LIFESTYLE & INTERIORS FOR YOU
Interiors
SEARCH BY CATEGORIES
July 15, 2024 – Published in Design & Decor Spring-Summer 2024 issue
The one-wall kitchen… I’m sold!
Words: Rachel Balzan Demajo (SAKS Interior Design & Decoration)
Welcome to the one-wall kitchen layout—akin to the galley layout but specifically along one wall. What a charming kitchen layout, fully clad typically with a 2.5m counter stretch, enough for an espresso machine, toaster, and small microwave.
All the cooking functions are at very close reach, but it still provides enough space for storage and grocery shopping, and ideally, a free-standing island, which is considered both highly aesthetic and also very functional. One of the plus points of a free-standing island in front of a one-wall kitchen is the ability to place the sink on and deep into the island, which allows for more space on the counter.
The obvious benefit of a one-wall kitchen is space saving and, therefore, in turn, maximised living space. In very small apartments or even designated spaces within a house, a one-wall kitchen could be a very useful concept. For example, in large houses with an indoor/outdoor interiors feel, the main house kitchen is often quite detached from the outdoor space.
A one-wall kitchen could be a great transitional design that can fit between the interior and exterior of a space, and it can also double up as a pantry, storing all your favourite sips and bites for your outdoor entertaining season.
Such an island layout will comprise function on one side—the sink, drawers, and other compartments—and stools on the other, which perfectly complement an open space layout. Guests or family members can easily swivel a stool to eat at the island or swivel it back to join in with the living environment.
In terms of colours and décor, a bright one-wall kitchen will pop and invigorate the space, and accent colours of the cabinetry can be used within the open space for rugs, textured cushions, curtains, and other décor elements. If a monochromatic look is achieved within the kitchen space, then it offers a seamless connectivity to the rest of the space, perhaps drawn in by runner rugs over hardboard floors and decorative lights over the island for it to feature as a statement.
Clever storage compartments are very much in sync with one-wall kitchen spaces, as are open shelvings that double up as lit up display spaces, as well as storage for pretty wine glasses or ceramic collections, for example.
Small in stature but highly versatile, there are many options for making a single-wall kitchen layout work, and it is always recommended to speak to an interior designer/decorator to help you maximise the space.
For more ideas on one wall kitchens, contact Rachel at SAKS Interiors.
