A butler's pantry is a small room or space located between the kitchen and the dining area, used for storing, preparing, and sometimes serving food and drinks.
The main purpose of a scullery is to keep the kitchen clutter-free and provide extra space for meal prep and storage. It’s especially popular in modern homes for entertaining, as it allows you to prepare or stage food and drinks out of sight of guests.
Think of it as a hidden extension of the kitchen, a stylish and practical upgrade for homes that host often.
In the past, butler's pantries were prevalent in spacious residences, serving as a preparation zone between the kitchen and the formal dining area. These pantries were utilized to house silverware, elegant china, and table linens, while also providing a place to prepare meals discreetly away from guests.
Depending on your space and lifestyle, a scullery can be as simple or as sophisticated as you need it to be. Common features include
Extended Bench Space: Great for meal prep, serving, or even baking.
Cabinets and Open Shelving: To store dry goods, kitchen gadgets, or small appliances.
Second Sink (optional): Useful for washing produce or cleaning up during entertaining.
Dishwasher or Microwave (optional): Keeps your main kitchen clean while cooking or hosting.
Power Points for Appliances: Ideal for coffee machines, mixers, or toasters.
At Nexa Homes, we work closely with you to tailor the layout and functionality of your scullery so it supports your routine and looks just as good as the rest of your kitchen.
Whether you’re a growing family or a couple that loves to host, here’s why a butler’s pantry could become your favorite room in the house:
Ever felt embarrassed when guests walk into a messy kitchen mid-prep? A scullery lets you keep the main kitchen looking spotless by handling the behind-the-scenes work.
A well-planned butler’s pantry gives you more room to store everyday items and bulk buys, reducing clutter in your main kitchen cabinets.
With a growing number of Australians seeking both luxury and functionality in their home designs, a butler’s pantry has emerged as a sought-after element that may enhance resale value.
This is a common question we hear at Nexa Homes. While both are fantastic kitchen additions, they serve slightly different purposes:
A walk-in pantry is primarily for food storage and doesn’t typically include bench space or appliances.
A scullery provides additional utility—more prep area, storage options, and occasionally a sink or dishwasher.
So, if you're after more than just shelving and want an extension of your working kitchen, the butler’s pantry is the better choice.
A butler’s pantry might sound like a luxury, but in reality, it’s one of the most practical and well-loved spaces in modern home design. It brings efficiency, order, and a touch of elegance to everyday living exactly what we aim for in every Nexa Homes build.
When designed thoughtfully, a scullery isn’t just a trend; it’s an investment in better living.
A butler’s scullery serves as a functional extension of the main kitchen. It’s designed to provide extra storage, prep space, and sometimes even cleanup areas, helping to keep the main kitchen clean and clutter-free, especially during entertaining or meal preparation.
In Australia, a butler’s scullery is a popular kitchen feature, especially in new homes. It usually includes bench space, storage, and sometimes sinks or dishwashers. Aussies love it for its practicality in keeping the main kitchen open and tidy.
Yes, many homeowners choose to include a small fridge, wine cooler, or even a full-sized refrigerator in their butler’s pantry. It depends on space and intended use, especially useful for storing drinks, overflow groceries, or party prep items.
Avoid storing items that require refrigeration, are sensitive to moisture (like certain spices or grains without proper containers), or are flammable (like cleaning products). Always store food in sealed containers to keep out pests and preserve freshness.
A prep kitchen is essentially a more advanced version of a butler’s pantry. While a butler’s pantry may just have bench space and storage, a prep kitchen often includes full appliances like ovens or stovetops, designed for full meal preparation.
While it’s not traditional, some homeowners do combine a compact laundry area within their butler’s pantry, especially in smaller homes. However, it’s important to ensure adequate ventilation and to keep kitchen and laundry zones hygienically separated.
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