Introduction: The Hidden Luxury of a Prep Kitchen
The heart of the home—your kitchen—is where memories are made, meals are shared, and conversations flow. But as open-concept living has become the standard in modern home design, many homeowners face a new challenge: keeping the kitchen clean and clutter-free while still being functional.
Enter the prep kitchen (also called a scullery), an idea that’s transforming how Central Texas homeowners design and use their spaces. A prep kitchen is a second kitchen space tucked away from the main kitchen, built to handle the mess, heavy prep work, and overflow storage, while the main kitchen remains pristine for family gatherings or entertaining.
At Liberty Hill Cabinets, we’ve seen a surge in demand for prep kitchens across Austin, Leander, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, and Cedar Park. Homeowners want spaces that combine style, organization, and practicality—and a prep kitchen is the ultimate solution. With our custom cabinetry and storage solutions, we turn these functional spaces into stunning extensions of your kitchen.
What Is a Prep Kitchen (Scullery)?
A prep kitchen is more than just a pantry—it’s a full-service workspace where all the “behind-the-scenes” tasks happen. It can include:
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A secondary sink or deep farmhouse sink for washing produce or dishes.
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A second dishwasher for heavy entertaining.
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Ample counter space for meal prep, baking, or coffee stations.
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Custom cabinets and shelving for appliances, cookware, and pantry staples.
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Pull-out trash and recycling bins to keep the main kitchen clean.
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Even small appliances like microwaves, wine fridges, or warming drawers.
A scullery is perfect for modern families and entertainers who want the benefits of a professional kitchen layout—without sacrificing aesthetics in the main kitchen.
Why Central Texas Homeowners Love Prep Kitchens
1) Hosting Made Easy
When entertaining, the main kitchen often becomes chaotic. A prep kitchen allows you to stash dirty dishes, prepare appetizers, or refill drinks—all without disrupting your guests.
Imagine hosting a dinner party where the main kitchen remains spotless while the real action happens out of sight. That’s the power of a scullery.
2) Clutter-Free Living
With appliances like coffee makers, blenders, and toasters tucked into the prep kitchen, your main kitchen countertops stay clean and sleek. Minimalism is easier when every item has a hidden place.
3) Smart Storage
Custom cabinets from Liberty Hill Cabinets make all the difference. We design prep kitchens with full-height cabinets, pull-out shelving, and deep drawers to maximize every inch of space. Our designers also build custom inserts for spices, baking trays, and appliances so everything is organized and easy to access.
4) Increases Home Value
A prep kitchen is a high-end feature that buyers love, especially in luxury homes. It’s a smart investment that not only improves your daily life but also boosts resale appeal.
Planning a Prep Kitchen With Liberty Hill Cabinets
A successful prep kitchen starts with a thoughtful design. Here’s how we make it happen:
1) Layout and Flow
The prep kitchen should be conveniently located, often adjacent to the main kitchen or between the kitchen and dining room. Our designers carefully plan the flow so that it’s easy to move between spaces while cooking or hosting.
2) Cabinetry Built for Function
At Liberty Hill Cabinets, we specialize in custom cabinetry tailored to your needs. For prep kitchens, we focus on:
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Tall cabinets for storing pantry goods.
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Roll-out shelves and trays for small appliances.
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Deep drawers for mixing bowls, pots, and pans.
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Built-in trash and recycling bins for convenience.
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Custom spice racks and vertical dividers for trays and cutting boards.
3) Materials and Finishes
Prep kitchens handle heavy use, so durability matters. We recommend:
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Painted cabinets with easy-clean finishes for a modern look.
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Stained woods like oak or maple for warmth and rustic charm.
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Thermofoil or laminate finishes for easy maintenance.
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Water-resistant materials near sinks or dishwashers.
4) Hardware and Accessories
The right hardware adds both style and function. Our clients love:
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Soft-close drawers and doors.
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Pull-out racks and inserts for organization.
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Matte black or brushed brass finishes for modern elegance.
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Hidden appliance garages to keep countertops clear.
Layout Options for Prep Kitchens
There’s no one-size-fits-all design. Here are the most popular configurations we build:
Galley Prep Kitchen
Two parallel walls of cabinets with a sink and counter space on one side, and tall pantry cabinets on the other. This setup maximizes storage in narrow spaces.
L-Shaped Prep Kitchen
Perfect for corner rooms or small conversions, the L-shape offers excellent counter space and a logical workflow.
Butler’s Pantry Style
A pass-through prep kitchen between the kitchen and dining room. We can add glass-front cabinets for displaying dishware while hiding functional elements behind solid doors.
Mini Scullery or Appliance Pantry
Even if you don’t have a large room, we can convert part of a walk-in pantry or closet into a mini scullery with custom cabinets, shelves, and a compact prep station.
Cost Considerations
The cost of a prep kitchen depends on size, materials, and features. At Liberty Hill Cabinets, we create custom solutions that match your budget.
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Small conversions: $15,000–$25,000+
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Mid-range sculleries: $25,000–$50,000+
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High-end custom builds: $50,000–$80,000+ with premium finishes and appliances.
Why Work With Liberty Hill Cabinets?
We’re more than just a cabinet company—we’re kitchen design specialists.
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Custom designs tailored to your home’s layout.
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Quality craftsmanship with durable finishes.
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A showroom where you can see samples and hardware in person.
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Expert guidance to match your main kitchen’s style and color palette.
How to Get Started
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Schedule a Design Consultation: We’ll visit your home, assess your space, and discuss your goals.
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Select Styles and Finishes: Our showroom offers a wide selection of cabinet doors, stains, and hardware.
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Get a Custom Layout Plan: We’ll design a prep kitchen layout that fits your lifestyle and budget.
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Professional Installation: Our team ensures a perfect fit and finish.
Conclusion: A Prep Kitchen Is the Upgrade You’ll Love Every Day
Whether you’re an entertainer, a busy parent, or someone who simply wants a clean, organized kitchen, a prep kitchen is a game-changer. With Liberty Hill Cabinets, you’ll get a custom-built space designed to last and tailored to your needs.
Ready to see what a prep kitchen can do for your home?
📍 Visit our Liberty Hill showroom today, or schedule your design consultation online.
