainze picture.
Posted by: Lora | May 12, 2008 at 07:18 AM
I LOVE your pantry, Clarice! I could look at the pictures all day long...just like out of a magazine! I would love to cook and bake with you!
Hugs,
Kelli
Posted by: Kelli | May 11, 2008 at 08:58 PM
I love your baking pantry !! I am lucky enough to have a walk-in pantry where all the items that do not need to live in the refridgerator are kept.But I do envy you a whole room to bake and store.
Posted by: Rosemary UK | May 11, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Here's feedback from me in two words: Pantry Envy!!!! THAT looks amazing. I would love to have a room off the kitchen to serve as a pantry. You have fixed it up in such a darling way---love it. Guess I used more than two words.
Posted by: dana | May 10, 2008 at 10:07 AM
what a wonderful sunny & cozy baking pantry.
I love that marble topped table,Clarice.
everything looks just lovely.
I'm so happy for you.
Posted by: Christine Crocker | May 10, 2008 at 10:06 AM
totally love your new baking pantry! It is so pretty and quaint, right off your kitchen. I love your French pastry table and all the storage solutions you have. And the big, beautiful windows --- are so elegant and cottage-style beautiful. You are so blessed to live in your lovely home. It's like a magazine, Clarice, and you make it very special with all your crafty techniques and decorating skills.
From La-Te-Dah
http://gracioushospitality.blogspot.com/
Posted by: clarice | May 10, 2008 at 10:00 AM
What a great room! I'm so jealous. It's beautiful.
Posted by: knitsational | May 10, 2008 at 07:47 AM
What a fun little room -- and a great idea to use it as a baking pantry. I love the homey look to it all!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | May 10, 2008 at 12:55 AM
What a great kitchen Clarice, and that baking table is amazing. I never see anything great on Craigslist here.
Lucky girl!!
I think it is so great that you found just the thing you were looking for.
Have a fantastic Mother's Day!!
Rosemary
Posted by: | May 09, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Wow Clarice, you & the girls did a wonderful job! I *lovelovelove* it!
Posted by: carla | May 09, 2008 at 06:15 PM
One word....beautiful!
Posted by: Jane | May 09, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Your pictures turned out great. The yellow looks so warm and comforting. Love, Mom
Posted by: | May 09, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Love the yellow color and the corner shelves
are very nice with your collectables.
Posted by: Joy | May 09, 2008 at 11:27 AM
That has got to be the beautiful and functional space I've ever seen. I'm from New England where almost everyone has a pantry and never once have I seen one so beautiful. That is just an awesome space!!!!
Posted by: hunnybunny | May 09, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Clarice and girls,
I can see why you are so happy with your new space. It looks wonderful!
I also like the way you've displayed your dry goods.
Looks so welcoming and home sweet home.
Jill x00
Posted by: Jill | May 09, 2008 at 09:32 AM
How wonderful every thing looks…
You must smile every time you walk into that room…
I love the color, I love yellow…
Most of my downstairs rooms are painted Yellow….
Louise
Posted by: Louise | May 09, 2008 at 08:52 AM
I'd do the same thing if I had the room. Maybe in my next house! I love the antiques, esp. the Hoosier Cabinet (or hutch if that's what you would call it). Also, I love the butterflies in your header. Your blog is always a delight.
Michelle
Posted by: | May 09, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Spectacular!
I would love to bake with you in your new space. Or just sit on a chair and just look at everything.
You must be so pleased!
~Jody
Posted by: Gumbo Lily | May 09, 2008 at 07:03 AM
How special to have a space just for baking! And what a view from that huge window!! The rest of your kitchen is so very inviting. I love it.
Posted by: Diana | May 09, 2008 at 06:41 AM
Clarice, this is the most fabulous space and I love what you're doing. I would be tempted to move my bed in there just so I could wallow in all its glory. And I love the table you found, you're going to have so many wonderful times using that table in this special room of yours.
Posted by: June | May 09, 2008 at 06:32 AM
I say that pantry is freaking gorgeous!
Posted by: Sarah | May 09, 2008 at 06:21 AM
Clarice, this looks like it comes straight from a magazine. I absolutely love it! I can't imagine it really being any better. But I'll look forward to seeing any changes you make. You do a wonderful job of living your dreams!
You've accomplished so much!
Posted by: Bessie | May 09, 2008 at 05:45 AM
Okay, I am in love. Seriously in love with your kitchen. :)
Posted by: Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks&Me | May 09, 2008 at 05:09 AM
Oh Clarice!! It is * fab.u.lous.* !! You and I would have so-o-o-o much fun baking together.......wh/wh oatmeal bread....gingerbread scones....Monster Cookies.....foccacia w/ fresh herbs......m-m-m-m can you smell them?
I love anyone who uses gallon glass jars for storage like I do. Aren't they wonderful? Last summer I took all my lids outside and spray painted them black, and they look wonderful. It makes a cohesive look and dignifies the humble jar a bit. So, I already like the "black accent" idea you have going. It will be fun to see what comes next.
Simple. Beautiful. Useable. I love it!
Posted by: Carolyne | May 09, 2008 at 03:59 AM
You want honest? JEALOUS! That's how I feel about your darling newly redone room : ) It's just lovely. And I know all the hard work you put into it. Good on ya!
Posted by: Kristin | May 08, 2008 at 08:22 PM
I love, love, the yellow!! It is so sunny and the windows are amazing. I remember your cute house and the great windows from my visit 2 years ago! There are so many great little nooks and shelves that are built in and they add so much character! I also love that you know the name of the lady who lived in your house before! Well, keep looking for treasures and I am sure you will find many wonderful things to compliment your style.
Lisa L
Posted by: Lisa L | May 08, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Oh wow...I love it...love it..
Just keep hitting Goodwill and Thrift shops you will find what you need and it is almost yard sale season out here....
I love ecclectic....makes life more interesting.
deby
Posted by: Deby | May 08, 2008 at 08:08 PM
I've always wanted a pantry...instead of cluttered and crammed cabinets. It looks so inviting!
Posted by: carolyn | May 08, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Oh Geez! Can I just come and live with you?
Posted by: Stacy | May 08, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Wow! You have been busy! The area looks great and I love the marble table. Keep up the fantastic job and it will be fun to see how the kitchen takes shape.
Posted by: Mary T. | May 08, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Oh! What a beautiful charming space you have!!
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | May 08, 2008 at 05:28 PM
Honest?? You bet! Oh, Clarice!!! It is absolutely beautiful! It is elegant and unique and everything wonderful that I could imagine that only you could pull together!!! You have a touch, my friend, and it is evident in your work on this baking pantry. I love the marble table and LOVE the big, beautiful window! What an incredible space to bake wonderful things for your family. Congratulations! Job well done!
Posted by: Cheryl (Copper's Wife) | May 08, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Fantastic Clarice! I love the color! Great job young lady!
Love ya,
Debbie
Posted by: debbie | May 08, 2008 at 05:11 PM
I promise to be brutally honest...your baking pantry is wonderful Clarice!! What a cosy, warm place to bake, and a beautiful view as well. I especially love your blue cupboard; how great for storing all your jars. I hope you enjoy your lovely new space,
Deb
Posted by: Debbie | May 08, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Such a lucky Lady! I would love to have a room like yours...The view from your windows is also beautiful..Very magical :0).Have fun with your new baking room.
Posted by: Lorelei | May 08, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Hi Clarice,
What a great room! It's just gorgeous! I know you do a lot of baking so this must be heavenly. I have that same marble topped table!!
Manuela
Posted by: The feathered nest | May 08, 2008 at 04:40 PM
What an intriguing blog you have- very magical! I can almost see the sprites and faeries in the branches of your beautiful bedroom window blossoms.
Posted by: Nancy Geaney | May 08, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Clarice,
Is that one of the stoves that you pull the burners out? I don' really know how to describe it, but I had one when I moved to Massachusetts. Unfortunately only 1 burner worked, so I had to replace it. It had the "french door" oven on the top too. I also had your vinyl floor in my kitchen in Vermont. See how much we have in common and of course I have my 35 year old KitchenAid mixer. I could not live without the mixer.
Janet
Posted by: Janet | May 08, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Clarice,
I am seriously in awe! I can't get over it! I know that you spent days (weeks) getting this ready but WOW! Has it paid off or what?!!!!!
I adore this room!
What a grand french pastry table with elegant legs! Love all the details of the room and especially the large picture window.
May you enjoy many moments of food preparation, beauty and joy in this lovely room that is a joy to behold (and I really mean it)
Way to go Clarice!
I would say that I was speechless after seeing this, but as you can tell by this lengthy comment, I can't keep quiet!
Enjoy!
love,
Joanne, who is so proud of your achievements!
Posted by: Joanne | May 08, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Hi,
This is a lovely pantry. The view is just gorgeous. How great it's going to be to make goodies for your family in such a lovely space. I'm new to blogging but have read your blog for some time now and I always look forward to reading it. I love that you have made a great home for your daughters to grow up in. It's great to see you encourage their creativity and their love for fantasy/fairy tales. My family has a great love for all that as well. Keep up the great work.
Posted by: Erica Elizalde | May 08, 2008 at 03:33 PM