- WHO: Erin Hiemstra, founder of lifestyle site Apartment 34
- WHERE: San Francisco, CA, in a restored Victorian home
- WHAT SHE WANTED: A spare, clutter-free pantry
THE CALIFORNIA CLOSETS MAGAZINE
Functionality, simplicity, and spare lines characterize Scandinavian design. All elements work in harmony with the environment; items like these wood cutting boards (above) are handmade to last rather than be replaced.
THE DESIGN CHALLENGE: The original pantry lacked width yet featured 12-foot ceilings, resulting in an awkward area.
THE MUST-HAVE: A place for her vast cookbook collection.
THE RESULT: Minimal in design yet maximal in functionality, the new pantry takes advantage of excess vertical space with extra-high 36-inch countertops (ideal for Hiemstra and her husband, who are 5'11" and 6'6", respectively) and open shelves for storage.
PLUS: Perched on accessible shelving, Hiemstra’s treasured cookbooks are always at hand, and below the counters, slide-out wire baskets store fruits, vegetables, and table linens.
BONUS: The X-shaped, cellar-inspired storage displays a selection of wines ready to serve (and above, glass jars host cooking ingredients).