9 Different Ways to Incorporate a Wet and Dry Kitchen in Your Home

Because two is better than one.

Most Malaysians are familiar with the term "wet and dry kitchen." Typically located side by side, the wet kitchen is designated for heavy cooking that generates strong odours and grease, while the dry kitchen is used for lighter tasks like chopping vegetables or preparing quick meals. This dual-kitchen setup helps contain heat, fumes and smells, making it a practical staple in many homes.

Need some inspiration for your kitchen renovation? Take a peek at these Malaysian homes that have cooked up some refreshing design solutions!

1. Keep your wet kitchen outdoors and dry kitchen indoors

To make the most of the compound, the designer of this home in Selangor expanded the backyard and transformed it into an open-air wet kitchen. The space is characterised by ceramic tiles, a grey countertop, and a mosaic tile backsplash for durability and easy cleaning. Because the wet kitchen is located outside the house, the homeowner doesn't need to install an exhaust fan to vent out strong cooking odours, smoke, heat and other kitchen pollutants, saving a significant amount on kitchen renovations.

The dry kitchen, on the other hand, has an L-shaped cabinet layout and is equipped with a dual sink, a wine chiller, a refrigerator, and a small built-in induction stove for basic cooking tasks like boiling water or light cooking.

2. Have both kitchens indoors, but the wet kitchen fully enclosed…

Don’t have a backyard? No problem. This terrace in Kelana Jaya features a fully enclosed wet kitchen, so the owner can cook up a storm without worrying about the smells and fumes spreading to other parts of the house. Since stir-frying can get a little messy (think oil splatters and food stains), the designer went with glossy finishes for the backsplash, cabinets and countertops, which are super easy to wipe down. Even the floors are tiled, making cleanup a breeze after every cooking session.

Since the dry kitchen doesn’t see as much heavy use as the wet kitchen, the designer took the opportunity to prioritise aesthetics over ease of maintenance with the material choice by opting for matte-finish cabinetry, a sleek marble-topped island, and a pair of black-and-white barstools that make it a stylish spot for casual dining.

3. or separate them with glass windows or doors (instead of a wall)

If you’re not keen on separating your wet and dry kitchens with solid walls and doors, consider using glass windows and doors instead. They provide a clear divider without blocking light or visibility. In this semi-D, the narrow wet kitchen still feels bright and open thanks to the glass window and sliding door that offer an unobstructed view into the dry kitchen, making the space feel less cramped.

The dry kitchen has a café-like ambience complete with benches, a dining table and chairs. It also comes with an electric stove, which is perfect for boiling water or whipping up a light breakfast to start the day.

4. Keep your dry kitchen stylish and let your wet kitchen stay simple and functional

If you're on a tight budget, focus on making the dry kitchen aesthetic and keep the wet kitchen design simple to save on costs. This landed home, for example, features an exquisite dry kitchen with a mint-coloured island and a white countertop. The island has a dining table extension with variable heights, allowing the homeowners to stand while prepping food and sit when dining. Meanwhile, a gold pendant light illuminates the casual eating area.

The wet kitchen, on the other hand, is intended to be more utilitarian than attractive. It is fitted with light blue built-in cabinets with matte finishes, a double basin sink and quartz countertops that are both durable and easy to clean. The wet kitchen also has anti-slip flooring to prevent slippage from water or oil spills and spatter. For added practicality, the wet kitchen is strategically located next to the backyard doorway for improved ventilation.

5. Have both your dry and wet kitchens in the same design/style

For a cohesive look, design your wet and dry kitchens in the same style. Take this condominium as an example, where both kitchens carry the same Scandinavian theme, creating a smooth and seamless transition between the two spaces. The wet kitchen features olive green and rustic oak cabinets, paired with quartz stone for the backsplash and countertop.

Similar to the wet kitchen, the island in the dry kitchen is also made of quartz, offering a sleek contrast to the warm oak finishes around it. Behind the island, you’ll find a pantry area that’s just as stylish, decked out in travertine stone countertops that add a touch of sophistication to the rustic wood. With warm feature lighting and a mix of natural textures and clean finishes, the pantry feels equal parts functional and beautiful, which is perfect for everyday use or entertaining guests.

6...or go for differing styles

Want better zoning in your kitchen? Try going for contrasting themes for your wet and dry areas. Just like in this home, where one is classic and the other modern. The dry kitchen has a classy farmhouse vibe, with shaker cabinets, an off-white island, rattan bar stools and round pendant lights with gold accents. With a sink, water dispenser and coffee machine all in one spot, it almost feels like a chic little French bistro at home.

Step into the wet kitchen and the vibe shifts to something more modern. It comes with white subway tiles as a backsplash, L-shaped laminate cabinets, a white quartz countertop and an apron sink. Plus, those large windows flood the space with natural light, making it feel bright, fresh, and inviting.

7. Play around with matching colours and materials

If you’re more into a coordinated look, you can always design your wet and dry kitchens as a matching pair. In this home, the designer kept things cohesive with similar floor tiles, grey cabinets, quartz countertops, and a matching backsplash. Not just stylish, but it also makes post-cooking cleanup super easy.

The only difference? The dry kitchen adds a touch of contrast with dark wood accents on the cabinets and island to liven up the mostly off-white space.

8. Have them in contrasting colour schemes

Aside from playing with design styles, you can also experiment with contrasting colour schemes. In this condominium, the wet kitchen isn’t just a functional space; it’s designed to be the focal point of the home. The light-toned cabinets, gold hardware and grey patterned tiles add a touch of charm, while the glass-front cabinet is perfect for displaying servingware and dinnerware. The soft colour palette and materials make the already roomy kitchen feel even brighter and more open.

The dry kitchen, on the other hand, features a darker palette that ties in nicely with the open-plan living area. It has dark-toned marble flooring that pairs nicely with the waterfall marble island, while the dark grey cabinets create a bold contrast against the crisp white walls. The overall look is very elegant.

9. Use the dry kitchen as an extension of your living and dining area

If you often entertain guests, the dry kitchen can double as an extra dining and serving area during gatherings, which is perfect for plating up dishes while the heavy cooking stays in the wet kitchen. In this home, the dry kitchen, with its herringbone wood flooring, feels like a natural extension of the open-plan living and dining space. It’s also guest-friendly, featuring an island for serving food, a fridge and a sink so guests can wash up without stepping into the wet kitchen.

The wet kitchen, on the other hand, features a gorgeous grey stove with a built-in oven, so you know this is where the real cooking and baking magic happens! Just like the dry kitchen, the wet kitchen is brimming with shaker-style cabinets to stash away pots, condiments and other cooking essentials, keeping things neat and tidy.

Planning to renovate your kitchen?

Fill up the form below and we can connect you with up to five interior design firms to assist you with your kitchen renovation based on your budget and requirements.

All recommendations made by Qanvast will be protected under the Qanvast Guarantee scheme that covers 50% of your contract value, up to RM50,000, in the case that the recommended Contracting Service Provider becomes insolvent.