Sculleries Are Making a Comeback
The word "scullery" may not be a term you’ve heard thrown around very often when it comes to home design, especially since the concept of one is fairly dated. Some older homes may already have sculleries, but more and more designers are incorporating this room into modern design plans because of their functionality. While formerly considered a sign of wealth, having a scullery today isn’t as much of a status symbol as it is an extension of the kitchen.
This mysterious little room-how it differs from spaces like a butler's pantry, and tips for using a scullery if you have one—or are thinking of adding it to your home in the future.
What Is a Scullery?
As a small room adjacent to the kitchen, a scullery has historically been used for cooking preparation and cleaning up, leading it to be commonly classified as an extra kitchen space. It may also be used for storing kitchenware like plates, bowls, and silverware, plus kitchen gadgets and smaller appliances. Sometimes, it has been used as a space for other housework like laundry and ironing.
The Difference Between a Scullery and a Butler's Pantry
Sculleries and butler's pantries serve similar purposes, but there are a few key differences. The Scullery served as a utility space for washing and cleaning kitchen items. In contrast, a butler's pantry is more of a storage and serving area, often located between the kitchen and dining room, facilitating the seamless serving of meals.
A butler’s pantry is devoted to getting meals ready to serve so the actual kitchen remains polished. These were typically found in wealthier homes, estates, and manors and offered a convenient location to store the family’s finer china used for special occasions. Sculleries remain focused on the actual preparation of the meal and cleaning. The Scullery seems to be more back-of-the-kitchen with much more storage available.
Tips for Having a Modern-Day Scullery
If your home has a scullery room attached to your kitchen, or you're thinking of remodeling and adding this useful space, keep these tips in mind for a fully functional, modern scullery.
Keep It Practical
Lean into the practicality of having a scullery in your home today. Prioritize functionality with a well-equipped, organized space for dishwashing and food preparation. This can mean using the space for cooking to keep your actual kitchen free of mess, especially if you’re entertaining. You can also consider storing your appliances in the space also, like blenders, coffee makers, or even having a secondary freezer housed in the scullery for overflow. Counter space for prep work and small appliances, or a second sink and dishwasher to stash dirty dishes during a party is truly a luxury anyone that loves to cook or entertain would be thrilled to have.
Transform It Into a Home Bar
Home designers convert sculleries into modern day home bars for several kitchen projects. With the right storage solutions, you can make room for a wine fridge and use existing cabinets to store glasses and flutes. You can also build a liquor cabinet, store gadgets in drawers, and use it for your bar supplies by stashing drink garnishes like olives, herbs, and fruits.
Lastly, designers are incorporating modern design as much as possible. The scullery can be an extension of the design in your kitchen or have a whole personality of its own. Treat it like any other room in your home: a canvas to add character that is uniquely yours while still incorporating modern design trends that will elevate your space.
Sculleries aren’t just practical; they can also be designed with an aesthetic appeal. High-quality materials and finishes can transform your scullery into a stylish and functional space that complements your kitchen’s design.
Sculleries offer a range of benefits that can enhance your kitchen’s functionality and style. Whether you’re looking for more storage, a quieter meal prep experience, or an elegant addition to your home, a scullery can be the solution.
