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They're like a powder room for the kitchen.

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Once associated with Victorian-era homes, sculleries keep the mess of the kitchen hidden.

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Above is the scullery in the Marble House, one of the Newport, RI, mansions the AIBD toured during a past Design+Build Conference.

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That's when I learned about the word scullery.

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In the past, those working in a scullery were called scullery maids if female, and scullions if male. These roles were typically held by the youngest members of the household staff, often serving as an entry-level position into domestic service.

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Though the concept of a scullery is rooted in history, its purpose resonates with modern needs.

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The purpose of a scullery in architecture is to offer a discreet space to manage the mess and clutter of daily life, functioning as a hidden extension of the kitchen.

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As homes became more modernized, the idea of a second kitchen fell out of favor, until now.

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Today's dream kitchens are often imagined as pristine spaces, but cooking, unloading groceries, and washing dishes quickly create a mess.

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A scullery keeps those tasks out of sight, letting the main kitchen stay clean and visually appealing.

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The modern term is dirty kitchen, and from my research, we can attribute the new phrase to Martha Stewart, just saying.

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​House Beautiful wrote about dirty kitchens earlier this year and claims they are now the top renovation ask.

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A dirty kitchen is also known as a prep kitchen, working pantry, or secondary kitchen.

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When I was managing the architectural firm that designed this 45,000 square foot home, we labeled the second kitchen the "Chef's Kitchen" (they also had a private 3000 s.f. living space attached).

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And in this year's American Residential Awards, more than one entry included a dirty kitchen, such as ARDA-winning Casa Bonita by Living Stone Design+Build, in North Carolina.

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Click on the image above to view each photo individually.

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Let's talk more about this during Friday's Coffee With Bernie, a monthly residential design professionals roundtable (10:00 am ET).

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Visit AIBD.org/webinars and look for the link to register (space is limited).

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AIBD members, look for the promo code at the top of the page to get free access to the virtual event.

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Then, be prepared to show your work. Everyone wants to see your dirty kitchens. 😎

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Until then, go forth and design boldly,

Steve Mickley, Executive Director

Email: steve.mickley@AIBD.org​

Let's chat: AIBD.org/meetsteve​

Join: AIBD.org/join-aibd​

Volunteer: AIBD.org/volunteer​