Why Sculleries Are the Secret Luxury Every Kitchen Needs (Even If You Don’t Have One!)

Every now and then, a design trend pops up that makes you think, ahh, if only I had space for that. For me, it’s the scullery. I adore my kitchen—it works beautifully for our family and it’s one of the happiest spots in the house. But when I scroll through design photos or read about “dream kitchens,” the scullery always catches my eye. It’s practical, timeless, and—let’s be honest—just a little bit glamorous.

What Exactly Is a Scullery?

A scullery is essentially a hardworking sidekick to the kitchen. Historically, it was a small room off the main kitchen where all the “wet work” happened—washing pots and pans, prepping vegetables, and hiding away the messy part of cooking. Think of it as a blend between a butler’s pantry and a utility room, with sinks, counters, and storage designed for the not-so-pretty jobs.

Today, sculleries are being reimagined as hidden cleanup stations, storage rooms, or prep zones.¹

A Brief History

Luxury Scullery in the Pillsbury Castle — **scullery in the Pillsbury Castle**

The term “scullery” goes back centuries, especially in Britain, where large homes often had entire rooms dedicated to different kitchen tasks. The scullery was considered the engine room of the kitchen—where the heavy scrubbing, washing, and prepping happened. Yes, it was often managed by the least-glamorous role in the house, the scullery maid, but the room itself wasn’t tied to anything dark or troubling in history beyond being a place for hard work.

Are Sculleries Actually Popular Now?

Absolutely! If you’ve noticed more designers and homeowners talking about them, you’re not imagining it. In fact, they’ve been highlighted as one of the top kitchen trends for 2025 by design experts.²

So yes—they’re having a real moment.

What’s a Scullery Best Used For?

In a modern home, a scullery is like your kitchen’s secret weapon. Some of the best uses include:

Cleanup zone: A deep sink, drying racks, and even a hidden dishwasher to take care of dishes after entertaining.
Prep station: Perfect for chopping veggies, rolling out dough, or hiding away small appliances.
Storage overflow: A spot for serving platters, paper goods, or even an extra fridge.
Party buffer: During holidays or gatherings, dirty dishes can disappear into the scullery while your main kitchen stays spotless.

Scullery Success Tips

If you’re fortunate enough to be designing one—or just want to capture the vibe in your existing kitchen—here are some simple guidelines:

What Works Well:

A deep sink and good plumbing.
Include task lighting so you’re not working in the dark.
Store daily-use items at arm’s reach and seasonal extras up high.
Keep surfaces easy to wipe down—think quartz or tile.

What to Avoid:

Treating it like a second show kitchen—it should work harder than it looks pretty.
Forgetting ventilation if you’re using small appliances.
Overcrowding the space; it needs good circulation to actually be useful.

What If You Don’t Have a Scullery?

You can still “borrow” the idea with some clever tweaks:

Dedicate one end of your kitchen as a “wet zone” with a deep sink and drying space.
Hide small appliances in an appliance garage or cabinet.
Add a second dishwasher drawer just for glassware or daily containers.
Convert a hallway closet into a mini scullery with shelving and a small counter.

The Takeaway

Sculleries may have started as a behind-the-scenes workhorse in old estates, but today they’re being celebrated for what they really are: practical, hardworking, and a little luxurious. Even The Times recently called secondary kitchens and scullery-style spaces “the new status symbol” for homes built to entertain.³

Even if you don’t have the square footage, you can capture the spirit of a scullery by creating a mini-zone in your kitchen that hides the mess and makes life easier. And honestly—that’s the beauty of design trends like this. You don’t have to have the exact thing to enjoy the benefits. With a little creativity, you can bring the charm of a scullery into any kitchen you already love.

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