6th October 2025 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn In contemporary home design, kitchens are more than places to cook, they are social hubs, open living spaces, and architectural focal points. Yet with this new visibility comes a challenge: how to balance elegant entertaining with the inevitable mess of food preparation. Enter the Dirty Kitchen; a modern revival of the scullery that is transforming the way we live, cook and host. Heritage, Reimagined Historically, the scullery was a service space hidden from view, used for dishwashing, pot-scrubbing and food prep. Today’s Dirty Kitchen retains its practical purpose but elevates it into a design-led feature. No longer a neglected backroom, it is conceived as an intelligent extension of the main kitchen, seamlessly integrated with the home’s architecture. Behind sliding pocket doors or discreet partitions, these second kitchens house the heavy-duty appliances, deep sinks and generous storage needed for modern entertaining. From extra ovens and dishwashers to bulky mixers and chest freezers, the functional elements of culinary life are tucked neatly away, allowing the front-of-house kitchen to remain pristine and composed. The Entertainer’s Secret The renewed popularity of the Dirty Kitchen is driven by lifestyle. Today’s kitchens are rarely used for cooking alone, they are living, working and entertaining spaces. A support kitchen makes it possible to maintain calm, clutter-free interiors while still preparing food for family dinners or large gatherings. Architecturally, this approach solves one of the great challenges of open-plan design: how to reconcile generous social space with the storage and functionality a working kitchen demands. By relocating bulk preparation and cleaning tasks, the Dirty Kitchen ensures that open spaces remain visually serene while still performing at a professional level. Roundhouse Design Roundhouse Design Designing a Dirty Kitchen The success of a Dirty Kitchen lies in thoughtful planning. Appliance capacity is often the first consideration; a second oven, dishwasher, prep sink or oversized fridge can take the pressure off the main kitchen, freeing it up for more social and aesthetic functions. Storage, too, is key. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry makes the most of every inch, with open sections for trays, pans and bulk provisions. Far from being purely utilitarian, these elements can be designed with elegance in mind to introduce both practicality and architectural presence. Lighting should be treated with the same care as in the main kitchen. Good task lighting ensures efficiency, while under-shelf LEDs or even a statement pendant bring atmosphere and design intent to the space. Integrated motion sensors can add both convenience and a sense of theatre, making the room feel active and alive as soon as you step inside. Finally, flexibility is what sets the Dirty Kitchen apart. It can be conceived as a pantry, a dedicated wine store, a laundry zone or even a coffee bar – a multi-functional room shaped precisely to the rhythm of each household. Why Bespoke Matters Every household uses its kitchen differently, and a Dirty Kitchen should be tailored to these individual needs. At Roundhouse, we have designed everything from compact concealed larders to expansive walk-in preparation rooms with chef-grade equipment. The goal is always the same: to let the main kitchen breathe, maintaining its architectural presence while ensuring no functionality is sacrificed. Marrying Style and Function The Dirty Kitchen may be rooted in tradition, but its design language is entirely modern. Crafted with the same level of detail and material quality as the main kitchen, it feels like a natural extension of the home. A second kitchen is no longer a luxury reserved for grand houses, it is increasingly the hallmark of considered, contemporary living. The Dirty Kitchen represents a quiet revolution: a space that liberates the main kitchen, enhances entertaining, and brings style and efficiency into perfect alignment. To discover how Roundhouse can create a kitchen tailored to your lifestyle, visit one of our showrooms and explore how bespoke design can transform your everyday culinary rituals into something extraordinary. Roundhouse Design About Roundhouse Design Ltd Founded by architects, Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning British company, creating beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture. Their stunning kitchen designs feature a signature understated aesthetic, influenced by contemporary and traditional design, using innovative materials, texture and colour. Each project is made to measure from a wide range of stunning finishes. Expertly crafted by skilled designers and makers in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire. Visit any of seven Roundhouse Design kitchen showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.