It might feel like a throwback, but the humble scullery is having a serious revival.

Mark Bruce, Operations Manager at Kitchen Studio, has seen kitchen design trends evolve across decades. Starting out as a cabinetmaker and later shaping the industry through design education and operations, he’s worked across every level of the process. And lately, one thing keeps coming up.

“The scullery is in vogue and will be for a long time,” says Mark.

“And what it’s doing is taking us right back to the 1930s and 40s and separating the kitchen from the living space.”

Why sculleries are making a comeback Modern kitchens are often the centre of open plan living, but that comes with challenges. “The noise pollution is huge out of the kitchen,” Mark explains. That noise can clash with what’s happening in the living area, making it harder to relax, socialise or enjoy a quiet moment when cooking is in full swing.

Instead of hiding the kitchen altogether, the scullery offers a clever workaround. “We’re hiding ourselves away in the scullery, sometimes to hide the noise, but also to hide the mess.”

Sculleries are also taking on more tasks. “You’re finding dishwashers, you’re finding prep areas, even small appliances. Some people are putting the ovens in there just to keep the kitchen
looking beautiful and clean and keep the noise out of that open plan living.”

Scullery vs kitchen: finding the balance There’s a risk of shifting too much into the back room. Mark suggests keeping key cooking functions like the hob and oven in the main kitchen, so it remains the central hub of family life. “So when you’re together as a family, you’re together as a family, not isolated in there.”

Secondary tasks like breakfast or lunch can happen in the scullery. “The kids can come and make a hell of a mess. Mum and Dad don’t come home at the end of the day and see their kitchen a bomb site, the scullery is.”

Even Mark, who once doubted their value, has been converted. “To be honest I’ve never been a great fan of a scullery,” he admits. But when he and his wife renovated their own kitchen, she pushed for one, and now he’s fully on board. “Having had one, I wouldn’t go back without one.”

Old ideas with new purpose Sculleries might be traditional in name, but the way they’re being used is anything but dated. For busy households, they offer privacy without isolation, mess management without compromise, and functionality without sacrificing the visual impact of an open kitchen.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.