Real Estate Advertorial Create and design a functional kitchen pantry Many homeowners wish they had more stor- age space, and kitchens are one area where people seemingly can always use more stor- age. Despite a desire for more kitchen space, un- til recently, kitchen pantries fell out of favour. Builders and architects may have thought that close proximity to supermarkets as well as multi-use cabinets in kitchens would offset the need for pantries. But according to a re- cent survey from the National Association of Home Builders in the United States, a kitchen pantry is the most desirable kitchen feature for buyers in the market for a new home. In order to accommodate for spending more time in the kitchen, homeowners are directing additional attention to kitchen preparation and storage features. In fact, one recent trend in kitchen renovations is creating custom- designed pantries. Locate the appropriate space Ideally, pantries should be in or adjacent to the kitchen. But not every home layout allows for this setup. Some homeowners need to move storage pantries into the ga- rage, the basement or a mud/laundry room. Various factors should be considered before placing a pantry outside a kitchen. What is the climate? Will food spoil? Is there a possibility that vermin or insects can infiltrate the room and access food? These factors will dictate whether to have closed cabinets, air-tight bins or open shelves or if other modifications must be made to the room prior to building. Choose the type of pantry Accessibility is essential in a pantry. Everything should be easily reached and grabbed as needed without having to move too many things. Ideally, foods should be arranged in a single layer so that all items can be viewed at a glance. Shelves of various depths and heights can accommodate items of different sizes. Adjustable shelves are ideal be- cause they can be modified as foods change. Sliding drawers can improve reach in cabinets. In smaller spaces, French door-style reach-in cabinets are convenient and flexible. In com- plete kitchen remodels or new constructions, walk-in pantries offer the most space and flex- ibility. Must-have features Pantries serve different functions in differ- ent homes. For the bulk shopper, a pantry with plenty of room for large items will be needed. Lighting can be beneficial in all pantries. Lights can improve visibility when trying to lo- cate items. Others prefer an outlet for charging hand-held vacuums or other small appliances. Counter space in the pantry enables homeown- ers to unload groceries directly onto pantry shelves. For pantries located outside of the kitchen, built-in freezers can maximize storage possibilities, especially for those who freeze-and-eat after bulk shopping ventures. Pantries are popular features that homeowners can cus- tomize depending on their storage needs and the amount of time they spend in their kitchens. (MCC) in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, S ep te m be r 3, 20 20 | 14 OF THE WEEK Luc Jodoin, courtier immobiLier royaL Lepage méritas du suroît p:514-214-8333 jodoinluc@videotron.ca • lucjodoin.com Home 959 2E RANG, SAINTE-CLOTILDE, QC, J0L 1W0 • $1 675 000 Unique and private estate on a lot of 9.8 acres, at 35 minutes from Montreal. Perfect for welcoming visitors with 2 campsites and private cottage, 5-door garage accommodating 8 cars, equipped with a lift. Next to the garage, a living room and a loft above. Heated swimming pool; outdoor pavilion with kitchen and bathroom. Beautiful private pond. On themain floor: youwill be impressed by the brightness of the kitchen, due to its huge window of a unique architecture. The central island includes 8 places. The dining room can accommodate up to 10 guests and the fireplace in fields' stones, adds a very warm feel to this room. There is plenty of storage, including a built-in cladding with more than 5 doors, a wine cellar, a granite countertop, and kitchen cabinets up to the ceiling. The living room is amazingly bright, with its cathedral ceiling and multitude of windows; you will also find a huge room with a big SPA, as well as 2 large offices. 2nd floor: master bedroom adjoining a huge solarium, overlooking the pool; guest room and 1 bathroom. Basement: equipped with a high-performance home cinema, includes 2 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom. Very well-landscaped courtyard including a beautiful heated swimming pool, a gazebo and a large pavilion with a kitchen and a bathroom. In addition, you will find: trails in the woods (walking or equestrian); the possibility of a stable; heated dog enclosure; 2 campsites (water, electricity and sewers incl.); wine cellar with stone walls. Fuel tanks are excluded, but possibility of continuing service.