Dirty Kitchens Are the Latest Must-Have Home Feature
Over the past several years, there has been an uptick in what some designers begrudgingly call a “dirty kitchen” and more lovingly refer to as the back kitchen—essentially a working kitchen behind the primary space that functions as another cooking, prep, and cleanup area.
So, where did this start? According to Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn, its growing popularity began with main kitchens being open to adjacent entertaining and living areas. “In these back kitchens, dirty dishes can pile up or a baker can make a mess without interfering with the main cooking zone,” she says. While having one may sound like a dream, there are major considerations.
A pantry by Kate Abt Design mixes a bold wallpaper with ocher glazed tile.
What’s the Difference Between a Walk-in Pantry, Butler’s Pantry, and Dirty Kitchen?
A walk-in pantry takes up less square footage and is primarily for food storage, which can free up a ton of cabinet space. The smartest designs have shallow shelves for easy reach.
Traditional butler’s pantries are spaces between the kitchen and dining room, often housing hosting essentials for a well-adorned tabletop. Many of them have been converted to breakfast or cocktail bars. The team at cabinetry maker Bakes & Kropp usually incorporates at least one beverage fridge, a small sink, and an ice maker.
Jaimee Rose Interiors designed a back kitchen with a baking station.
Back kitchens or dirty kitchens are full kitchens with cleanup essentials like a deep sink and dishwasher along with a wall oven, freezer, wine refrigerator, and ample space for small appliances.
Conceptual Kitchens & Millwork went for drama with black and brass accents.
Who Is a Dirty Kitchen For?
Everyone can benefit from this secondary space, Matthew Quinn of Design Galleria says, citing “entertainers, procrastinators, neat freaks, Tasmanian devils, families with children, and gadget-obsessed homeowners.” Just be careful about adding too much refrigeration, Quinn warns—that can lead to frustration when you’re doing a “five-minute dance trying to find the sour cream”—and make sure to include ventilation. Designer Caren Rideau of the Kitchen Design Group adds that smart organization is key for the room to function smoothly. She suggests separating food storage, appliances (small and large), and serveware to ensure everything is easily accessible.
How Much Does a Dirty Kitchen Cost?
In some cases, a dirty kitchen can be as expensive as your primary kitchen since it calls for cabinetry, countertops, plumbing, and appliances, not to mention structural needs like walls and pocket doors. According to Tanya Smith-Shiflett of Unique Kitchens & Baths, a dirty kitchen can easily start at $45,000 to $55,000 and go up from there. A kitchen remodel can have an ROI of up to 80 percent, according to Zillow, so depending on your budget and future plans, the investment might make sense. Theoretically, adding a dirty kitchen could boost your home’s value by $40,000 or more.
She tells her clients if they’re planning to stay in their home for only five to 10 years, it may not be worth the investment. What else, besides money, are you giving up? Likely square footage in another room. “I usually try to convince a client to move their main-floor laundry room upstairs or to reduce the size of a large mudroom,” Laura McCroskey of McCroskey Interiors says. The reality is you have to find the space or add onto your existing structure. “If you’re a neat freak who cleans as they cook, this add-on might not be necessary,” McCroskey says.
Open shelving keeps this room by Veranda Estate Homes light and airy.
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