Is a Galley Kitchen Right for You?
It’s along, narrow kitchenlayout with services on one or both sides.
An aisle runs down the center of a galley kitchen.
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
If you’reremodeling, a galley kitchen can be one of the most functional spaces in the home.
Becausekitchen countertopsand cabinets are quite costly, this cost is drastically minimized in the smaller space.
Less floor space means lesskitchen flooringthat it’s crucial that you purchase.
Walking toward or reaching for items between the refrigerator, sink, and stove is minimal.
Because a galley kitchen has fewer base cabinets, the countertop and storage space can be limited.
Clutter can quickly build up, and prep space may be restricted.
This layout makes it easier for plumbers and electricians to install or service appliances.
You might also use a galley kitchen as a second kitchen or prep kitchen adjacent to the full kitchen.
Thecountertopscan be interspersed with appliances like fridges, sinks, cabinetry, and other functional items.
Consider some design tips whenplanning and designing a galley kitchento make it larger or feel larger.
Stick to Standard Size Appliances
Chooseappliances that are standard sizesto avoid overcrowding in a galley kitchen.
However, if there’s room, amobile islandat the end of the kitchen may be a good compromise.
Instead,look for scaled-down sinksand keep sinks parallel to the counters.
Drop-in sinks with built-in rims take away even more countertop space.
Instead, consider installing an under-mount sink so that the countertop can extend to the sink edge.
Use Space-Saving Devices
Running kitchen cabinets to the ceilingmaximizes storage space, essential in a smaller kitchen.
Keep to lighter-toned cabinets, some with glass doors, to avoid an imposing presence in a galley kitchen.
The space between opposite counters, or the walkway itself, should be a minimum of three feet.
Even more importantly, accessibility can become an issue for those who use wheelchairs or walkers.
If aisle width is an issue, consider only clustering all services on one side of the kitchen.
Use light and bright materials for counters, cabinets, flooring, and wall paint.
Even appliances should be shiny or matte white or stainless steel.
If the galley kitchen features a window, consider utilizing the sill as built-in shelving.
Consider putting the stovetop and refrigerator on opposite walls to make the space feel larger.
That extra space allows people to pass by without walking through the kitchen.
A galley kitchen can feel claustrophobic and crowded, usually with more than one person.
A Brief History Of The Kitchen Part 2.
National Kitchen & Bath Association.
The Galley Kitchen Is Hot: The Increasing Appeal Of Smaller Cooking Spaces.National Kitchen & Bath Association.
