If you have a back patio, you have an extra room for entertaining! Are you doing what you can to extend the life of that space? You can enjoy it throughout the seasons by adding just a few more things.

Are you making these pantry mistakes when designing for more space? We are sharing five DON’Ts you want to avoid. DON’T install a door that only opens inward. That immediately causes a problem for what it behind it when it’s open creating a tough access point. A swinging door might just alleviate that problem. DON’T skimp on the lighting. Install adequate lighting so you can see what is there. Also, consider adding a motion sensor. You usually have full hands when going in and out. This creates less fumbling around to find the switch. DON’T forget electrical outlets. Housing toasters, blenders and other appliances not needed daily are best kept in the pantry. You may not think you need an outlet in there now, but sooner or later it will prove to be needed. DON’T just fill it with shelves. What do you plan to store in it? Use storage bins and Lazy Susans. Don’t forget to incorporate flat surfaces for appliances, recipe books and maybe even decor items. DON’T disrupt the flow of the kitchen. Position the pantry to accommodates the traffic flow. Keep in mind where you want to unload those armful of groceries. If your pantry wall is adjacent to the garage, consider putting in a small door to shove those big bags through to save trips.