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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.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From budgeting and layout to appliances and cabinetry, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From budgeting and layout to appliances and cabinetry, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we speak with Mark Bruce, National Operations Manager at Kitchen Studio, a trusted kitchen design brand with over 40 years of experience and a nine-year streak as New Zealand’s Most Trusted Kitchen Brand (Readers’ Digest). Mark brings a unique perspective to the conversation, drawing from his early years as a cabinetmaker, his background in education and design science, and his passion for reshaping how Kiwis think about their kitchens.
Search similar articles
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.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From budgeting and layout to appliances and cabinetry, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From budgeting and layout to appliances and cabinetry, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we speak with Mark Bruce, National Operations Manager at Kitchen Studio, a trusted kitchen design brand with over 40 years of experience and a nine-year streak as New Zealand’s Most Trusted Kitchen Brand (Readers’ Digest). Mark brings a unique perspective to the conversation, drawing from his early years as a cabinetmaker, his background in education and design science, and his passion for reshaping how Kiwis think about their kitchens.
Search similar articles
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Sorry, this page is not available at this time.
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Unavailable
Sorry, this page is not available at this time.