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Riverbend Renovation

Lakeview

Lakeview Butler's Pantry

Custom butler's pantry conversion

pantry base cabinets with butcher-block top and open upper cubbies
Pantry build in progress — ladder, shelving, butcher-block on sawhorses
DuringAfter
During: Pantry build in progress — ladder, shelving, butcher-block on sawhorses
After: pantry base cabinets with butcher-block top and open upper cubbies

Sometimes the best renovation isn't adding square footage—it's making better use of the space you already have. This Lakeview project transformed a seldom-used living room into a custom butler's pantry and sitting area, creating a space designed for entertaining, storage, and everyday living.

The Homeowner's Vision

The homeowners wanted to improve the way they used their home without building an addition. Rather than keeping a formal living room that saw little use, they envisioned a custom butler's pantry connected to a comfortable sitting area where family and guests could gather. The goal was to create a space that felt like it had always been part of the home's original design while adding storage, serving space, and functionality.

Reimagining the Space

Converting a living room into a butler's pantry required more than installing cabinetry. The project involved completely rethinking how the room would function while ensuring it blended seamlessly with the surrounding areas of the home. Every design decision balanced appearance with practicality, creating a space that was equally suited for entertaining guests or everyday use.

Bringing the Design to Life

The renovation included: Complete room transformation Custom cabinetry Quartz countertops Tile backsplash Plumbing for the new wet bar Electrical upgrades Custom lighting Finish carpentry Painting Final trim and detailing Each element was selected to complement the home's existing style while creating a distinctive new living space.

Designed for Entertaining

The finished butler's pantry provides dedicated space for food preparation, serving, storage, and entertaining while maintaining an open connection to the adjoining sitting area. The result is a home that functions differently than before—without increasing its footprint.

The Finished Space

What was once an underutilized room became one of the home's standout features. The custom cabinetry, carefully selected finishes, and thoughtful layout created a space that is both beautiful and highly functional, adding everyday convenience while enhancing the home's overall value.

What This Project Demonstrates

This renovation illustrates that some of the best remodeling projects don't involve adding square footage—they involve making existing space work better. Key takeaways include: Existing rooms can often be repurposed to better fit a family's lifestyle. Thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality. Custom cabinetry creates storage tailored to the homeowner's needs. Cohesive finishes help new spaces feel original to the home. A well-planned renovation can significantly increase both enjoyment and resale appeal.

Project Highlights

Location: Lakeview, New Orleans Project Type: Interior Renovation Services: Custom cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, finish carpentry, painting Transformation: Living room converted into a custom butler's pantry and sitting area Key Result: Improved functionality without adding square footage

Every photograph from this job

12 photographs

Stage
Area
  • finished living/dining room with dark hardwood and grey wallsBefore

    finished living/dining room with dark hardwood and grey walls

  • New pantry wall framing with pendant light and blue tape layout linesDuring

    New pantry wall framing with pendant light and blue tape layout lines

  • Plastic containment (zip wall) sealing the work area from the rest of the houseDuring

    Plastic containment (zip wall) sealing the work area from the rest of the house

  • finished hallway and dining room with pendant lights over hardwoodBefore

    finished hallway and dining room with pendant lights over hardwood

  • Pantry build in progress — ladder, shelving, butcher-block on sawhorsesDuring

    Pantry build in progress — ladder, shelving, butcher-block on sawhorses

  • Butcher-block counter installed with shelving above, floors protectedDuring

    Butcher-block counter installed with shelving above, floors protected

  • Room prepped for work with navy accent wall and staged tools and debrisDuring

    Room prepped for work with navy accent wall and staged tools and debris

  • Plastic containment wall sealing a hallway during constructionDuring

    Plastic containment wall sealing a hallway during construction

  • window with new trim against olive-green wall over hardwoodAfter

    window with new trim against olive-green wall over hardwood

  • pantry base cabinets with butcher-block top and open upper cubbiesAfter

    pantry base cabinets with butcher-block top and open upper cubbies

  • pantry with white shelving and butcher-block counter, doorway to dining roomAfter

    pantry with white shelving and butcher-block counter, doorway to dining room

  • finished walk-in pantry — white shelving, butcher-block counter, hardwood floorAfter

    finished walk-in pantry — white shelving, butcher-block counter, hardwood floor

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