What Is a Scullery? (The Room You Never Knew You Needed. But You Do.)

Typically thought of as an overflow kitchen, sculleries were common in the past, and are making a resurgence in the home once again. Sounding more like a term used by a pirate, “scullery” may not be a word you’ve heard when it comes to home design, especially since the concept of one is fairly dated. Some older homes may already have one, 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 and a practical construction decision.

What Exactly Is a Scullery?

A scullery (also referred to as a overflow kitchen) is a small room adjacent to the kitchen, which historically has been used for cooking preparation and clean up. It may also be used for storing kitchenware like plates, bowls, and silverware, plus kitchen gadgets and appliances. It has even been used as a space for other tasks such as laundry and ironing.

Scullery vs. Butler’s Pantry

Sculleries and butler’s pantries serve similar purposes, but there are a few notable differences. A scullery typically serves as a utility space for washing and cleaning kitchen items and is often equipped with a sink. A butler’s pantry is more of a storage and serving area, located between the kitchen and dining room, facilitating the seamless serving of meals.

Scullery vs. Mudroom

While both a scullery and a mudroom are annex rooms and offer storage solutions, the two have a few key differences. A mudroom offers a place to store things like shoes, mail, umbrellas, coats; items that could clutter a formal entryway. In comparison, a scullery is an extension of a kitchen used for cooking and cleaning. Mudrooms, like sculleries, can include a sink, but it is usually used for different purposes, like bathing muddy pets or washing off dirty shoes. Additionally, both mudrooms and sculleries may include laundry appliances and be used for doing laundry.

The two also differ in location: Sculleries are an extension of the main kitchen, while mudrooms are located near the main entry.

Tips for Having a Modern-Day Scullery

If you are thinking of remodeling and adding this useful space, keep these tips in mind for a fully functional, modern scullery:

• Keep It Practical. For a modern scullery, 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, like blenders, air fryers, and coffee makers, or maybe even having a secondary freezer housed in the scullery for overflow.
• Transform It Into a Home Bar. 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.
• Incorporate Current Design Trends. Historically, the scullery was only for function, but today, your scullery can be an extension of the design in your main 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.