Single wall kitchens can be an efficient and esthetically pleasing solution to the problem of a small space. They also present their own decorating challenges, as everything needed for a functioning kitchen needs to be found in a straight line and space for both floor and wall cabinets is limited. But there are ways to make a single-wall kitchen be beautiful as well as work beautifully.

Take Advantage of the Small Footprint

Because a single-wall kitchen does not take up that much space, it releases the rest of that area of the house for socializing. This makes the kitchen ideal for an open-plan house design.

Make Sure the Layout Is Efficient

A single-wall kitchen can only accommodate one cook at a time, so it’s important the way it’s laid out is efficient. Usually, the refrigerator is at the end of the wall next to the long countertop which includes the sink. There may be a dishwasher, and the stove and range or cooktop are at the other end of the wall. The wall cabinets often reach up to the ceiling and can be quite tall if the ceiling is high. The floor cabinets can be fitted with lazy susans, extra deep drawers, storage baskets for root vegetables, slide out panels for spices or pull out shelves that can even add extra counter space. All of the cabinets can run the length of the wall.

Kitchen Renovation
Photo by Alair Homes CamroseBrowse transitional kitchen photos

 

Add An Island

If there’s space for one, an island can be added to a single-wall kitchen. It is even better if it has cabinets and shelves of its own to increase the storage space. Even better is an island with its own sink and cooktop. An island that’s nearly as long as the wall can turn the kitchen into a galley kitchen.

Try Different Shelving

Though both the upper and lower cabinets can match, it is also acceptable to break up closed cabinets with open cabinets or shelves as well as a ventilation hood over the stove. Smaller wall cabinets can be topped by a row of larger bridging cabinets that reach up to the ceiling. Bridging cabinets also add texture to the decor. These high cabinets are best used for cookware and dinnerware that aren’t used very often, like the syllabub churn brought out at Christmas, or the huge platter used for the Thanksgiving turkey.

Use Smaller Appliances

There are actually appliances that are made for smaller kitchens. These include smaller microwave ovens, smaller regular ovens and smaller dishwashers. Some can even run quieter than standard models, a must for a home with an open plan design.

For more information on the best way to plan and use a single-wall kitchen, contact our professionals at Alair Homes.