Scullery kitchens are back — a reminder that timeless design ideas often begin with history.

Kitchens by Design - Melinda Barber

Once considered a relic of grand estates and historic homes, the scullery kitchen is making a quiet yet powerful return in modern home design. But this isn’t your great-grandmother’s scullery. Today’s interpretations are thoughtful, functional, and stunningly stylish — redefining how we think about working kitchens in the home.

What Is a Scullery Kitchen?

Traditionally, a scullery was a small, tucked-away space used for messy kitchen tasks like washing dishes, prepping vegetables, or cleaning game. It kept the main kitchen clean and orderly — a necessity in homes where entertaining was formal and help was plentiful.

In contemporary design, a scullery functions as a secondary kitchen or prep area, often located just behind or adjacent to the main kitchen. Think of it as a hardworking support system — a place to hide clutter, prep meals, store large appliances, or even act as a dedicated space for caterers during events.

Why Are Sculleries Coming Back?

1. Open-concept kitchens are beautiful, social, and bright — but they come with a downside: exposure. Every mess, dish, or cooking project is visible. A scullery solves this problem, offering a hidden, functional zone where the real work happens, leaving your main kitchen pristine for hosting and living.

2. Entertaining-Friendly Living Whether you're hosting holidays, dinner parties, or casual family brunches, a scullery gives you a space to stash dirty dishes and prep food without interrupting the flow of the main space. It’s like having a behind-the-scenes crew — only better, because it’s built right into your home.

3. Luxe Customization Opportunities From double sinks and second dishwashers to wine fridges, baking stations, and coffee bars, sculleries allow homeowners to dream big. Because it’s tucked away, design choices can lean more functional, experimental, or specialized without disrupting the aesthetics of the main kitchen.

4. Better Storage and Appliance Solutions If you love to cook but hate visual clutter, the scullery is your best friend. It’s the perfect place to store countertop appliances, large cookware, and pantry staples. It also allows for the integration of extra refrigeration or freezer space — ideal for growing families or serious chefs.

Design Tips for a Modern Scullery

• Connect it seamlessly to your main kitchen for easy access — a hidden door, arched opening, or sliding panel works beautifully.

• Keep it cohesive with cabinetry and hardware that echoes the main kitchen, but don’t be afraid to add a pop of personality — think patterned tile or a deep, moody wall color.

• Maximize utility with lots of counter space, open shelving, deep sinks, and proper task lighting.

• Consider ventilation if you plan to use it for heavy prep or cooking.

Is a Scullery Right for You?

If you love to entertain, crave a clutter-free kitchen, or simply need more storage and prep space, the answer is likely yes. Scullery kitchens blend old-world charm with modern-day practicality, offering a level of elegance and efficiency that’s hard to beat.

They’re no longer just for the estates of the past — they’re becoming a hallmark of high-functioning homes in the present.

Final Thought: Today’s homes are more than just places to live — they’re places to gather, create, and unwind. Scullery kitchens help make that possible by letting your main kitchen shine while the hard work happens just out of view.

If you’re planning a new build or a major renovation, don’t overlook the beauty and utility of a modern scullery. It might just become your favorite room in the house.

Kitchens by Design - Melinda Barber - 828-226-2083.

The pictures above are credited to Pinterest. These and more can be found on our Pinterest - Scullery Kitchen Board