Who this guide is for
- Homeowners with an open-plan kitchen wanting a hidden workhorse
- Anyone planning a back kitchen for prep and washing up
- People who entertain and want mess out of sight
- Owners converting a utility or pantry into a scullery
Prep sinks and washing up
A scullery's prep sink is its heart, handling messy preparation and the washing up that would otherwise clutter the main kitchen. A generous bowl and good drainage make it the busiest spot in the home.
- A generous prep and washing-up sink
- Drainage and space for stacking
- A tap setup suited to heavy use
Hidden appliances
The scullery is where noisy or less-attractive appliances live out of sight. Tucking a dishwasher, microwave, or small appliances here keeps the main kitchen sleek.
- A dishwasher kept out of the main kitchen
- Small appliances stored and used here
- Worktop space for messy gadgets
Zoning with the main kitchen
A scullery works best when the flow between it and the main kitchen is smooth. Planning the connection so dishes and prep move easily keeps both spaces working together.
- An easy route between the two spaces
- A pass or doorway that suits the workflow
- Storage placed where it is used
Hard-working storage
The scullery absorbs the overflow: extra crockery, bulk supplies, and the things that crowd a kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling storage keeps it all accessible and out of the main room.
- Tall storage for crockery and supplies
- Open shelves for everyday items
- A home for bulky kitchen kit
Durable, wipeable finishes
A scullery takes splashes, steam, and heavy use, so finishes should wipe clean and shrug it off. Practical surfaces beat delicate ones in this back-of-house room.
- Wipeable, water-tolerant surfaces
- A hard-wearing floor for spills
- Splash-tolerant finishes near the sink
Idea-gathering checklist
- 1Plan a generous prep and washing-up sink
- 2Decide which appliances move into the scullery
- 3Map the flow between scullery and main kitchen
- 4Plan tall storage for crockery and supplies
- 5Choose wipeable, water-tolerant finishes
- 6Note where ventilation is needed for steam
- 7Keep messy gadgets and prep out of the main room
- 8Flag plumbing, appliance, and ventilation work for trades
Common mistakes to avoid
- Undersizing the prep sink for the work it must do
- Poor flow that makes moving between rooms awkward
- Forgetting ventilation for steam and appliances
- Choosing delicate finishes in a hard-working room
- Treating plumbing and appliance work as casual DIY
When to involve a professional
- Have sink plumbing and appliance connections installed by licensed trades, since requirements vary by location and project
- Have ventilation for steam and appliances planned by a qualified professional
- Have any new electrical circuits installed by a licensed electrician
- Ask a qualified professional to confirm waterproofing around wet areas
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
What is the point of a scullery?
A scullery is a back kitchen that handles prep, washing up, and noisy appliances out of sight, keeping the main kitchen calm and uncluttered. It is especially useful in open-plan homes.
What goes in a scullery?
A generous prep sink, hidden appliances like a dishwasher, tall storage for crockery and supplies, and worktop space for messy gadgets. The aim is to absorb the kitchen's overflow.
Does a scullery need ventilation?
Yes. Steam and appliances generate moisture, so a qualified professional should plan ventilation. Requirements vary by location and project.
What finishes suit a scullery?
Wipeable, water-tolerant surfaces and a hard-wearing floor handle the splashes, steam, and heavy use far better than delicate finishes.
Keep reading