Beyond the Kitchen: Sculleries, Pantries, and Spaces You Never Knew You Needed
For years, the kitchen has been the heart of the home—a gathering place for cooking, conversation, and connection. But as home design evolves, so too does the idea of what a kitchen can (and should) be. Today’s homeowners are looking beyond the main kitchen to create specialized spaces that enhance function, organization, and even a touch of luxury. From clever storage solutions to fully outfitted sculleries, here are the spaces you never knew you needed—but once you have them, you’ll wonder how you lived without them.
Pantries: Storage With Style and Purpose
A well-designed pantry goes far beyond a closet with shelves. Modern pantries now incorporate pull-out storage systems, adjustable shelving, and even climate-controlled drawers for produce. Vertical dividers for baking sheets, slide-out spice racks, and concealed bins keep everything accessible and organized. Walk-in pantries often double as a prep space, with countertops for small appliances and easy access to everyday items.
Enhancement idea: Add an appliance garage to conceal toasters, blenders, or air fryers, giving your main kitchen a clean, clutter-free look.
Sculleries: The Return of the Hidden Kitchen
A scullery is essentially a “back kitchen” designed to take the mess out of your main entertaining space. Think of it as a dedicated prep and clean-up zone, complete with sinks, dishwashers, and storage. Sculleries are ideal for those who love to entertain: you can prepare food, stack dishes, and keep the main kitchen spotless for guests.
Enhancement idea: Install a dish pass-through window between the kitchen and scullery—making it easy to whisk away dirty dishes or stage meals discreetly.
Butler’s Pantries: Function Meets Elegance
Once a feature of grand homes, the butler’s pantry is making a comeback in modern design. Positioned between the kitchen and dining area, it provides a staging area for meals, drinks, and storage of fine china or glassware. Today, butler’s pantries often double as beverage stations, with refrigeration for wine and mixers or custom cabinetry for stemware.
Enhancement idea: A built-in bar or coffee station transforms this space into a hub for both entertaining and daily rituals.
Wine Storage: Seamlessly Integrated Style
Wine storage has become a natural extension of modern kitchen design. Homeowners are embracing built-in wine refrigerators, temperature-controlled drawers, and custom display racks that blend effortlessly with cabinetry and countertops. A dedicated wine zone can be incorporated into an island, pantry, or butler’s pantry, keeping bottles within easy reach for entertaining or everyday enjoyment.
Enhancement idea: Add under-cabinet lighting or glass-front cabinetry to highlight your collection, and pair temperature control with smart home integration for effortless monitoring and maintenance.
Built-In Bars and Coffee Bars: Everyday Indulgences
Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet morning, a dedicated beverage space feels both indulgent and practical. Built-in bars can include refrigeration, ice makers, and shelving for spirits, while coffee bars often house espresso machines, grinders, and organized storage for mugs and accessories. These zones keep the main kitchen free of traffic while elevating everyday routines.
Enhancement idea: Add a dumbwaiter to transport beverages and snacks between floors—or integrated sound and lighting systems to set the mood for gatherings.
The Future of Kitchen Design
The modern Southerlyn Homes kitchen is no longer a single room—it’s a collection of interconnected spaces that balance beauty and function. Whether you’re building new or remodeling, thinking “beyond the kitchen” allows you to tailor your home to your lifestyle. From sculleries that keep hosting stress-free to coffee bars that start your mornings with ease, these hidden gems elevate how we live, entertain, and enjoy our homes.