One-Note to One-of-a-Kind
the logical choice for a pantry upgrade? repurposed Stained glass doors.
Max Burkhalter
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it 100 times: vintage is best. Sustainability and quality come to mind when choosing vintage over new, and when the former also happens to be easy on the wallet? That’s just the cherry on top. Our clients wanted a toned-down, neutral kitchen that would serve as a restful focal point for the family. While we generally maintained that ethereal, light and bright feeling, there was one element that pushed the kitchen into ZF territory. Enter: stained glass.
Before
Max Burkhalter
With its minimalist cabinets and approachable layout, this kitchen needed a dose of the unexpected. While we typically design a pantry with a low profile to avoid emphasizing the utilitarian space, our clients stumbled upon these gorgeous stained glass doors removed during a church renovation. The glass was in perfect condition, and only the frame needed a coat of paint (Farrow & Ball Elephant’s Breath).
This particular pair came from DC-area nonprofit Community Forklift, which collects donations of new and gently used building materials and home essentials. They also distribute free materials to nonprofits and neighbors in need, create good green jobs, and educate the public about reuse. All of this made made the addition an immediate yes from our team.
A peek inside the pantry
Max Burkhalter
The greens in the stained glass hinted at the subway tile in the butler’s pantry—an unplanned but kismet connection that brought the two spaces together. We added rubbed brass handles in keeping with the ornamental, antique door style, and organized the shelves inside to the nines so all items tucked away nicely.
When you look at these stained glass beauties, you’d never associate them with the pantry. And that’s the point! So…how are you elevating the ordinary in your own home? Let us know in the comments.