For many homeowners, laundry rooms and kitchen pantries were once an afterthought—small, utilitarian spaces that rarely received much design attention. As families grow and lifestyles change, however, these areas are becoming central to home functionality, thanks in large part to the custom work done by Closet Factory. Senior designer Candice Kentch and design consultant Krystyna Beaton shared insights about how these spaces are evolving and how Closet Factory is meeting demand for both beauty and functionality.
Creating a more useful, multifunctional space
Kentch, who has been with Closet Factory for 16 years, has seen a significant shift in how clients approach the design of laundry rooms and kitchen pantries. “Both spaces have gotten larger over the years,”she says. “What used to be just a small area for a washer, dryer, and a sink has now become a multifunctional space, especially for families with young children. Post-pandemic, there’s been a surge in bulk shopping, and people need solutions for organizing their back stock.”
Kentch emphasizes that modern laundry rooms are now often designed to serve multiple purposes, including doubling as mudrooms or pet-care areas. “People are incorporating dog-wash stations, built-in pet food storage, and even dedicated spaces for pet crates,” she says. “We ask our clients about their pets, because these are the kinds of things that often get overlooked.”
For kitchen pantries, the trend has shifted toward creating what Kentch describes as “more of a butler’s pantry.” Homeowners want large countertops and work surfaces where they can store kitchen appliances, such as toaster ovens and crockpots. “It’s about keeping the kitchen clean and uncluttered,” she says. “We’re creating workstations with built-in plugs, so these appliances are ready to use but neatly tucked away.”
Infusing real life into the space
At the same time that homeowners are focusing on functionality, aesthetic appeal remains important. “People are spending more time at home, and they want these functional spaces to be beautiful as well,” says Kentch. “We’re talking to builders and designers early in the process to make sure these spaces are not just practical but also visually appealing.”
Beaton echoes these sentiments, noting that the goal is to maximize functionality without compromising style, even for older homes with smaller pantries or laundry rooms. “We often work in homes with unique architectural features, such as sloped ceilings or large baseboards,” Beaton says. “We accommodate these by customizing cabinetry to perfectly fit the space, ensuring that 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: blues, greens, 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 kind of work, whether it’s from the blueprint stage or a complete rehab of a 100-year-old home,” says Beaton. “We have amazing installers who bring our designs to life. They’re the ones who ensure that everything fits perfectly and functions as intended.”
As laundry rooms and kitchen pantries continue to evolve from overlooked spaces to essential hubs of the home, Closet Factory is at the forefront, offering 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 day-to-day life easier and more organized.”
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Closet Factory. To learn more, visit closetfactory.com.
