Project: Complete overhaul of multi-functional scullery, laundry room and powder room in Wakefield, MA (AKA #ProjectKoiPond)
A “scullery” (also known as a “back kitchen”) is defined as a small kitchen or room at the back of a house used for washing dishes and other dirty household work. Popular in the wealthier homes built before 1920, this room provided space for storing and cleaning fine china and other serving pieces. Today’s “back kitchen” can be a useful space for storage, cleaning and other tasks out-of-sight of the main kitchen, often including a secondary sink and appliances. Think pantry, on steroids.
When our clients came to us to remodel an underutilized space off their kitchen, housing their laundry machines and a dated powder room, we jumped at the opportunity to design a multi-functional space dedicated to utility. And given the room’s proximity to the home’s kitchen, we leaned in heavily to “scullery” vibes. The homeowners are creative and quirky, with impeccable taste and a globally-inspired style, so we knew the design and materials had to be something really special to reflect their personalities and display their unique collection of treasures.
We were so thrilled that this beautiful space was included on Martha Stewart, in an article featuring modern-day sculleries. If there’s anyone who knows a thing or two about balancing function and beauty and historical charm, it’s Martha! ???? The ultimate compliment!
Photography by Lara Kimmerer
Our design-build process started with laying out the space to be functional for a lot of various household tasks and storage needs, from broom and vacuum storage to pantry and refrigeration storage, to countertop space for art and garden projects. We upgraded to a fireclay apron-front sink placed in front of a large new window to overlook the home’s beautiful backyard and koi pond.
On the construction side, there was a lot of structural work done to shore up the space, and we took advantage of the existing framing to vault the ceiling for added height.
A new door to the space includes wavy glass, a nostalgic touch that welcomes you into the Scullery. We installed a subtle checkerboard pattern with the floor tile as another playful nod to a classic detail.
Tucked in the corner of the space, we anchored floor-to-ceiling cabinets to house a vacuum cleaner and be used as a coat closet. The cabinets do not have a bottom so that boots, shoes and the vacuum sit directly on the tile floor.
A row of knobs installed behind the door gives our clients options for hanging up a jacket or bag, or in this case, displaying a beautiful collection of antique brooms.
Coming around the L-shape layout of the room, you meander to the sink and laundry area, where a tall utility cabinet offers rollout shelves to house laundry detergent and cleaning supplies.
The homeowners invested in a new washer and dryer suite, which we built in with surrounding cabinetry panels and a generous stone countertop to serve as a folding station. A mix of open and closed storage – including space at the vaulted ceiling! – creates a curated and relaxed feel in the space. Who knew laundry could be so relaxing?!
The floor plan is complete with a compact powder room, where hypnotic wallpaper featuring swirls of koi fish nods to the family’s serene backyard. The floor tile flows seamlessly, and a beautiful wall-mount sink and marble backsplash anchors the corner. To save space, we adapted the powder room’s original door as a new pocket door.
As a jumping off point for the room’s design scheme, we selected a blue-wash stain on Maple wood cabinetry, creating a watery effect that highlights the natural variation and grain of the wood. We complemented this cooler tone with antique pewter hardware and bronze light fixtures, and painted the vaulted ceiling the silkiest, softest shade of blue.
It was so fun working with our client to infuse her personality into the space, finding ways to highlight and display her vintage treasures, tchotchkes and amazing art.
In the cabinetry design, we mixed a combination of drawers, wall cabinets and open shelving for flexible storage, decorative display and easy access to everyday staples. Absolute Black leathered granite countertops provide plenty of work surface and add a rustic element to the design.
The beauty of a well-organized scullery: a place for everything, and everything in its place.
All of the details came together beautifully in the space, giving our homeowners a much-improved experience of ordinary household tasks.
As powder rooms are often smaller, contained spaces, we fully endorse a bold or irreverent design! Something unexpected brings a smile every day for the homeowner and creates a surprise-and-delight moment for guests.
#ProjectKoiPond holds a special place in our project roster, and we hope our lovely clients enjoy the space for many years to come. Long live the Scullery!
Enjoy a walk-through of this unique, multi-functional space with designer Jenni Jacobs.
See the amazing transformation in our Before and After Gallery!
A well-designed space can make even routine tasks feel special. From back kitchens to laundry areas and beyond, our design-build team helps homeowners create rooms that are both functional and full of character, with thoughtful details that reflect each homeowner’s style. Let us help bring your ideas to life.
