4 min readIt's no secret that we're a bit obsessed with the distinct charm of British home design. There are a few key details that can be found in many historic homes in the U.K. but are rarely seen stateside. The scullery is one such feature. This hardworking room is typically located just off the main kitchen, and it's dedicated to prep, cleanup, and food storage.
Curious about translating this practical concept for U.S. homes, we looked to some of the world’s most stylish kitchens for inspiration, spotlighting beautiful sculleries that prove you don’t have to live in England to enjoy their benefits. Ahead, six designers share their expert tips for creating a scullery that’s as functional as it is beautiful—and, according to them, it’s easier than you might think.
Opt for a Punchy Color
Merlin Wright, the creative and design director at London-based Plain English, believes that the scullery design should complement the space as a whole. In some cases, he prefers an understated scullery that doesn't detract from the main kitchen. Other times, he is willing to go a bit bigger by adding a bright pop of color.
"Designed as a natural extension of the main kitchen, the scullery features millwork that complements existing cabinetry and dining spaces," he says.
Keep the Space Small
Even in massive kitchens, the scullery is usually quite small, but this one, also by Plain English, is truly tiny. Luckily, Wright knew how to make it work.
"With a thoughtful layout designed to streamline workflow, this space keeps the main kitchen tidy and organized, allowing for a seamless cooking and entertaining experience." Since large appliances rarely live in a scullery, it doesn't need to be terribly big. Instead, keep the space small and cozy to add to that charming feel.
Opt for Open Shelving
One of the main functions of a scullery is to provide additional storage for anything from dry goods to small appliances. The creatives at Nomad Developments decided to embrace open shelving so that the homeowners could see their scullery supplies at a glance.
"Simple timber shelving extends the storage space vertically and introduces a natural warmth, complemented by the tactile contrast of rough linen cafe curtains," explains Jack Simpson, CEO and creative director of the London-based firm.
Give It Its Own Identity
For a tall-ceilinged prep kitchen in Beverly Hills, designer Betsy Burnham decided not to pair the look exactly with that of the nearby main kitchen.
"We decided to have some fun with color," she says. "Because this is more of an isolated space off of the kitchen hallway, it didn't have to match, and could enjoy its own look." Since she loaded the narrow space with deep open shelving and plenty of drawers, she had plenty of surface area to swath in Sherwin-Williams's Olive Grove paint.
Don't Hide It
In some homes, the scullery design is purely functional—even nondescript. Here, Aaron Mollick, principal and founder of Studio AM, did the opposite: He created a scullery so elegant that he spotlighted it in the kitchen.
"The arched nook was something we created intentionally as part of the kitchen expansion—we wanted to honor the home's original northeast-facing arched window in the sitting room—so we echoed that shape with arched openings throughout," he explains. "Keeping the window was essential. Without a door on the scullery, it stays open and airy, which means things can be left out without looking messy, and it doesn't interrupt the visual flow of the space."
Quiet Down
While some designers like to have some fun with bold color and pattern usage in small spaces, others prefer to keep them on the more subtle side of the spectrum. Boston-based Meg McSherry is one such designer.
"This is a very light and bright home, and we didn't want to draw any extra attention to this space by making a loud statement," she explains. "We wanted it to have beautiful cabinetry and materials, yet flow effortlessly with the rest of the home." There's a reason the all-white kitchen (and its subsidiaries) is a classic.
Play With Material
Anyone who craves low-lift drama needs to install a deeply veined marble somewhere in their kitchen, and designer Sarah Solis offers a true masterclass in how it's done in this scullery-esque space.
"It’s both highly functional and intentionally beautiful, designed to feel like a jewel box tucked just beyond the heart of the home," she says. "In an otherwise classic and traditional kitchen, I wanted one moment that felt fresh and artful—almost sculptural."
Display a Collection
While sculleries' main functions include food prep and storage, there's no reason to avoid displaying a beautiful and appropriate collection on the shelves if you have the space. Here, the homeowners did exactly that with a massive collection of Pennsylvania Dutch ironware that they use as crocks.
"Now they are just great decorations that have been in the family for a long time," says designer Heather Wells.
