Why a ‘Dirty Kitchen’ is the Home Feature You Need

If you entertain, you need a “dirty kitchen” in your life. The sound of that may set off alarm bells, but don’t worry—it’s not as scary (or messy) as it sounds. Kitchens are the workhorse room of the house and even the most beautiful one can see plenty of wear and tear in the process. Enter the dirty kitchen—similar to a scullery, it is a separate kitchen away from the main one, granting more freedom for heavy-duty cooking and the messes that ensue.

We chatted with designers about the merits of a dirty kitchen to get the low-down on this latest trend. Believe it or not, it may be just what you need to finally keep your kitchen clean.

What Is a Dirty Kitchen?

A dirty kitchen is a separate, smaller kitchen, usually located just next to the main one. “Imagine your regular kitchen as a pristine showroom, where everything is in its perfect place, spotless, and ready for a casual cooking show,” says Steven Cooper, principal designer of Cabbonet’s Los Angeles team. “Now, picture the dirty kitchen as the backstage area of that culinary theater.”

One of the primary characteristics of a dirty kitchen is that it’s discreet, tucked away, and hidden from the prying eyes of house guests. “It’s like a ‘back of house’ kitchen,” says interior designer Meghan Gorelick. “It’s where you can stash things that you don’t want exposed, but need handy. It’s also where you can make a delicious mess, and no one will see it!”

The Benefits of a Dirty Kitchen

Contrary to what its name might have you believe, there’s a lot to love about a dirty kitchen. In part, the rise of this new room has to do with how our spaces have evolved in recent years. “The kitchen has become a focal point of the house, and a gathering space,” says Clare Staszak, principal of Centered by Design. “Families spend a lot of time there, so homeowners want it to feel more like a living space.”

So, instead of keeping the heavy-duty tools and appliances in the actual kitchen, you can move them to the “dirtier” space and free up countertop real estate. “A dirty kitchen lets you whip up dishes without worrying about splatters and spills in your main kitchen,” says Cooper. “It lets you dive deep into your creative cooking quests while keeping the main space visitor-ready.”

Cooper also notes that it’s a great way to silo not just the messier sights that come with cooking but some of the more pungent smells as well. If you’re chopping onions, for example, you may not want that aroma making its way to nearby guests.

How to Design One

A dirty kitchen, despite its name, can—and in fact should—look beautiful. That being said, form follows function, and that’s especially important here. “I like to make it rhyme with the main kitchen,” says Gorelick. “I always like to offer a surprise—I achieve that with a wallpapered ceiling that incorporates colors from the main kitchen. That way, they feel like they go together but are distinct in their look and functionality.”

Cooper emphasizes good ventilation and top-of-the-line appliances—even if said appliances are duplicates of ones in the main kitchen. After all, an extra refrigerator for more storage never hurts, especially if you’re regularly entertaining larger groups. “Earth tones like warm browns, muted olives, and terracotta provide a warm atmosphere,” he adds. “These colors also pair well with wood cabinets and metal appliances, creating a harmonious look.”

Why It’s So Popular

So, why do people love dirty kitchens so much? For one, there’s a certain freedom that comes with this space—you can make a mess, and you won’t have to immediately clean it up before guests arrive. In that way, it’s a more secluded cooking oasis, but one that can still center around personal connections. “One of my favorite dirty kitchen projects was creating a haven where dad and the kids shared nighttime fun, crafting pizzas and sundaes,” says Cooper. “They could leave the mess and not get into trouble!”

It’s also a response to the need for more storage as newer, bigger kitchen gadgets roll out year after year. There’s also something to be said about the eyebrow-raising name itself. “Honestly, I think people like to say ‘dirty kitchen’,” says Gorelick. “Those that know, know!”