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A Guide to the Butler’s Pantry, Scullery and Walk-in Pantry
September 22, 2025
The classic butler’s pantry is a feature that originated in traditional English manors and aristocratic establishments over 200 years ago. Originally, it was located between the kitchen and dining area, and used by the house servants for food preparation, storage, and staging meals before serving. It was also where the fine silverware and china were stored, and looked after by the Butler, hence the name.
The rise in popularity of open plan living is a big factor in the resurgence of butler’s pantries in modern kitchen designs, with homeowners keen to hide away any preparation, storage and staging. The benefit is made clear during dinner parties, where guests now congregate around the kitchen in open plan spaces. Modern butler’s pantries are typically positioned as an extension of the kitchen. Not only does it improve the efficiency of your kitchen, but it also adds an extra layer of style and sophistication to the space.
Butler’s pantries now include features such as built-in wine fridges, coffee stations, laundry appliances and small prep sinks. Their purpose has expanded beyond just additional storage, and now encompass a variety of functions. Whether you need a space to store benchtop appliances out of view or wish to create a full secondary kitchen complete with an oven and cooktop, a sleek, modern butler’s pantry can elevate both the functionality and luxury of your home.
When designing your butler’s pantry, it’s important to integrate custom cabinetry and shelving that complements your kitchen’s design while addressing your specific needs. Adding elements like a built-in wine fridge or a drinks station can enhance the space’s functionality and sophistication.
A successful butler’s pantry expertly balances functionality, aesthetics, and storage solutions to elevate your home’s efficiency and appeal.
Tip #1: Define the purposes of your space
What will your butler’s pantry be used for? Will it serve as a prep zone (with a sink, dishwasher, etc.), an extension of your kitchen’s storage (for dry goods and small appliances), or an entertainment area (featuring a wine fridge, coffee station, or bar setup)? Determining this will guide the layout and the infrastructure you need.
Tip #2: Prioritise flow
Your butler’s pantry should basically follow the flow of a mini-kitchen layout. Figure out what areas should be for storage, where you want your prep zone to be, and set out a cleanup zone. These areas should all be logically laid out for efficiency.
Tip #3: Pick the right shape
If you have a large space, you’re able to control the shape of your butler’s pantry. U-shaped or L-shaped layouts work best. These shapes maximise bench space and allow for the clear designation of specific zones, making the pantry highly functional.
Tip #4: Make use of vertical storage
Take advantage of the full height of the space by incorporating upper cabinets or open shelving for occasional-use or display items. Pull-out drawers or pantry units are also ideal for narrow spaces, providing easy access to stored items.
Tip #5: Ensure good lighting
Don’t treat your butler’s pantry as a mere cupboard. This is a space to be enjoyed, so invest in lighting that enhances the atmosphere. Under-shelf lighting can illuminate deep cabinetry, while ambient ceiling lights and accent lighting for open shelves or display areas can create a welcoming ambiance.
Tip #6: Styling
Whilst many do, you don’t need to match the materials, colours, handles, door profiles and overall look of your Butler’s Pantry with your main kitchen. It’s not only an opportunity to save on expense (some homeowners go the other way!), but an opportunity to style it more personally. A few of the above elements is all that is needed to relate the two spaces.
Historically, a scullery is similar to a butler’s pantry; it’s a secondary kitchen area, but its origin is from France, where it was traditionally for more of the dirtier work like dishwashing and cleaning. Today, in Australia, where both these rooms have had little historical connection, the terms scullery and butler’s pantry are used interchangeably – here at Dan Kitchens, we favour the name scullery.
When making your material and finish choices, aim for a balance of durability, functionality, ease of maintenance, and style continuity.
Back in the 1990’s the open plan living concept drove demand for a hidden storage space, and by the 2010s–2020s it became mainstream. A walk-in pantry is a dedicated storage space designed to organise food, appliances, and kitchen essentials. Unlike standard kitchen cupboards, it offers more room with additional open shelving and drawers for bulk groceries and meal prep items. A walk-in pantry helps reduce clutter in the kitchen while providing easy access to your goods.
If you don’t need the extra prep space of a scullery or butler’s pantry, or you simply don’t have the space, a walk-in pantry could be the ideal solution. It offers ample storage, making your kitchen more organised and less cluttered.
Designing your dream kitchen extension can be tricky, but many mistakes can be avoided with the right planning and professional input. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
By avoiding these pitfalls, you can create a butler’s pantry/scullery or walk-in pantry that integrates with your home while enhancing both its functionality and beauty.
Creating the perfect kitchen extension can feel like a huge task. It’s not always easy to know where to begin or what will work best for your home and lifestyle, especially with the vast number of options to explore.
If you’re considering incorporating a butler’s pantry, scullery, or walk-in pantry into your space, we’re here to make the process easier for you. You can visit our Seven Hills showroom to explore a range of ideas, as well as tap into our design service to help you visualise your perfect kitchen pantry. Let our experienced team at Dan Kitchens guide you through every step, helping you create a space that perfectly suits your needs and brings your vision to life.
Over the past 20 years, Graeme Metcalf has applied his creative expertise across a variety of design fields, including play equipment, consumer products, graphic design, and 3D. Since 2010, he has been a key member of the Dan Kitchens Design Team, helping to transform design concepts into beautifully finished kitchens.
View all posts by Graeme Metcalf
For over 40 years, the Dan Kitchens luxury kitchen showroom has brought Scandinavia’s best designs to life. Sydney’s most refined custom kitchens and sophisticated joinery are custom made in the adjoining production complex.
