Boldly-patterned Butler’s Pantry

Great Falls, VA

Photography Mary Pat Collins

Nestled between the kitchen and dining room, this Butler’s Pantry had gray walls and boring maple cabinets when the home was first purchased, but Justine saw huge potential in this small space. Taking inspiration from stylish bars and speakeasies of the Art Deco period, Justine’s first step was to find a bold wallpaper which features a design of large-scale cranes reminiscent of Japanese folding screens. The black, gold, red, and green shades in the design tie together the colors of the furniture and fabrics from the dining room, and create a stunning backdrop for the custom-designed, brass bistro shelves which were installed above the bar. Both rooms were designed together in a short six weeks for the twiceannual One Room Challenge.

Justine transformed the original maple cabinets with a deep, eggplant paint, and swapped out the cabinet door inserts with decorative metal sheeting. New brass hardware, and natural quartzite countertops up the lux factor in the small space.

Never one to miss an opportunity to add art, Justine layered a framed, vintage, French advertising poster over the wallpaper to add even more graphic punch to the little space, and accessorized the shelves with both vintage and new glassware and interesting bottles, creating a glam little spot for a glass of champagne or a favorite cocktail.