Design Journal
The Back Kitchen: a Practical Design Trend of our Time
Let’s explore this convenient kitchen trend and understand why it’s returning.
Traditionally known as a scullery or chef’s kitchen, the back kitchen is undergoing a renaissance in modern homes. With a stylish and contemporary twist, they can transform the modern-day home, inspiring creativity and adding a touch of luxury. This rejuvenation trend is sure to excite and inspire interior design enthusiasts!
Once considered an almost obsolete tradition, the back kitchen is now back in vogue. Celebrities are embracing this trend, and it’s easy to see why. A back kitchen is a convenient addition to your home, allowing you to embrace the aesthetic quality of your primary kitchen space fully. By providing additional storage and workspace, a back kitchen adds beauty and value to your home. What’s truly exciting is that you can tailor your back kitchen to your specific requirements, making it a truly personalised space that reflects your unique style and needs.
A back kitchen is a butler’s pantry, and depending on how much space the home has, it can often be used to store food such as blenders, coffee makers, glamorous aspects of food preparation and an extra fridge and freezer. You can also double this room as a utility, housing the washing machine and tumble dryer. We think the beauty of the extra room is that it will allow you to locate all the functional, less aesthetic aspects of the modern kitchen. We may not all be able to afford private chefs to cook our food, but most of us can make room for an extra space in a back kitchen. You could even double this room up as a boot room if it is near the back door. It can clear the clutter from your home, vastly improving your home and your primary kitchen. It removes the need to compromise when designing your main kitchen, as you can remove objects that may be awkward shapes and not pleasing to the eye.
There are numerous benefits to designing a back kitchen for your home. These include increased functionality, streamlined kitchen space, and ample storage. Back kitchens often feature extra sinks, refrigerators or wine fridges, generous counter space, and storage options. Aesthetics are also important, and as today’s kitchens are very open plan, a drawback can be with projects on the side; it spoils any aesthetic look you are looking for. Back kitchens can provide discrete areas, allowing your guests to appreciate the design of your new kitchen.
Our design top tips to create a stylish back Kitchen:
Location and Purpose
Think about choosing a Passageway, ideally behind the main kitchen. Remember, it is a room for functional tasks like cleaning dirty dishes, meal prep, and quick snacks. Think of the ‘butler pantry vibe’, a practical space out of sight.
Storage and Organisation
Closed Cabinets to store items inside closed cabinets to keep the space clutter-free. Also, consider the colour of the walls, a clean, modern colour can work well.
Functionality and Appliances
A back kitchen is perfect for storing bulkier appliances such as an extra fridge, microwave, or air fryer. Additional counter space can always be helpful and consider doubling this room up as a utility room, storing the washing machine and tumble dryer.
The beauty of this kitchen lies in its practicality, but feel free to be creative, too, to complement your primary kitchen! To make your back kitchen feel more luxurious, consider the following design tips:
Elegant Back splash
Choose a high-end back splash material like marble, glass, or metallic tiles. To add sophistication, opt for mosaic patterns or marble worktops.
Statement Lighting
Install stylish pendant lights or chandeliers above the counter or island; Lighting can instantly elevate the ambiance of a room.
Quality Counter tops
Invest in durable and beautiful counter tops. Granite, quartz, or marble are excellent choices. Waterfall edges can enhance the aesthetic look of the room.
Custom Cabinetry
Choose custom-made cabinets with fine craftsmanship, we always recommend this for the perfect kitchen where the budget allows. Rich wood tones can enhance the feeling of luxury, but most colours can achieve this look if done well.
Hardware Details
Small details make all the difference to a kitchen, try and select elegant cabinet handles and knobs. Brushed brass or polished chrome work well.
Integrated Appliances
Conceal appliances behind cabinet panels for a seamless look. Depending on your budget, build in what you can, but this will always result in a cleaner, more luxurious look.
Flooring and Rugs
We recommend always using high-quality flooring materials like hardwood or natural stone. Beautiful rugs or runners can also add warmth to your room. Luxury is about attention to detail and creating a cohesive, upscale atmosphere.
If you are planning a kitchen or interior design renovation project, exploring the idea of a back kitchen could be a great addition; feel free to share your ideas; we would love to discuss them further with you.