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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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September 19, 2012

Under Stair Closet Turned Butler’s Pantry

Under Stair Closet Turned Butler's Pantry from www.atthepicketfence.com

This is a project close to 5 years in the making. It has nagged me and taunted me for all of those years.

I’ll never forget the first time I saw this door. We were touring the house and I walked past it and did a double take. It didn’t even have my cute little Corn Husk Wreath on it and I still knew that there was something special about it! Where did this door lead?

Upon opening it, I discovered a wonderful set of corner shelves and further in, a strange little closet that was obviously built under the stairs.

Shelves in under stair closet

Here’s how it looked before.

4.5 years later I’m ready to reveal it under it’s new name. “The Butler’s Pantry” I can call it that right? I was kind of jealous of the one my friend Karianne has.

And since I seem to be the maid around here, I thought I could at least pretend that there is a Butler somewhere too, right?Here is how it looks now!

closet shelves, under stair closet

The walls were painted using the leftover paint from the Mudroom Makeover.

In the photo below, can you see the little doorway there on the left? That leads to another “room” where it is obvious that you are underneath the staircase.

You almost feel like you are going through the wardrobe in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. If that wardrobe had paper towels on a shelf inside of it.

stair closet

We ripped up the old carpet and put down peel and stick laminate wood which is really close to the color of my real wood floors in the kitchen. It totally opens up the space now!

wood floor, peel and stick, laminate floor

Looking straight ahead, you used to be greeted by a blank wall. But not anymore! Sigh…don’t you just love vintage silver trays?

I think I love them even more when they are hung on a wall in a grouping!

silver trays, vintage silver trays on wall

Once inside, it is easier to see how awkward this little space really is. My goal was to see how I could make the most of the strange angles of the walls and the obvious “tiered” effect of the ceiling.

Adding metal shelving gave me the storage space I needed and I made a little “skirt” for the middle rack out of a drop cloth and attached it using velcro.

wine rack, wine glasses, wine storage

I really wanted to do something fun with those “tiers” in the ceiling so I made a hanging wine rack using an old cabinet door.

On the bottom shelf we placed our wine fridge. Awww yeah!

Hmmmm….I see two bottles in there. Anyone wanna come over and help me celebrate this project being done?

By putting a tray on the top shelf I was able to add some decorative interest and also help disguise what is on the middle shelf.

Gotta keep it real here folks!

 

And did you see my little chalkboard there?

Would you believe it used to be this? This TV tray has been in our lives since we were first married and had no furniture and my parent’s took pity on us and gave us one from there set so that we had something on which to put our tiny TV.
So, it literally was a TV tray. I can feel you rolling your eyes at my weak joke. But, yuck. Look how gnarly that thing looked. It was begging to be transformed!

I took the legs off, gave it a couple of coats of chalkboard paint and then painted the edges white.

This is one of our most favorite wines so I’m guessing that it might be the “wine of the day” every day!

Up above, we are rocking it old school style with a basic light bulb fixture and pull string. We didn’t want to pay to have an electrician change it out so I simply turned a cute little lampshade upside down to disguise the light bulb. And now I could insert all sorts of “yanking your chain” jokes…but I won’t!

On the other side of the closet (oops…I mean Butler’s Pantry!) we have these wonderful built-in shelves.

Baskets hold cleaning supplies and I created another little curtain on one shelf using more drop cloth and a tension rod. It disguises some of my items that aren’t quite “display worthy”.

Well, there you have it.  My Under Stair Closet/Butler’s Pantry! I love it so.Even if my husband said very sarcastically (but with a wink in his eye), “Good thing this room is so beautiful now since so many people go in there all the time.”

The Butler and I were very insulted!

Thanks so much for joining us at the Fence today!

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78 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, DIY, Good Ideas, Tutorials Tagged With: Makeover

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Comments

  1. Sabrina @ loulousucre says

    September 19, 2012 at 12:35 AM

    What a great idea!!! Great use of space.

    Reply
  2. ange says

    September 19, 2012 at 12:37 AM

    Love how you used this space and made it work! Now it’s not only functional but pretty as well! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    September 19, 2012 at 12:44 AM

    Vanessa, that is just so cool. What a great space to have and you thought of every detail. Yes, I will come join you. Oh, yea, we live thousands of miles apart. Looks like I will be living a lot closer to your sister soon!

    Reply
  4. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    September 19, 2012 at 12:52 AM

    It’s wonderful! What a sweet, thoughtfully decorated space! I’m sure you’ll get lots of use out of it!

    Reply
  5. Dixie Delights says

    September 19, 2012 at 12:52 AM

    Love what you did with it!!

    Reply
  6. Mary says

    September 19, 2012 at 12:56 AM

    It looks great! what a great use of the space.

    Reply
  7. Hi I'm Shannon! says

    September 19, 2012 at 12:56 AM

    Cheers! :clink clink: You have outdone yourself. It looks fantastic. What a great space you have made. I know you have got to have a big smile on your face 🙂 Enjoy!!

    Reply
  8. Ellie says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:00 AM

    What a great use of the space! I love that you took the time to make it beautiful.

    Reply
  9. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:03 AM

    That’s a great space Vanessa! It’s always nice to have extra storage!

    Reply
  10. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:06 AM

    That is so cute, Vanessa! Makes for a great hiding spot, too. I mean, you got the wine in there, what else would you need? : )

    Reply
  11. Cindy says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:08 AM

    Oh please pour me a glass of white! That is the cutest little surprise that I have seen in a while! You did so many wonderful things in that pantry that you will HAVE to share! Fabulous!

    Reply
  12. Fine House says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:09 AM

    This may be the inspiration I needed to convince my husband that we need to explore the wasted space under our stairs. It looks fantastic, and I am sure you love all the storage.

    Reply
  13. Gina says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:11 AM

    That is genius! What a great use of the space & it turned out so beautifully too.

    Reply
  14. Anne says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:17 AM

    Adorable! I love the hanging wine rack under the stairs. So cute!!!

    Reply
  15. Patty (Patty's Pretty Things) says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:28 AM

    I love your picture of the hanging trays. Nice and creative way to use your space. We have a closet under the steps and I think when we have grandchildren that might be a fun place for them to play!

    Reply
  16. Patty (Patty's Pretty Things) says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:30 AM

    by the way, how did you hang the trays? I don’t see anything holding them up!

    Reply
  17. Bonnie says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:31 AM

    Looks great. Very attractive and useful. I am wondering- How did you hang the silver trays?

    Reply
  18. At The Picket Fence says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:35 AM

    Hi Patty and Bonnie! I used Command Strips to hang the trays and so far they’ve stayed up there and we haven’t heard any clanging to the ground! 🙂
    Vanessa

    Reply
  19. Mrs Hoff says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:36 AM

    Great idea! I had a butler’s pantry in my favorite house when we were stationed in San Antonio with the Army. One of my favorite features!

    Reply
  20. Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky) says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:47 AM

    Very cool! A great and pretty use of space. We all need a secret little room like that, and I’m sure the butler approves.

    Reply
  21. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:47 AM

    Wonderful idea! I love that you turned a secret little closet into a beautiful and functional butlers pantry. I’ve long admired Karianne’s pantry, too!

    Reply
  22. SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...Pernilla says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:47 AM

    Absolutely stunning!! Well done 🙂

    Reply
  23. Lori says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    This is such a beautiful space! I love you took a hidden closet and turned into a functional (and gorgeous!) little room. I wouldn’t want to keep the door closed if I were you 🙂

    Reply
  24. thistlewoodfarm says

    September 19, 2012 at 2:17 AM

    Vanessa,

    Can my butler’s pantry and your butler’s pantry be best friends? 🙂 You did such a wonderful job! Seriously. The vintage trays….the light….the wall color…..you are amazing!

    Have a great day rock star!
    karianne

    Reply
  25. CAS says

    September 19, 2012 at 2:18 AM

    That is too doggone clever, Vanessa! Most people would have just shoved a bunch of storage boxes into that space, but not Little Ms. Clever Vanessa! Smart thinking!

    CAS

    Reply
  26. Gypsea says

    September 19, 2012 at 2:29 AM

    I love your decorating style and your husband is hilarious!

    Reply
  27. elizabeth says

    September 19, 2012 at 2:37 AM

    I LOVE it!

    Reply
  28. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    September 19, 2012 at 2:40 AM

    It is totally fabulous. What a great idea. I love it. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  29. Carol @arewethereyet says

    September 19, 2012 at 2:41 AM

    Very nice job Vanessa – you do such a beautiful job on your house – I had one of those “rooms” once – and yes, it was where I stored all my seasonal decorations. Who knew you could turn it into such a cute little “room”.
    Hugs –
    Carol

    Reply
  30. Anna says

    September 19, 2012 at 3:24 AM

    Oh my goodness, this is AMAZING!!! I love everything about it! Can I please come celebrate with you? I’ll even bring the wine! 🙂

    Anna

    Reply
  31. Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap says

    September 19, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    very beautiful and useful space! Love the details: the silver trays, the dropcloth skirts…very nice!!!

    Reply
  32. classic • casual • home says

    September 19, 2012 at 5:20 AM

    I guess you could also call it your wine cellar! Let’s squeeze in there and have a wine tasting!

    Reply
  33. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    September 19, 2012 at 12:56 AM

    Super cute Vanessa! I remember when you shared that little closet before – love it’s new look! Yep, I’m coming over for wine. Haven’t tried that one- I’ll bring one of our favorites to share too! 🙂

    Reply
  34. Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says

    September 19, 2012 at 8:57 AM

    What a fabulous project and a great way to use an unusual shaped space. Love it.

    Reply
  35. Stuff and Nonsense says

    September 19, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    love it!

    what a great way
    to make the space
    so much more usable
    (and purty!)

    alison

    Reply
  36. Maria Elena says

    September 19, 2012 at 12:16 PM

    Vanessa, it is so pretty! I love the creative way you have used this space! It looks amazing!

    Reply
  37. mwimp says

    September 19, 2012 at 12:20 PM

    wow! ah-may-zing! its just amazing – this has got me thinking about mine – altho its just the normal deep long slanted ceiling closet under that stairs but you’ve given me some great ideas!

    Reply
  38. Alderberry Hill says

    September 19, 2012 at 12:45 PM

    So perfect, definitely a great transformation…I think I’d have to leave the door open and stare in there all day!

    Reply
  39. Wild Oak Designs says

    September 19, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    Perfectly amazing and wonderful! I love everything and find it something to aspire to!
    Question, how did you get the power in there for the light and wine cooler??
    Nancy
    https://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

    Reply
  40. A Walk in the Countryside says

    September 19, 2012 at 2:10 PM

    This is amazing! I’m ashamed to say my closet under the stairs is a catch all! It had popped in my mind before to try something like this but it was too overwhelming! Now I’m re-thinking it! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  41. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    September 19, 2012 at 2:41 PM

    What a clever use of space! It’s like having a secret space that surprises all who enter!!

    Reply
  42. Doreen @ Hymns and Verses says

    September 19, 2012 at 4:22 PM

    What a wonderful transformation! I would definitely go in there all the time!

    Blessings,

    Doreen

    Reply
  43. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    September 19, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    Perfection! A great redo! You are one clever and crafty girl!

    Reply
  44. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    September 19, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    You have created such a beautiful and utilitarian space…just love what you have done from the wall of silver trays to that shade on the “yanky chain” light!…Magnificent job!!!

    Reply
  45. Helen's Decor says

    September 19, 2012 at 5:44 PM

    The silver trays look smashing on the wall! A girl has to have her silver! Now wish my walk-in pantry had an outlet for a wine chiller!

    Reply
  46. vikki says

    September 19, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    I love it, so jealous. Tell your husband that the person who matters will go in there and enjoy the pretty space. Also I do have a butler, his name is Jeeves and even though he is only three feet tall and never says or does anything we all love him. He stands next to my husband’s chair and very patiently holds his cup or book or whatever. I also put bunny ears on him at Easter and a Santa Hat at Christmas and even a witches hat at Halloween. He is so patient, never complains about it. I know he would love your butler’s pantry!

    Reply
  47. Eileen says

    September 19, 2012 at 6:29 PM

    What a fab use of space! I just love how you transformed an odd little area into something beautiful and useful.

    Reply
  48. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says

    September 19, 2012 at 6:51 PM

    Oh I love this! What a great use of this space! So many great ideas…

    What did you use to hang the silver trays on the wall if I can ask?

    Thanks for sharing a great space. Elizabeth

    Reply
  49. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says

    September 19, 2012 at 6:53 PM

    So sorry, just saw that you used command strips! Thanks

    Reply
  50. Our Pinteresting Family says

    September 19, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    Beautiful job! It looks amazing! Megan

    Reply
  51. Anonymous says

    September 19, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    I love how you transformed that space, Vanessa! I forgot about giving you that lovely TV tray. It definitely looks better now than it did before.

    Good job!

    Mom

    Reply
  52. Judy says

    September 19, 2012 at 8:43 PM

    What a great use of an awkward space. Your husband sounds like my husband. I love all of the little touches and I love that you are calling it a Butler’s Pantry.

    Reply
  53. Schulz Family says

    September 19, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    This is so gorgeous. I am envious as now I need an understair cupboard to transform myself!! Note to self – get new house with second storey. Thanks for following my blog, I love what you do and am following you. Cheers Karen http://www.madewithmytwohands.blogspot.com

    Reply
  54. Becca says

    September 20, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    GENIOUS, Vanessa … your butler’s pantry rocks! And, your vision for this space is amazing! I love every.single.thing about it … the shelves … the “bar” area … the dropcloth “curtain.” I’m surprised that you didn’t take the door off so that it can be enjoyed all the time!

    Reply
  55. Cristina Garay says

    September 20, 2012 at 3:40 PM

    Perfection! What a great way to utilize a somehow difficult space! I love everything you did, those trays look awesome there!

    Reply
  56. Dewdrop Gardens says

    September 20, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    What a great way to use the space…a closet that could be difficult to make look good. And I think you and the butler will enjoy it so much! The details come together perfectly.
    Debbie 🙂

    Reply
  57. Michael @ Armchair Builder says

    September 20, 2012 at 5:11 PM

    Really like the way you maximized the space. There is so much space available in our homes that we can make into cool, useful living area. And when you take on the project yourself, you get an amazing deal. Especially the way you did it. Great job.

    Reply
  58. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    September 20, 2012 at 6:47 PM

    Oh Vanessa. I am in love with this. :o) What a great space and I think all your little touches are perfect. The curtains are my favorite. How did you hang the silver trays on the wall? You should be so proud of this transformation!

    Reply
  59. Erika@BeBookBound says

    September 20, 2012 at 7:37 PM

    Fabulous! Every woman should have a beautiful little butler’s pantry to call her own. I’m wondering now if I can justify turning one of our closets into my own little pantry. The problem is, it wouldn’t be nearly as classy as yours. (I’m envisioning shelves for paper plates and a Diet Dr. Pepper fridge . . .)

    Reply
  60. Infarrantly Creative says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    All I can say is WOW! This is beautiful, detailed, and just AMAZING!!

    Reply
  61. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    This is the most glorious thing I have seen in a while–such a creative use of what started out as an awkward space, but is now a real butler’s pantry–they could use it on Downton Abbey!

    Reply
  62. Honey at 2805 says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Your butler’s pantry is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing this beautiful inspiration at Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  63. MONICA LIVAS says

    September 21, 2012 at 9:14 AM

    What a wonderful idea!

    Reply
  64. Shauna@Satori Design for Living says

    September 21, 2012 at 3:40 PM

    Love the use of space and the functionality! I’d love to have a butler’s pantry for sure.

    Reply
  65. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    September 21, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    Vanessa, What a great idea and the space is fabulous!

    Reply
  66. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    September 25, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    Vanessa, I totally “get” why you wanted to use this great space for a Butler’s Pantry! I know you’ll be enjoying it for a long time.

    Reply
  67. Sherry says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:16 AM

    Well that was a great idea! If it were my “Butler’s Pantry” (and I wish it was) you would have it so stacked with stuff you couldn’t get in there and when you open the door it falls out! Hubs just loves my organizing skills! not! Thank you for linking it to HSH! You did a great job!
    Sherry

    Reply
  68. Bobi Jensen says

    September 28, 2012 at 6:46 PM

    Wow! Gorgeous!

    Bobi
    https://onedailymoneytip.blogspot.com

    Reply
  69. EMILY WISE says

    September 30, 2012 at 1:19 PM

    Beautiful!!

    Reply
  70. Anonymous says

    October 2, 2012 at 4:21 PM

    This turned out beautifully. You wouldn’t think you could have so much storage in that small space. You ARE the most important person so it should be beautiful, if for no one else but you. Tina

    Reply
  71. Linda A. Young says

    January 18, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    Very clever and pretty use of a tiny space. I just love your special touches, like your silver trays hanging ,the repurposed chalkboard, very cute lampshade. I’m gonna make a wine glass rack like you did, hang like a small room divider. I wish I had under-stairs space. Thanks for the inspiration! You have such wonderful ideas!
    Be blessed!

    Reply
  72. Cheryl yoder says

    February 12, 2013 at 11:01 AM

    Loved the Butler’s Pantry! Makes me want to build a fun, little room like it!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Our Best from 2012 ~ Happy New Year! says:
    January 1, 2013 at 2:06 PM

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  2. How to Make a Hanging Wine Rack says:
    January 18, 2013 at 3:31 AM

    […] see, a few months ago I shared with you how I turned an awkward closet under our stairs into a Butler’s Pantry. Actually, it was more like a “wannabe” Butler’s Pantry because I just like how […]

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  3. Live Laugh {Linky} #30 - live. laugh. rowe says:
    January 22, 2013 at 4:48 AM

    […] Under Stair Closet Makeover @ At The Picket Fence Vanessa did some awesome things in that closet! […]

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    October 3, 2013 at 8:42 AM

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What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
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