Dezeen Magazine

One wall kitchen by David Van Galen

Ten one-wall kitchens designed by architects that free up floorspace

Continuing our series of kitchen lookbooks, we've selected ten projects from Dezeen's archive with kitchens organised along a single wall.

One-wall kitchens feature a simple, linear layout that takes up less floorspace than other configurations while creating a less cluttered layout.

They are popular in small interiors as well as in larger, open-plan spaces as they open the kitchen up to the rest of the room rather than confining it behind an island, a breakfast bar or a peninsula.

This is the latest roundup in our Dezeen Lookbooks series providing visual inspiration for the home. Previous kitchen-related roundups include kitchen dining roomsgalley kitchens and compact kitchens.


A one-wall kitchen by Naruse Inokuma Architects

Setagaya Flat, Japan, by Naruse Inokuma Architects

Ranged along a cement-rendered wall, this linear kitchen by Naruse Inokuma Architects stretches the length of the open-plan dining space.

Instead of standard cabinets with doors, the kitchen features two long, parallel wooden shelves and a cantilevered work surface.

Finishes are utilitarian, with raw plaster walls and ceiling, plywood partitions and a pine floor.

Find out more about Setagaya Flat ›


Septembre added a grey one-wall kitchen to this French home

Hubert, France, by Septembre

The two zones of this kitchen dining room are signified by the flooring, with wood in the dining area and poured concrete in the kitchen zone.

White units are ranged above and below the marble splashback and countertop, with the wall-mounted cabinets stopping short to allow a window to open.

Prior to the conversion, the kitchen was a narrow galley, but the architects removed the partition to create an open-plan space. Pipes running from floor to ceiling remain as a reminder of the previous internal divisions.

Find out more about Hubert ›


Larissa Johnston built the one-wall kitchen within a plywood unit

Islington maisonette, London, by Larissa Johnston

This one-wall kitchen in an Islington maisonette was constructed inside a plywood volume that separates the kitchen diner from the staircase behind.

The warmth of the plywood contrasts with industrial finishes in the form of a poured concrete floor and a stainless steel splashback, counter and oven fascia.

Find out more about Islington maisonette ›


Green geometric one-wall kitchen by Studio Razavi

Apartment XVII, France, by Studio Razavi

A sea-green kitchen was fitted beside an antique stone fireplace in this French apartment by Studio Razavi. A run of cabinets sit beneath a slate worktop.

Above this is a geometric arrangement consisting of a shelf, high-level cabinets and a zigzag, two-tone splashback.

Find out more about Apartment XVII ›


Plywood one-wall kitchen by Sheet/RockLA

Mountain cabin, US, by Sheet/RockLA

Sheet/RockLA built this kitchen beneath the gabled roof of a holiday cabin in a Californian mountain town. It features plywood shelving, cupboards and drawers.

A sink is placed at the centre beneath a small rectangular window, which flanked by two overhead shelves.

Find out more about Mountain cabin ›


Wooden one-wall kitchen by David Van Galen

Little House/Big Shed, US, by David Van Galen

Located on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest, US architect David Van Galen used Douglas fir cabinetry for the kitchen of this holiday home.

Instead of a splashback, the kitchen has a row of openable windows offering a forest view, while a large clerestory window above allows more light to enter the kitchen dining area.

Find out more about Little House/Big Shed ›


SAM Architects used a peg-board display wall

MAP House, UK, by SAM Architects

Located within a century-old mews house in London, SAM Architects created a hardwearing one-wall kitchen that has the look and feel of a workshop.

Colourful stained-plywood units were built along a wall while a grey pegboard allows small shelves to be placed at will.

The kitchen is completed by a polished concrete floor and a grey linoleum worktop.

Find out more about MAP House ›


Giannikis used pastel greens in the one-wall kitchen

Waterfront Nikis Apartment, Greece, by Giannikis

Pastel-green cabinetry was used across this kitchen in order to contrast with the apartment's original geometric red floor tiles.

The kitchen has a simple yet traditional construction, employing a row of overhead and lower cabinets. The worksurfaces and splashback are of white marble, adding a more neutral contrast to the room's pastel-green finish.

Find out more about Waterfront Nikis Apartment ›


EBBA Architects used clean lines in this one-wall kitchen

Warehouse conversion, UK, by EBBA Architects

Built beneath a mezzanine within a converted matchstick factory, this one-wall kitchen has a minimal design using clean lines and a white palette.

It comprises a single row of cabinetry that abuts a wooden shelving unit in the adjacent living room. A half splashback employs the same white surfacing material as the worksurfaces while the curved faucet provides a copper accent.

Find out more about Warehouse conversion ›


Fala Atelier oriented the one-wall kitchen toward a courtyard

Apartment on a Mint Floor, Portugal, by Fala Atelier 

Portuguese studio Fala Atelier slotted a blue-hued kitchen into a wedge-shaped space in this apartment in Porto.

A dark-veined marble splashback and two-tone cabinets combine to create an unusual palette. The compact kitchen is backed by sliding glass doors that lead onto a terrace.

Find out more about Apartment on a Mint Floor ›


This is the latest in our series of lookbooks providing curated visual inspiration from Dezeen's image archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks showcasing colourful interiors, outdoor fireplaces and rooftop gardens.