Galley kitchens, named after a ship's kitchen, are long, and narrow and are ideal "one cook" kitchens. For maximum efficiency when short on space, this layout with its two parallel counters excels because it make all points of the work triangle equally accessible and creates a smooth work flow for the serious cook. In fact the galley kitchen is so popular in its efficiency it is the primary kitchen layout design for most restaurants.
I don't have a galley kitchen but can understand why a serious cook would like this particular kitchen design. I know it is a trend to have your family and friends in the kitchen while you prepare. However I really don't like having people in the kitchen and prefer to prepare ahead of time and have everything in the oven before guests arrive. I like to just pull things out, serve, leave the kitchen and go about playing hostess. For most people that like to cook, a kitchen is just for that.....cooking, not entertaining. I prefer to do that elsewhere. If that is the case for you, a galley kitchen would serve your purposes just fine.
While efficient, the galley kitchen can seem claustrophobic to some. Below are some tips on how you can turn even the smallest of kitchens into a chef's dream.
The term "galley kitchen" use to have negative connotations. However, with advances in custom cabinetry and space saving appliances, fortunately those negative labels are a thing of the past.
Now with the trend for smaller kitchens, the galley style kitchen is one of the most popular, sought after kitchen designs for those looking to make the most out of small spaces.
Important things to keep in mind if you are considering a galley kitchen are aisle space, light, and storage.
To give these small spaces a cohesive, tidy look, try concealing the refrigerator and dishwasher behind custom panels. These will blend in seamlessly with the cabinetry and make your galley kitchen appear larger.
Light colors are your best choice for a galley kitchen as they will open up a small space.
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If you are lucky enough to have one, a large window or French door will make the galley open and airy. Also a small kitchen can often seem much larger if you keep clutter to a minimum.
You will also need to pay attention to the window treatments in a galley kitchen. Just providing for some fresh air and natural skylight will make you feel cozier and less claustrophobic.
bhg.com
Also a galley kitchen can benefit from glass fronted cabinets. This kitchen has lots of vintage elements.
While your galley kitchen may not have enough room for a lot of different gourmet appliances, make the most of the available space by installing combination models.
Areas above and beside windows are often perfect for additional shelving, and hanging pot-racks can free up much needed cabinet space while adding a visual point of interest.
A pretty galley kitchen that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Remember a mirror strategically placed will help that small galley kitchen look larger.
Accents of color, pattern, and/or texture, are great ways to add touches of your personal taste to a small galley kitchen. This one resembles English style.
Another wonderful English style galley kitchen.
Loving this pretty galley kitchen with glass front cabinets and farmhouse style sink.
Replace your cupboards with interesting shelves, or simply remove your cupboard doors!
heatherzick.com
You can keep your galley kitchen looking sleek and modern but still add some "wow" to the floors via an interesting rug.
If you like, you can create an efficient “triangle” configuration of refrigerator, sink, and range that will place everything at your fingertips.
Holzman Ineriors
Locate your refrigerator at the end of the galley kitchen that is entered through the most. This will allow other family members or guests access to the refrigerator for beverages, etc without having to walk into the actual prep area of the kitchen while you may be in there working.
With a great floor or an interesting light fixture, a small galley kitchen still can be functional, yet interesting.
Just because a galley kitchen is small doesn't mean it can't be unique and interesting. The geometric floor design and unusual light fixtures give this small space real style.
Many people locate their dining space so that it becomes an extension of the galley kitchen.
Another plus for the galley kitchen is that they take less time to clean. And do we REALLY need that much space?
Deborah French
Think about using reflective surfaces in your galley kitchen to help create the illusion that there is more space than there actually is. Also mirrors can be used as backsplashes.
The bright light from the end window shines through the entire kitchen making it airy and inviting. Try using open shelving, metal racks, hooks, pegboards, all of which will help in adding storage that doesn’t take up much space.
The galley kitchen works well in contemporary style homes where clean lines help in creating an illusion of more space.
Lindsey Neumann
Light colored cabinets and a large window make this modern galley kitchen seem open and airy. This homeowner has made their galley wider than most so that it is able to accommodate a small work table.
Theadora Van Runkle
Who says the small but efficient galley kitchen can't be loaded with style?
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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer