Sculleries are a mess-hiding blast from the kitchen past

Por LISA KLEIN

The scullery: It sounds like something straight off of a pirate ship, and not necessarily a good thing.

But, in fact, it is actually an old-school but incredibly useful little room off of the main kitchen used for messy tasks and prep work that dates to the Victorian era and is decidedly back in vogue.

“Sculleries are increasingly sought after in new homes and remodels,” said Rebecca Driggs, owner and principal of Rebecca Driggs Interiors in North Carolina. “Since the pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift towards enhancing the functionality of homes like never before.”

On duty

Previously found mostly in older homes, the scullery is a place of utility.

Historically used by a household’s kitchen staff for cleaning, washing and untidy food prep, the room is finding new life and fulfilling its original purpose of hiding the mess.

Architects and designers are especially adding them to new homes, where they are particularly useful in open-concept spaces.

“Sculleries are quickly gaining in popularity again because more people are entertaining in their homes,” said Lori Moscato, owner and principal of Casual Elegance Designs in North Carolina. “Having a scullery allows for all prep and cleanup to stay behind a closed door and out of sight for guests.”

This kitchen addition is a great place to not only prepare food, but stow dirty dishes, store bulky and unsightly appliances, act as a second – or even primary – pantry for food staples, and more, all with the ability to close the door on the chaos.

“We appreciate its practicality in concealing the less aesthetically pleasing items while highlighting the beauty in the main kitchen,” Ms. Driggs said.

The scullery does double duty, too. Busy families often use this space to keep their day-to-day clean and organized.

“The compact floor plan keeps everything close at hand – it functions much like a galley kitchen,” said Lauren McKay, owner and principal of North Carolina-based Lauren McKay Interiors.

“Our client uses this space as both a pantry and as a working kitchen. It’s where they make their coffee in the morning and if they’re entertaining, it becomes a secondary cooking space as well as providing a second dishwasher to get the meal-prep mess put away.”

The designers recommend adding a sink, dishwasher and second refrigerator in the modern scullery, along with pantry storage and room for appliances such as mixers, blenders, crockpots, air fryers, toasters – any gadgets that usually take up too much space on the regular kitchen counter.

And, despite the scullery’s focus on function, there is no reason its current iteration can’t also focus on style.

“I love for a scullery to both blend with a kitchen and stand out on its own,” Ms. McKay said.

While still coordinating with kitchen décor, the scullery can be a place with a bit more imagination – wild wallpaper, funky tile, a bolder cabinet or wall color than a kitchen would normally have.

Sure, the scullery is more of a bonus space than an absolute necessity, but attention to both its functionality and design will add a much-welcomed extra to the most important room in the house.

“No one has ever said, ‘Your kitchen is too big,’” Ms. Moscato said. “This space is an extension of the kitchen, which is the heart of the home.”

For more clutter-clearing ideas in the kitchen and beyond, read “Hide and sleek” in the latest issue of Luxury Portfolio magazine.