Once a feature of grand old homes, the scullery has returned as one of the most desirable additions to a modern kitchen. In today’s open-plan layouts, where kitchens are designed to be on show, a scullery brings back something homeowners didn’t realise they were missing — a place to hide the mess, store the extras, and keep the main space calm, clean, and beautiful.
A modern essential
The renewed popularity of sculleries has little to do with formality and everything to do with function. As kitchens have become social spaces — part dining area, part family room, part home office — the scullery quietly does the hard work behind the scenes. It’s where dishes can be stacked out of sight, appliances can stay plugged in, and prep can happen without interrupting the flow of the main kitchen.
Even a modest scullery can transform the rhythm of daily life. A simple bench with a sink, shelving, and space for small appliances can double your workspace and make it easier to cook or entertain. For larger homes, sculleries often expand into full secondary kitchens — equipped with dishwashers, wine fridges, and even ovens for serious home chefs or frequent hosts.
Making the space work
Because sculleries are functional first, design decisions are usually driven by practicality. Hardwearing benchtops, open shelving, and easy-clean surfaces are popular choices, while good lighting and ventilation keep the space comfortable to use. Some homeowners choose to match the finishes of the main kitchen for a seamless transition; others deliberately contrast materials — darker cabinetry and textured benchtops are both stylish and forgiving for a high-use zone.
If space is tight, clever planning can still achieve the same benefits. Walk-in pantries with bench space, pocket doors that close off a prep area, or even a short return behind the main kitchen wall can provide that same “out of sight” functionality without needing a full additional room.
A growing trend in NZ homes
Designers say the scullery’s resurgence reflects how New Zealanders really live — informal, open, and social, but wanting a place where the practical work of cooking and cleaning doesn’t interrupt the look of the home. Builders also note that the extra storage sculleries provide can reduce the need for upper cabinetry in the main kitchen, creating lighter, airier spaces overall.
Whether it’s a compact prep zone or a full-service workspace, the modern scullery is about making life easier and kitchens more enjoyable to use. It’s a reminder that the most practical ideas are often the ones worth bringing back.
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