WHAT IS A SCULLERY, ANYWAY?

Image: The Funky Kitchen

Once upon a time, aristocrats (think Bridgerton or Downton Abbey) had a) big houses and b) lots of staff. Their kitchens were used for actual cooking, while prep work and cleanup happened in another room called the ‘scullery.’ Nowadays, a scullery is an extra space, often right off the kitchen, that serves much the same purpose. It’s what your granny might have called a “back kitchen.” They can be anywhere from enormous to pint-sized, but a proper scullery always includes these three things…

ESSENTIAL ELEMENT #1: STORAGE

Image: Verve Magazine

You might think of a scullery as a pantry but not for food. Instead, it’s a place to store things like small kitchen appliances, extra plates/serving dishes, specialty pans/utensils (like that paella pan you just had to have but only used once), and the like. Bonus: The extra storage allows any open shelves in the “public” kitchen to concentrate on looking pretty while the actual work goes on backstage.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENT #2: COUNTERTOPS

Image: Pinterest

“That’s too much counter space” said no one ever. You can use it to hide that showstopper dessert until you’re ready to wow your guests or as a place to keep/use kitchen workhorses like stand mixers. Bottom line, you need a place to set things down. Otherwise, you’ll just have to turn around and take them back to the kitchen, which defeats the purpose of having a scullery in the first place.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENT #3: SINK

Image: Unique Design

That sexy farmhouse sink in the main kitchen doesn’t look nearly as Insta-worthy when it’s piled with dirty pots and pans. The scullery sink—or the optional-but-useful scullery dishwasher—is the perfect place to hide the mess, so it doesn’t distract from your dinner party. Or your evening of binge-watching. Or whatever it is that you’d rather do than the dishes.

REMEMBER: PRACTICAL CAN BE PRETTY

Image: Apartment Therapy

A scullery is useful, yes, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful—luxurious, even. Since modern-day sculleries don’t, alas, come with a scullery maid, you should make it a space you enjoy being in. This could be the perfect place for that bold color you love but didn’t want in a bigger space. Since it’s smaller than the main kitchen, it’s more cost-effective to add a higher-end backsplash or countertop here. Even a little bit of bling can make cleanup feel less like drudgery and more like TLC for your things.

So, what do you think? Is a scullery in your future?

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1. WOOD TONES

Image:  ShenandoahCabinetry.com

Specifically, light wood tones. According to The Spruce, white oak and walnut are the current species of choice, though darker tones may be on their way back, as well. Sustainable woods like birch and alder are also popular choices. If all wood all the time is a little too much lumber for your taste, try pairing wood uppers with painted lowers, as shown above. Speaking of mixing and matching…

2. A MIX OF VINTAGE + MODERN

Image:   OG Kitchens

When you can’t choose between vintage and modern design…don’t. Choose, that is. Feel free to mix styles to make a blend that is uniquely you. For example, love shaker cabinets but don’t want to be that predictable? Check out the new kid on the cabinet door block, the “skinny shaker.” Consider pairing it with modern (or industrial or vintage) hardware. Maybe you like your existing cabinets but think they’d be better with a pop of a midcentury modern color. Or vintage glass knobs. Or both. If you love the way it looks together, let your imagination run wild!

3. WARM COLORS

That’s warm, not hot—we’re not talking fire engine red here. Subtle creamy taupes and creams, warm beiges, browns, greys and greens may be the missing ingredient in your kitchen design. As our Canadian friends said about the kitchen pictured above, “…beige offers a backdrop that is warm, inviting, and mellow without being obtrusive: perfect for letting the meals and guests shine!” That applies to other soft warm hues, too. When you’re ready for a color change, contact us.

4. ALL ABOUT ISLANDS

Image:  Allinfohome.com

Kitchen islands themselves are not new, of course; they’ve been part of kitchen design for decades. Recently, though, they’ve grown larger, more colorful, and offered more seating than ever before. That’s probably because many families are opting out of designated dining rooms and using their kitchen island as their everyday dining room table. Islands also remain one of the most popular places to add a contrasting color to kitchen decor.

5. OPEN SHELVING

Image:  whatisinteriordesignabout.com

The open shelving trend continues to thrive, but anyone who’s ever tried to find storage for plastic containers or less-than-lovely drinkware will appreciate that some things are best kept behind closed doors. That said, they are a wonderful way to display carefully curated collections of whatever you want to show off. If the ubiquitous rustic-boards-on-a-wall look doesn’t do it for you, consider the possibilities of sleek open shelves paired with ‘regular’ cabinets in a modern minimalist kitchen.  

Whether you opt for a full-on kitchen remodel or choose to tweak your current kitchen, here’s hoping the result will be delicious. Bon Appetit!

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COLOR

Image:  Lauren Chambers Interiors

It’s time to say goodbye to all those monochromatic shades of grey color schemes. That doesn’t mean you have to toss everything out and start from scratch. Try adding splashes of color with a cheerful new rug, artwork or painted furniture. For even more impact, consider adding a personality with a fresh paint color on your built-ins, walls or ceiling. We can help! Contact us to learn more.

VINTAGE PIECES

Image:  Julian Hochgesang

Nothing says home like Nana’s rocking chair (or whatever beloved hand-me-down you’ve picked up along the way). If you don’t have family “heirlooms” to work with, not to worry: that’s what antique stores and flea markets are for. This year, designers are mixing vintage with modern for an eclectic style that’s comfortable and character-full. Not sure how to put it all together? Check out these tips from BHG.

TEXTURED WALLS

Image:  True Value

We’re seeing designers move away from flat white, shiny reflective surfaces, and with good reason. ‘Textured walls can be a strategic design choice to hide imperfections or irregularities in the wall surface,’ say Rashi Bothra and Ruchi Gehani, founders and interior designers of Azure Interiors (on LivingEtc.com).

CURVES

Image: Italian Bark

Everyone is talking about the uptick in curved furniture—and they don’t just mean sofas and chairs. Sectionals and coffee tables are also leaving the straight and narrow. Even rugs are getting into the act with random shapes. Be sure to try before you buy—that curvy loveseat may look fabulous, but be uncomfortable to sit on, especially for more than one person trying to have a conversation.

STATEMENT LIGHTING

Image:  Lamps Plus

That old ceiling fan just isn’t cutting it anymore. Designers are turning to large-scale fixtures, pieces featuring Murano glass, Victorian-inspired chandeliers and sculptural shapes to shine a new light on things. Per Forbes, another trend to watch is “monochromatic lighting schemes”—think lampshades and bases in the same color, repeated throughout the room.   

What do you think? Are you going to follow one of these trends or start one of your own? Whatever you decide, make sure your choices reflect your personality and lifestyle. A home that doesn’t feel like you just won’t be comfortable, no matter how trendy it is. Happy decorating!

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