An Arts and Crafts Limestone

At this time, last year, we were in the process of making some big life decisions. Do we stay in the Pacific Northwest? Go back to Colorado? Stay in the same job? Take a job in Colorado? Take a new job in the Pacific Northwest?  We traveled back to Colorado, where I met with my old boss from the design firm where I'd worked, and where we touched base with many dear friends. We visited our oldest son, who had just opened a new business, and spent a little time hanging out with two of my husband's sisters, who also lived in Colorado. We knew our daughter's husband was soon to be transferred to Colorado, as well. While we were in our old hometown, we discovered "The Lion House" was for sale.

A five thousand square foot limestone, the hundred plus year old Lion House is a local landmark. We made a quick call to our real estate agent, and toured the property.

Beautiful Kitchen Pantries

I have a serious case of pantry love (okay, maybe that's a nice way of saying pantry envy).   For years, I have collected tear sheets of kitchen pantries.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Country Living

 If you keep a tidy pantry, a screen door would be a fun addition.  Love the red paint!

Country Living

Will we ever get tired of chalk board paint?

Country Living

How about painting the shelves in a bright cheerful color?  Sometime pantries can get a little dark and dreary -- not so this bright yellow number from Country Living.

Country Living

Not sure which I like more -- the grammar school green chalkboard, or the barn door....

Robbie Caponetto  via

How about layering your doors to create a message center and some pegboard storage?

via

Of course, not all pantries have doors...

via

I'm not sure I'm organized enough for completely open storage, but this certainly is a beautiful pantry.

via Home and Family Network

Even a very simple pantry can add function to a kitchen.

Better Homes and Gardens

If you have lots of lovely serving dishes, why not store them in a shallow pantry with glass doors?

Better Homes and Gardens

I think my favorite pantry, ever, is this one from Classic Casual Home.  If you haven't been to Mary Ann's blog, you really need to pop over -- her blog is full of drool worthy images of her beach house remodel. While you're there, check out her new office -- it's beautiful!

For a less lovely image, here is my new "pantry".  It will stay very much like this for now, only getting new paint and hardware.

 We do, however, have a grander plan in mind for the space.  Our plan has changed somewhat, since this early concept was created, but it still "feels" the same.

So, tell me, do you have pantry love?  Pantry envy?  

Do you have a pantry? Love it?  Hate it?  

If you've blogged about your pantry (or any pantry), I would love for you to leave a link in the comments.

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