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One-Wall Kitchen Layouts: 15+ Design Ideas and Tips

By: Andrew Saladino | 5 min

One wall kitchen layouts build your entire kitchen on just one wall.

There's a reason so many people are looking for one-wall kitchen layout ideas. Single-wall kitchens are a simple and common design for apartments, lofts, and condos, but their efficient design and space-saving layout works well in residential homes, too.

One-wall kitchens have all of the cabinetry, countertops, and appliances on a single wall, making it the perfect layout for saving space and providing an open floor plan. They're also cost-effective in terms of construction since they require the least amount of materials and labor to build. Similarly, their simple design makes for easy cooking and cleanup.

There are a few design options to consider for a one-wall kitchen. Read through our guide to determine which type is best for your layout. If you're looking to remodel your kitchen, check out our extensive selection of kitchen cabinets.

One-Wall Kitchen With Island | One-Wall Kitchen With Dining Table | Storage and Lighting Tips

Designing A One-Wall Kitchen Layout

Designing a one-wall kitchen is simple, but there are a few design tips you should keep in mind. We recommend placing the sink between the fridge and the stovetop to create a more efficient workflow during food preparation.

This aligns with the common rule of thumb to keep hot and cold areas separate since refrigerators need space to dissipate heat. We also recommend keeping the dishwasher beside the sink so that cleanup is as streamlined as possible. Below, you'll find some pros and cons, as well as several one-wall kitchen design ideas to help lay out your kitchen at home.

Pros:

  • Saves space
  • Works well with open-concept areas
  • Ideal for entertaining
  • Streamlined design for home cooks

Cons:

  • Less storage potential
  • Lacks counter and prep space
  • Requires more planning for design and decor
  • Lower resale value than large kitchens

ONE-WALL KITCHEN WITH ISLAND

One-wall kitchen layout with island with text: Placing an appliance on an island allows you to save counter space on the main section.

Even a small rolling kitchen island is a valuable addition to any one-wall kitchen. One-wall kitchens work great in small spaces, but this means that there is little to no storage and counter space.

A kitchen island solves both of these problems and offers extra space without a full kitchen renovation.

ONE-WALL KITCHEN WITH ISLAND
Diagram of work triangle in one-wall kitchen with island.

Design Tips for One-Wall Kitchens With Islands

Use your kitchen island creatively to design your dream kitchen:

  • Kitchen island countertops provide more storage and prep space for cooking your favorite dishes.
  • Install an inset microwave to unlock extra counter space and declutter your kitchen.
  • Add seating to entertain guests while you cook or for a chic breakfast bar to sip your morning coffee.
  • Design a fun backsplash to brighten up your kitchen and allow the space to double as a statement wall.
  • Stick with a monochromatic palette. This helps it look less cluttered when you need to fit all your food, pots, pans, and tableware in one spot.

ONE-WALL KITCHEN WITH DINING TABLE

One-wall kitchen layout with dining table with text: Having your dining table in your kitchen saves space and gives you extra prep surface.

Kitchen tables are a must if you love entertaining. They're a valuable asset to a one-wall kitchen, where space is hard to come by. Not only do you maximize living space with an eat-in one-wall kitchen, but you provide a spot for your guests to hang out while you cook and give yourself somewhere to set up your mise en place.

ONE-WALL KITCHEN WITH DINING TABLE
Diagram of work triangle in one-wall kitchen with dining table.

Design Tips for One-Wall Kitchens With Dining Tables

A one-wall kitchen frees up space for a dining table. Adding a table:

  • Creates more space for prepping large meals and hosting dinner parties.
  • Breaks up the roomand creates a barrier between your kitchen and living spaces.
  • Keeps you near friends and family while cooking meals.
  • Transforms your kitchen to a multi-use space where dining and entertaining meet.

Storage and lighting tips

One-wall kitchen storage and lighting tips with text: Consider full-wall cabinetry and under cabinet lighting in your one-wall kitchen.

Good storage solutions are the heart of any one-wall kitchen. It's key to install as much shelving and as many drawers as possible so you don't need to give up any of your favorite kitchen tools. Recessed lighting and other small space solutions will make your one-wall kitchen shine.

STORAGE AND LIGHTING TIPS FOR ONE-WALL KITCHENS
Diagram of one-wall under cabinet lighting.

Storage and Lighting Design Tips for One-Wall Kitchens

Storage can be hard to come by for a one-wall kitchen layout, but you do have some options to add more storage space:

  • Maximize storage with full-wall cabinetry so you can keep countertops organized and clear of appliances.
  • Add a storage hutch to extend your storage without taking on a construction project.
  • Incorporate a hanging rack to keep pots and pans within reach while staying stylish.
  • Illuminate your space with under cabinet lighting. These lights act as a spotlight where overhead lighting doesn't reach so you don't have to worry about nicking your fingers in the dark.
  • Make a statement with your lighting. Pendant lights also look great in a one-wall kitchen.
  • Custom cabinets can turn even small spaces into organized havens where your favorite knife set has a home without downsizing your mug collection.
  • Open shelving gives any one-wall kitchen a boho feel and shakes things up from traditional closed cabinets.
  • Glass cabinets give your kitchen the open-shelf look without the risk of falling plates and bowls.

More One-Wall Kitchen Design Inspiration

A bright one-wall kitchen with marble-painted cabinetry and white countertops.'}}

ONE-WALL KITCHEN DESIGN FAQs

How Many Feet Do You Need For A One-Wall Kitchen?

You just need 8 feet for a one-wall kitchen so you can fit in your kitchen appliances. If you have space for a kitchen island or other storage features, you might be able to create a kitchen with a smaller wall.

This kitchen layout is commonly used in small spaces like studio apartments because it's such an efficient layout. But it also works in larger open-concept spaces, especially if you love entertaining.

Are One-Wall Kitchens Cheaper?

One-wall kitchens can be less expensive than other kitchen builds because of their economical use of space. However, you still have the chance to go all out and create a luxurious single-wall kitchen if you'd like.

How Do You Add More Storage To A One-Wall Kitchen?

To add storage to your one-wall kitchen, look to the walls. Try hanging your pots and pans on a pegboard a la Julia Child, or using a magnetic knife strip instead of a block to free up counter space.

What Are The Disadvantages Of A One-Wall Kitchen?

One-wall kitchens are a great way to use a space efficiently and maximize your square footage, but they're not the best solution for everyone. If you're looking to increase resale value, maximize storage, or need a lot of countertop space, then a one-wall kitchen might not be a good fit for your home.

If you're looking for a kitchen design to fit the limited space in your home, a one-wall kitchen layout might be the perfect solution. If you're interested in more inspiration for your next kitchen remodel, check out our kitchen design ideas. We cover everything you need to know about remodeling your kitchen so you can create the kitchen you've always dreamed of.

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