One-Wall Kitchen Layout Basics

A one-wall kitchen layout is about as basic as layouts get. With all of the kitchen services, cabinets, and counters clustered in a strip, a one-wall kitchen is similar to a galley kitchen.

A favorite design for small homes and condos, the countertop and cabinets run for about 8 feet. Less expensive than other layouts because it is smaller, a one-wall design lends itself well to do-it-yourself building.

What a One-Wall Layout Is

With the one-wall layout, the counter is around 8 feet long. Shorter runs cannot accommodate a full set of kitchen services, which typically include a refrigerator, sink, and stove or oven. A dishwasher is often included as a major service.

One-wall kitchen layouts are similar to galley kitchens, which have two rows of cabinets and countertops separated by one aisle.

If it plugs in or is plumbed in, and it's necessary, it's more than likely a major service. Things that can be moved aren't included—items like a microwave or coffee maker. To free up countertop space, consider moving the small appliances to mobile carts or tables.

Where to Install One-Wall Kitchens

• Rental homes
• Apartments
• Condos
• Cabins
• Small detached homes
• Tiny homes and other DADUs
• ADUs such as finished basements

Pros and Cons

Why You Might Want a One-Wall Kitchen

One-wall kitchens are inexpensive. Limited counter space means lower costs, as counters tend to run up kitchen budgets considerably. Fewer wall and base cabinets are used, too.

Because you do not have to join up counters or other complicated work, the one-wall design is the easiest for the do-it-yourself homeowner to undertake. Usually, a single countertop with one sink cutout is used.

The one-wall layout is the best way to create space in the rest of your kitchen if needed for a table or other uses. Also, because the kitchen footprint is minimized, more space can be used for living areas.

All of the major cooking functions are kept within a few feet of each other. You never have to move very far with a one-wall layout.

Why You Might Not Want a One-Wall Kitchen

Unless the house requires the one-wall kitchen design, many homebuyers may have a difficult time accepting it. So, selling the home may be more difficult. Kitchens are often designed this way because there is no other option due to space or cost limitations. Resale values are lower for pared-down kitchens simply because homebuyers place such a high premium on the kitchen nowadays.

You do save money on countertops—but this means having fewer countertops for cooking. If you love to cook, no doubt you will find yourself adding rollaway kitchen islands or putting cutting boards over the sink as impromptu counter space.

The one-wall design does bring up new decisions by virtue of its compact size. For instance, where do all of your cabinets go? Since you have so little space, you have fewer places to put them. Yet if you cut back on cabinets, you have less storage space. Not only that but one-wall layouts are more rigid in terms of placement.

Tips For One-Wall Kitchen Layouts

• Use mobile islands or small tables to increase work areas.
• If space permits, install a narrow permanent kitchen island.
• In higher-end homes, increase the value of your one-wall kitchen layout by installing premium countertops such as quartz or concrete.
• Up the value, too, by using quality cabinets and premium appliances.
• Add mats to minimize flooring wear.
• Locate the kitchen along a wall that doesn't have a window. Windows reduce the number of wall cabinets you can install.