Single-Wall Kitchen Tile Design Ideas

Featured Image: Bianco Pearl Quartz One-Wall Kitchen Backsplash, Countertop, and Island Countertop from Arizona Tile

Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, either by sole preference or based on what the space allows. Single-wall kitchens are sometimes a necessity if you’re working with size limitations. Open concept floor plans have been designers’ choice for years now, while closed-off, dedicated spaces have continued to decrease. Now, even enclosed formal dining rooms are falling to the wayside as larger, common-use spaces—that feed into the open-concept floorplan—are being prioritized in design.

With fewer walls to work with, more and more modern layouts incorporate single-wall kitchen designs. Oftentimes, this type of kitchen design will be accompanied by an island. If this sounds like your kitchen design, or you’re planning a new build or remodel, we have some ideas for you!

What is a Single-Wall Kitchen?

In a traditional sense, kitchens are an L-shaped layout with all appliances incorporated and the quintessential sink under the window. There is often decent counterspace and cabinets above and below. In galley kitchens, found in smaller spaces, there are two parallel walls displaying countertops, cabinets, and appliances. When the kitchen structure has more wall space in play, there are designated areas to place appliances and other room features. However, with an open concept kitchen, there are limited walls to build against. Therefore, the one back wall in the room becomes your sole kitchen wall. This one wall features cabinets, a countertop, a sink, and most appliances. One very useful feature in a single-wall kitchen, if you opt for it, is an island. This adds extra counterspace, storage, may house your sink and dishwasher, and provides additional seating.

Image: Bertoli Quartz One Wall Kitchen Countertop Backsplash, and Island Countertop from Arizona Tile

Single-Wall Kitchen Countertops

Countertops are a prime feature in a kitchen that serve multiple purposes: aesthetics and function. First off, a countertop needs to be an incredibly durable surface that can withstand heavy use. You also want this surface to be beautiful since it is often the main showpiece in the kitchen. For countertops, there are a variety of options, like quartzite, granite, and quartz to choose from.

Quartzite and quartz are similar, but quartz countertops are a manufactured product made of finely ground quartz, the hardest mineral in nature, mixed with advanced polymers. Quartz is a highly versatile material given that it’s fabricated, color-controlled, and can be duplicated. Quartzite, on the other hand, is a natural stone made primarily of quartz and other minerals. Then there is granite; the hardest surface for a countertop. Within any of these selections, you can make your single-wall kitchen a true focal point that adds beauty to your home.

Image: Mont Blanc Quartzite Single Wall Kitchen Countertop, Spark White Matte  3×12 Ceramic Kitchen Tile Backsplash, & Spark White Matte 3/8×5 Ceramic Pencil Bullnose Edge from Arizona Tile

To add some dimension to this open space, consider installing one countertop surface around the perimeter and a different one on the island. Bertoli quartz is a wonderful surface of choice as a contrasting island countertop. Bertoli is a white quartz with bold grey detailing throughout, resembling marble. A darker quartz, like Slate Grey-N, would emphasize the grey veins in Bertoli while bringing a bold contrast. Another white quartz that brightens a room is Bianco Pearl. This creamy white background displays variegated grey veining and not only makes a countertop crisp, bright, and modern, but can also fashion the backsplash for a cohesive look.

Image: Blue Galaxy Granite Single Wall Kitchen Countertop, Shibusa Grigio Straight Stack 1×24 Porcelain Tile Backsplash, & Reflexion Titanium 24×48 Porcelain Tile Flooring from Arizona Tile

For natural stone options, Mont Blanc and Blue Galaxy are selections that you won’t regret. Mont Blanc quartzite has the perfect air of luxury, softness, and class that resembles marble with a creamy white background and grey and taupe veining. Blue Galaxy is a beautiful display of natural stone with its multi colors of blue and grey crystals and rust tones on a creamy white background. Given the unique appearance of this granite, it is sure to be a masterpiece in your open concept space.

Single-Wall Kitchen Backsplash

Given that a single-wall kitchen is often on display in the main gathering space of a home, a stylistic tile backsplash will add flair to any theme you choose to emphasize. The backsplash area is limited with a single-wall arrangement, so whatever you choose will naturally be a focal feature. Porcelain and ceramic are both great choices for this space and are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and are super easy to wipe clean. The S-Series offers stunning neutrality and the option to mix and match colors for a pattern you’ll love. In eight colors and seven sizes, your single-wall kitchen backsplash is not the only wall you’ll want to tile with S-Series.

Image: S-Canvas White Glossy Scallop Mesh Porcelain Tile Single Wall Kitchen Backsplash from Arizona Tile

For a little fun with texture, Shibusa porcelain displays rich textures with the appearance of bamboo and a clean and modern appeal. In five colors and six sizes, you can truly accentuate your backsplash with a beautiful pairing for your slab countertop.

The Spark series may spark your senses with its wonderful aesthetic and delightful texture. Emulating hand-crafted tile, the texture and glaze vary from tile to tile, creating a dimensional effect showcasing an understated elegance.  

Kitchen Tile Flooring

Aside from countertops, flooring is incredibly important to your kitchen design—not only for aesthetics, but durability as well. Porcelain and ceramic have been a popular choice for a long time because of their proven durability. With our tile selection, you can find the perfect tile not only for your kitchen, but one to extend into the main area of your home (or even outside) as well. The minimal maintenance makes porcelain and ceramic even more desirable—simply wipe clean and mop with a damp cloth and add a pH-balanced cleaner when needed.

Reflexion is a large-format porcelain tile for interior floors. To be considered large-format, one edge of the tile must be greater than 15”, expanding the look of a space. Reflexion comes in four colors and has the shimmering look of metal with infinite transformations of light and reflection. With its urban feel and modern appeal, Reflexion illuminates a space and adds character to the flooring in a single-wall kitchen.

Terrazzo porcelain is another great flooring option (and backsplash option, too). It has a flecked pattern and offers a look of neutrality in five colors. Terrazzo adds a clean and modern appeal to any design with classic features of modern architecture, calling to the recent resurgence of mid-century design. The classic, radiant appeal of this tile adds a softness to your single-wall kitchen and flooring throughout, in one or a mixture of tile colors.  

Faro is a versatile, Italian-made porcelain tile that makes an excellent choice for kitchen floors. With a soft, concrete-like appearance and just a hint of movement, this tile brings subtle sophistication to your space. Its gentle veining and neutral tone create a clean, modern foundation without overpowering other design elements, making it ideal for both minimalist and transitional kitchen styles. Faro’s understated beauty allows it to blend seamlessly with a variety of finishes—wood tones, metals, or bold cabinetry—while maintaining a grounded, organic feel underfoot.

Image: Faro Taupe Grey 24×48 Porcelain Floor Tile, Montreal Quartz Waterfall Kitchen Island Countertop, and CS-Skyline Honed Lotus Mesh Backsplash Tile

One-Wall Kitchen Designs

Designing your kitchen is one of the most important things to focus on when adding style and value to a home. To find the best tile for your single-wall kitchen, take a look at all our amazing products, then try our Just Imagine Tile and Slab Visualizer to gain a better visual sense. When you can, visit an Arizona Tile showroom or slab yard to see and touch all your favorite options. If questions arise, don’t hesitate to contact us!