A well-planned butler’s pantry (scullery) keeps your kitchen calm, clutter-free and guest-ready. With the right layout, storage and lighting, you’ll prep, plate and clean without the mess spilling into open-plan living. Eco Squared designs, supplies and installs European-style cabinetry across the Sutherland Shire & surrounds, including Caringbah, Cronulla, Miranda and Gymea, tailoring butler’s pantries to how you cook and entertain.

Why add a butler’s pantry?

Hide the hustle: stage groceries, small appliances and clean-up out of sight.
More bench space: a second prep zone keeps the kitchen island clear for dining.
Smarter storage: deep drawers, inner-drawer larders and vertical tray slots make everything easy to find.
Resale appeal: premium buyers love a discrete work zone with considered lighting and finishes.

Layouts that flow (even in tight homes)

Straight (one-wall): perfect for terraces and townhomes; run tall pantry + bench + overheads in a compact line.
Galley: two parallel runs for serious cooks; keep a comfortable 900–1000 mm walkway.
L-shape: wraps a corner beside the kitchen; add a short return with integrated bins near the sink.

Pro tip: If space is tight, a pocket-door cupboard or appliance garage can create a “mini scullery” within the main kitchen.

Storage that works as hard as you do

Wide drawers (900–1200 mm): pots, platters, containers.
Inner-drawer larders: maximise visibility; label shelves by task (breakfast, baking, snacks).
Vertical dividers: store trays, boards and baking sheets upright.
Appliance garage: tuck away toaster/coffee gear with concealed power and ventilation.
Ceiling-height overheads: extra capacity and no dust line.
Integrated bins: position beside the sink for quick scrape-and-wash.

Sinks, dishwashers & appliances

Single or prep sink with pull-out spray is ideal; add a boiling/filtered tap if you entertain often.
Second dishwasher keeps the main kitchen tidy during parties.
Microwave/combi-steam in a tower clears benchtops.
Wine fridge or bar fridge near glassware; consider a warming drawer for serving.

Lighting, power & ventilation (little details, big luxury)

Under-cabinet LEDs for bright, shadow-free benches.
Shelf/display lighting elevates glassware and china.
Toe-kick LEDs for soft night paths.
Plan ample GPOs (inside garages and at bench height), and ensure rangehood/ducting if a cooktop is present. Keep RCDs/isolation switches accessible.

Finishes that are beautiful and easy to live with

As an authorised Oppolia partner, we specify durable melamines/laminates, matte or satin lacquers, warm woodgrains and aluminium-framed glass, all with soft-close hardware. For benches, consider porcelain/sintered stone or stainless near heavy prep; glass or slab splashbacks wipe clean in seconds.

Good / Better / Best pathways

Good: One-wall scullery with wide drawers, inner-drawer pantry, under-cabinet LEDs.
Better: Add appliance garage with power, integrated multi-bin pull-out, vertical tray divider.
Best: Galley scullery with sink + second dishwasher, wine fridge, porcelain splashback, scene-controlled lighting and pocket doors to close it off.

Common mistakes to avoid

All cupboards, not enough drawers — things vanish.
Fixed deep shelves in tall pantries — switch to inner drawers.
Too few power points — plan GPOs in garages and at bench height.
No ventilation for coffee machines or microwaves hidden behind doors.

Local design, tidy installation

We design around your routine and finishes, then project-manage supply and installation across the Sutherland Shire & surrounds with clear documentation, neat sites and a smooth handover.

Get a Free SMART QUOTE

No home visit required

Film a quick 360° video of your kitchen/pantry.
Text or WhatsApp it to 0466 119 712 with your suburb and wish-list.
Receive an itemised quote with options, pricing and next steps.
Prefer email? info@eco2.com.au

Transform Your Space with Eco Squared

Embrace the elegance and functionality of European design with Eco Squared. Our Oppolia partnership provides access to premium materials and cutting-edge manufacturing, tailored for the way Sydney lives.

Get a Free SMART QUOTE

Film a quick 360° video and Text/WhatsApp 0466 119 712 (no home visit required).
Prefer email? info@eco2.com.au

Get a SMART QUOTE

FAQs

What is a butler’s pantry?
A compact work zone beside the kitchen for prep, storage and clean-up, typically with bench space, sink, small appliances and organised pantry drawers. It keeps the main kitchen clear for cooking and entertaining.

How big should a butler’s pantry be?
There’s no fixed size, but aim for at least 600 mm bench depth and a 900–1000 mm walkway. A practical one-wall scullery starts from ~1.8 m long; galley sculleries need space for two runs and clear circulation.

Do I need a sink or dishwasher in the scullery?
A prep sink is highly useful; a second dishwasher helps during parties and big family meals. If space is tight, prioritise sink + integrated bins and keep the dishwasher in the main kitchen.

What should I store in a butler’s pantry?
Everyday small appliances, dry goods in inner-drawer larders, trays/boards in vertical dividers, glassware near the wine/fridge zone, and cleaning/bins beside the sink for quick tidy-ups.

What’s the best splashback for easy cleaning?
Glass or porcelain/sintered slab is grout-free and wipes clean quickly, ideal for high-use sculleries where splashes are common.

Featured