Do You Really Need a Scullery? What to Consider Before Adding One

Sculleries have become almost a default in new builds. They’re often included because they feel high-end, buyers expect them, or there’s simply enough space to squeeze one in.

But my take is simple: just because you can have a scullery, doesn’t mean you should.

I’ve seen plenty of kitchen designs lately where a scullery has been added at the expense of a better, more functional main kitchen. The result can be less space, poorer flow and a kitchen that feels more closed off than it needs to be.

So before adding a scullery to your plans, there’s one important question to ask:

Why do you actually want one?

• 

• 

As part of a new development, we explored whether the scullery was really adding value to the plan. Tucked off to the side, it made the kitchen feel smaller and more enclosed, so we removed it and gave that space back to the main kitchen. The result is a much larger island, better flow, and room to incorporate a dedicated bar area, an important part of the client brief.

Is It Just to Hide the Mess?

This is probably the reason I hear most often.

You want somewhere to put the toaster, hide the dirty dishes and shut the door when people come over.

Fair enough. But do you really need an entire room to achieve that?

With clever kitchen storage, an appliance cupboard and thoughtful placement of your sink and dishwasher, we can often create a kitchen that feels calm and uncluttered without sacrificing valuable floor space.

When Does a Scullery Make Sense?

For me, a scullery earns its place when it has a genuine function.

If you’re creating a second cooking or preparation area, need another sink or dishwasher, entertain regularly, or have a household where multiple people are using the kitchen at once, then a well-designed scullery can be fantastic.

That’s very different from adding one simply because you think a modern home is supposed to have one.

What Are You Giving Up?

Every scullery comes with a trade-off.

Those extra walls could mean a smaller kitchen island, less natural light, tighter walkways or a poorer connection between your kitchen and living spaces.

Sometimes, taking the space allocated to a scullery and giving it back to the main kitchen creates a far better result.

• 

• 

A recent project, explored both with and without a scullery. As the main communal living space, positioned between two tiny homes, removing the scullery allowed us to open the kitchen up to expansive sea views while also giving the owners more usable bench space.

So, Should You Have a Scullery?

Absolutely, if it makes sense for the way you live.

But don’t start with “Where can we fit the scullery?”

Start with: “What do we need our kitchen to do?”

Sometimes the answer will include a scullery. Sometimes it won’t.

Good kitchen design isn’t about ticking boxes or following trends. It’s about creating a space that works beautifully for you.

And sometimes, the best thing you can do for your kitchen is leave the scullery out.