If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the scullery is the liver, quietly working behind the scenes to process the mess. It’s where your dirty dishes, laundry, and general chaos go to be cleaned and reset, out of sight and out of mind.
Once a relic of old estate homes and Victorian mansions, the scullery is making a comeback in modern kitchens. And it’s easy to see why. As open-plan living has become the norm, homeowners are rethinking how to keep the "living" part of that equation clean, calm, and clutter-free.
Why You Might Love Having a Scullery
A Hidden Workhorse
One of the biggest advantages of a scullery is that it gives you a dedicated zone for the less glamorous parts of kitchen life. Washing up, food prep, storing cleaning supplies, or hiding that pile of dishes you just don’t want guests to see...into the scullery they go.
More Space to Work (and Hide Stuff)
Especially in smaller kitchens, a scullery can double as a second prep area, pantry, or even laundry zone. It keeps the main kitchen feeling open and minimal, while still giving you all the function you need behind the scenes.
Entertain Without the Mess
Hosting dinner? Cooking for a crowd? The scullery lets you stash pots, pans, and prep bowls out of sight, so your guests see the beautifully set table and not the aftermath of cooking for six.
Quieter Appliances
Noisy dishwashers or laundry machines can be tucked into the scullery, reducing the soundscape in your open-plan living area. It’s a subtle perk that makes a big difference in daily life.
But There Are Some Downsides...
It Takes Up Space
Not every home has room to spare. A scullery usually requires its own plumbing, cabinetry, and floor space—resources that might be better used elsewhere in smaller homes or apartments.
It Can Become a Dumping Ground
Out of sight can mean out of mind. Sculleries can quickly become cluttered catch-alls if not managed well. It takes discipline (and good storage design) to keep it functioning and not just hiding chaos.
More to Clean
Ironically, having a space designed for cleaning can mean more to clean. Another sink, more surfaces, extra shelves—it all adds to your cleaning routine, even if it helps tidy up your visible kitchen.
Final Thoughts
A well-designed scullery can transform how your kitchen works, especially if you entertain often or love a clutter-free space. But it’s not for everyone. Like any design feature, it should match your lifestyle, your floorplan, and the way you live in your home.
Thinking of adding one to your next kitchen remodel? Make sure it’s not just stylish, but truly functional, because the best sculleries aren’t just about hiding mess, they’re about making your everyday life easier.