Eight homes with kitchens that double as partition walls
Our latest lookbook explores homes where kitchen cabinets divide up the floor plan, neatly organising the living spaces into different zones.
Using kitchen units as partition walls is a clever trick for creating more space-efficient layouts.
A wall of units can serve as a space divider, differentiating lounge and dining areas, or separating these spaces from entrances, staircases and utility areas.
Bold colour and material choices turn these elements into focal points, while recesses and voids allow surfaces to be integrated into the volume.
This lookbook spotlights eight examples, showcasing homes in Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Canada and more.
It is the latest addition to our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. Other recent lookbooks explore terrazzo bathrooms, Scandinavian summer houses and minimalist bedrooms.
Read on to see the eight examples we selected:
Sebastião 123, Portugal, by Alarquitectos
A blue "kitchen box" formed a key part of this transforming this former office into a home in Lisbon.
By installing the kitchen and storage wall in the middle of a long, linear living space, Lisbon-based Alarquitectos created clear definition between the lounge and dining spaces on either side.
The floor-to-ceiling units create a circular route between spaces. This is further defined by a change in floor surface, with timber surfaces wrapping two sides and terrazzo on the opposite sides.
Find out more about Sebastião 123 ›
Apartment in Amsterdam, Netherlands, by MAMM Design
A sunken kitchen forms the heart of this Amsterdam apartment, which was renovated by Japanese studio MAMM Design.
The designers chose to drop the floor level to allow space for a new mezzanine above. As a result, the kitchen counter sits just above the floor level of the surrounding spaces.
The tower-like volume creates a natural divider between the staircase, which is tucked away behind, and the family's main living and dining areas.
Find out more about Apartment in Amsterdam ›
Fienile N, Italy, by Fōntego Architettura
Mint-green cabinets create a space-efficient layout for the upper floor of this converted barn near Florence, renovated by Italian studio Fōntego Architettura.
The tall, free-standing cabinets provide a kitchen, storage and a toilet, and also divide the living and dining spaces from the house's entrance and staircase.
The green tone was chosen to reflect the tones of the surrounding greenery.
Find out more about Fienile N ›
Function Walls, Sweden, by Lookofsky Architecture
Swedish studio Lookofsky Architecture transformed an existing wall into multi-functional storage in this renovation of an apartment in Stockholm.
This seven-metre-long wall incorporates the kitchen, including an oven and sink, and a seating nook with fitted cushions.
The grey cabinets contrast with bold pops of yellow, emphasising both the recesses and the deep doorway.
Find out more about Function Walls ›
Saltbox Passive House, Canada, by L'Abri and Construction Rocket
In this home for a family of four in Quebec, a kitchen wall serves as a divider between the double-height living and dining spaces and a spacious pantry concealed behind.
The home was designed by Canadian architecture firm L'Abri in collaboration with contractor Construction Rocket.
A staircase wraps around one side of the kitchen, leading to a mezzanine office that sits above the pantry.
Find out more about Saltbox Passive House ›
Lóios Recovery, Portugal, by OODA
To transform a pair of disused commercical buildings in Porto into apartments, local studio OODA designed freestanding modular units that provide all the functional requirements of a home.
Installed inside 18 apartments, the monolithic black units contain more than just a kitchen – they also incorporate bathrooms, pull-out beds, seating and storage.
The architects envisioned that the design could be used to easily transform other disused properties in the city.
Find out more about Lóios Recovery ›
A kitchen island incorporates a screen wall and a storage bench this two-bedroom apartment in Vilanova i la Geltrú, renovated by architecture studio Cavaa.
The architects designed several pieces of multi-functional furniture for the home, to maximise the space.
Glazing extends up from the splashback, providing acoustic privacy without blocking out light.
Find out more about Galla House ›
PSM21, Spain, by Raúl Sánchez Architects
Raúl Sánchez Architects chose a vibrant shade of blue for this kitchen, which organises the living spaces of a house in Castelldefels, near Barcelona.
The project involved converting two apartments back into a single residence.
The blue "kitchen cube" features red onyx recesses and also incorporates a small storage room and a new staircase.
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. Other recent lookbooks include terrazzo bathrooms, Scandinavian summer houses and minimalist bedrooms.
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