The Up-And-Coming Layout Trend That's Perfect For Small Kitchens

Are you currently in the process of planning a kitchen remodel? Or perhaps your current kitchen layout isn't working for you and your family and you're looking for an alternative. If you're working with a smaller space, it can be tricky to decide on a configuration that you know is going to be the most practical. But, there's a new trend for 2026 that is ideal for making the most out of what a smaller kitchen has to offer: a one-wall kitchen layout. 

You may be thinking, what's a one-wall kitchen? Well, the name is pretty self explanatory. It's when the entirety of your kitchen, including cabinetry, shelving, and appliances run along a single wall. It's a similar vibe to a galley kitchen, except the kitchen itself sits on one long wall, not two opposite ones. This simple design is perfect for smaller kitchens, especially ones that are long and narrow, because it offers ample cabinet and countertop space in one specific area, leaving you with more room to design a designated seating area. However, there are definitely a few things to consider before you set your heart on this layout in order to decide whether it's a good one for you. These include the cost implications, how much storage you require as a household, and whether or not you have the right space for it. 

There are a lot of positives to a one-wall kitchen layout. One of the biggest has to be how cost effective it is. Whether it's due to the fewer cabinets or smaller worktop space that you will need, its fuss-free configuration is much more affordable. This will leave you with more of a budget for how you choose to style and decorate the rest of the space — bonus! Naturally, if you have a long and narrow kitchen, this layout will be the best option for you. The one line of cabinets means it'll improve your general workflow, especially when it comes to cooking, because you won't be wedged in by another row of cabinets and all of your appliances will be in easy reach.

With that being said, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Due to everything being in one area, it can be a bit tricky if more than one person is using the kitchen at once due to lack of countertop space. Storage can also be a problem. Whether we like it or not, having closed off cabinets means we can store all of the unsightly things we want hidden away. Having just one row of cabinets can make this somewhat difficult. One-wall kitchens are ideal for those specifically with narrow spaces on a budget and who want their kitchen to still feel light and airy.