The Return of the Scullery: Why This 18th-Century Trend Is Booming Around Lake Norman

As a design-build team serving Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, and up through Mooresville, we’ve seen home trends come and go—but every so often, an old idea makes a powerful comeback. That’s exactly what’s happening with sculleries. Over the past year, we’ve experienced a noticeable increase in scullery requests—both from homeowners looking to update existing secondary kitchen spaces and from clients who want to design and build a brand-new one.

So what’s driving the scullery revival? To understand that, it helps to look back at where these hardworking rooms started.

A Brief History of the Scullery

The scullery dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, most commonly found in English and European homes. Traditionally located just off the main kitchen, it served as the home’s “workhorse” space. In these rooms, staff washed dishes, cleaned vegetables, handled laundry, and managed messy tasks the homeowner didn’t want seen—or smelled—throughout the rest of the house.

Sculleries have also gone by various nicknames over the years:

• Butler’s pantry

• Prep kitchen

• Catering kitchen

• Back kitchen

• Dirty kitchen

While each term has nuances, modern versions all serve the same purpose: a functional, semi-hidden extension of the main kitchen.

Why Modern Homeowners Love Them

1. Extra Prep Space

Homeowners want a dedicated area to prepare meals without cluttering the main kitchen—especially in open-concept homes.

2. A Place to Hide the Mess

Entertaining becomes easier when dishes, appliances, and cleanup zones are tucked away.

3. Storage for Days

A scullery is the perfect spot for overflow items: small appliances, bulk goods, beverages, and more.

4. Flexible Design Possibilities

Sculleries can be minimal or full-featured, from simple countertops and sinks to fully outfitted prep kitchens.

5. Everyday Convenience

They help busy households keep the main kitchen beautiful, tidy, and functional.

Why the Trend Is Coming Back

Homeowners around Lake Norman are gravitating toward spaces that offer:

• Better organization

• Cleaner kitchen aesthetics

• High-performance layouts for hosting

• Smart use of square footage

The modern scullery blends historic charm with today’s appliances and design standards, making it a perfect fit for contemporary lifestyles.

Thinking About Adding a Scullery?

Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, expanding your home, or starting a full renovation project, a scullery can enhance both function and beauty in your space.

We’d love to help you get started!