Planning A Down One Wall Kitchen

A narrow kitchen can be a tricky proposition, but a single line of units with a long worktop and open shelves make the most of every square centimetre of space.

Wow! Shelving

Open shelves keep this kitchen looking light and airy and provide much more storage than standard wall units. Random placements of doors that contrast or co-ordinate with the units below break up a large expanse.

Luxury Worktops

Worktops of quartz granite and stone are pricey, but they make kitchens look expensive regardless of how much you've spent on the units. So save on the carcasses and doors and splurge on the surfaces.

Wood Lookalike

If you don't trust yourself with a wood floor, get a lookalike instead - it'll be warmer underfoot than wood, as well as being slip, stain and water resistant. Try Amtico or Rhinofloor by Armstrong.

Task Lighting

Good lighting is essential, especially in the kitchen. While pendants are great for dining areas, spots are what you really need over the worktops for good task lighting. If you also eat in the kitchen, ask your electrician to install a dimmer switch.

Co-Ordinated Appliances

With only a single line of units, appliances need to blend in well for a seamless finish. Go stainless steel all the way, but keep a stash of E-Cloths handy to wipe off all those unavoidable greasy finger marks.

Cool Metal

Brushed stainless-steel units are still all the rage and give kitchens a professional feel. The more stainless steel, the more industrial the look. Soften the overall effect by bringing in white eye-level units and a seriously low-tech wood floor.