Butler’s Pantry & Scullery Renovations in Auckland
A hidden second kitchen for prep, storage, and the messy stuff — keeping the main kitchen clean for family and guests. The most-requested upgrade in 2026 Auckland kitchen renovations.
Why every premium Auckland kitchen now hides a scullery.
Five years ago, butler’s pantries were a high-end addition reserved for premium kitchens. In 2026 they’re the single most-requested upgrade in every kitchen renovation we quote — from $80K mid-range jobs through to $300K full-home renovations. The reason is simple: open-plan living means the kitchen is always on display.
A butler’s pantry (or scullery — the words are used interchangeably in Auckland) is a separate hidden room off the main kitchen. It typically houses the second sink, the dishwasher, the toaster and coffee machine, bulk pantry storage, and often a second fridge. It keeps the work and the mess out of sight, leaving the main kitchen as a clean entertaining space rather than a working kitchen.
The challenge with adding one to an existing Auckland home is space. Most homes don’t have a spare room sitting next to the kitchen — so the scullery has to be carved out of existing floor area (laundry, hallway, or part of the kitchen footprint itself) or added in a small extension. The design decision happens early and shapes the whole renovation.
Butler’s pantry cost in Auckland.
Adding a butler’s pantry to an Auckland kitchen renovation typically costs $15,000 to $40,000 on top of the main kitchen, depending on size, services, and whether you’re carving out existing space or building new.
1.2–1.8m wide walk-in pantry off the main kitchen — open shelving, single benchtop, no second sink. Pure storage and prep landing zone.
2.0–3.0m wide walk-in scullery with second sink, dishwasher, full cabinetry to match main kitchen, stone benchtop, integrated rubbish and recycling.
Walk-through or walk-in scullery with second sink, dishwasher, integrated fridge, wine fridge, full cabinetry, premium stone, optional pocket door to hide on entertaining nights.
Plumbing run to second sink · electrical for appliances · pocket door vs hinged door · natural light vs artificial · ventilation if it includes a fridge or dishwasher.
Designing a butler’s pantry that actually works.
Position Planning
We work out where the scullery sits relative to the main kitchen — adjacent (most common), walk-through to garage or laundry, or carved from an existing room.
Sizing the Walk-In
Minimum useful walk-in width is 1.2m. For two people to work in there comfortably, 1.8m+. We design around how many people will actually use it at once.
Services Routing
Second sink, dishwasher, and any appliances need plumbing and electrical routed in. Best planned alongside the main kitchen services so they share walls and reduce cost.
Joinery & Finish
Cabinetry built to the same standard as the main kitchen, stone or laminate benchtops, sealed flooring, and ventilation if it includes refrigeration.
Hidden scullery behind a Remuera open-plan kitchen.
Hidden scullery behind a Remuera open-plan kitchen.
Full-size walk-in scullery with second sink, dishwasher, integrated fridge, and stone benchtops to match the main kitchen — accessed through a discrete cased opening from the main cooking zone.
See the project →Questions Auckland homeowners actually ask.
What’s the difference between a butler’s pantry and a scullery?
What’s the minimum size for a butler’s pantry?
Do I need a second sink in my butler’s pantry?
Should the butler’s pantry have a door?
Where does the fridge go — main kitchen or butler’s pantry?
Can a butler’s pantry be added without a kitchen renovation?
Start your kitchen renovation conversation.
Whether it’s a refresh, a reconfiguration, or a full kitchen rebuild — we design and build kitchens that fit how your family actually lives.