Kitchen Guides
A Guide to Galley Kitchens
Known as a parallel or corridor kitchen, a galley kitchen layout can pack tonnes of functionality, design and ideas
Looking to remodel your kitchen and wondering which layout would be ideal for your home and your needs? Here’s a manual to narrow galley kitchens, the various possible designs and how you can maximise a small kitchen space to your advantage.
How to make a narrow galley kitchen look biggerYou can maximise the space available in a galley kitchen layout, both by sleek storage and some clever visual tricks. Lay the floor tile or boards such that the pattern runs lengthwise to create the illusion of a longer kitchen space. In case you decide to install a backsplash, consider arranging the tiles in the opposite orientation to the floorboards orientation – this will create the illusion of depth. Also, you could raise the cabinets off the floor as this will give the appearance of more floor area.
Tip: Galley kitchens layouts don’t need to be reserved only for small homes and narrow kitchens. Their benefits can actually be multiplied in larger kitchens, because in a galley layout, you can easily accommodate a kitchen island in the centre. This way, you can increase countertop space, storage and even have more than one person cook at a time.
Browse through more Houzz galley kitchens
Browse through more Houzz galley kitchens
Storage rules for galley kitchen designs
Since a galley kitchen layout takes up two entire walls, there is plenty of opportunity for storage. In this example, the storage is accommodated above and below the counters and even through the tall cabinets in white set against the third wall. Apart from this, you can even choose to have cabinets running right up to the ceiling, to maximise on storage, although this could make the room seem smaller.
Learn how to maximise storage in the kitchen
Since a galley kitchen layout takes up two entire walls, there is plenty of opportunity for storage. In this example, the storage is accommodated above and below the counters and even through the tall cabinets in white set against the third wall. Apart from this, you can even choose to have cabinets running right up to the ceiling, to maximise on storage, although this could make the room seem smaller.
Learn how to maximise storage in the kitchen
In a galley kitchen, while one wall can be used for storing crockery, cutlery, pots and pans, the other can used for built-in storage of appliances. This way, all the gadgets – microwave, blenders, fridge, oven – can be stored or fitted neatly in cabinets on the wall, so they don’t take up precious countertop space.
Colour palettes for a galley kitchen
Since the space is slim in a galley kitchen layout, lighter tones work better so that the kitchen feels more open and airy. White cabinets, cream units, stainless-steel countertops, glass-fronted shelves, all work well in galley kitchens.
Since the space is slim in a galley kitchen layout, lighter tones work better so that the kitchen feels more open and airy. White cabinets, cream units, stainless-steel countertops, glass-fronted shelves, all work well in galley kitchens.
Of course, that doesn’t mean all dark accents are completely off limits. Bright cabinets can be offset with light countertops, neutral walls and adequate lighting, like in this kitchen. This way, you can have your favourite colours and still have the space looking light and airy.
Check out these captivating kitchen colour combinations
Check out these captivating kitchen colour combinations
What to do with the third wall in a galley kitchen design?
Apart from the two parallel walls in a galley kitchen layout, the third wall facing the kitchen either ends up as a blank stretch of wall, a wall to accommodate more storage or a place for the sink. If you want to add some drama and fun to your slim kitchen, you could experiment with the design of the third wall – maybe install a chalkboard here? Also, adding a long stretch of mirror along this wall will help create the illusion of more space in a galley kitchen.
Here’s how to make your own chalkboard paint
Apart from the two parallel walls in a galley kitchen layout, the third wall facing the kitchen either ends up as a blank stretch of wall, a wall to accommodate more storage or a place for the sink. If you want to add some drama and fun to your slim kitchen, you could experiment with the design of the third wall – maybe install a chalkboard here? Also, adding a long stretch of mirror along this wall will help create the illusion of more space in a galley kitchen.
Here’s how to make your own chalkboard paint
Cleaning and maintaining a galley kitchen
Galley kitchens, due to their small square footage are easier to maintain and keep clean. The counter space and the narrow floor can be wiped and dusted after each meal without taking up too much time. Apart from that, you could choose granite or solid surfacing (primarily made from acrylic and polyester) countertops that are easy to wipe and don’t stain easily.
Tip: A small galley kitchen is easy to hide from sight. In this example, a pocket door is installed that can completely shut this space when guests visit, so all the fumes and mess are blocked off.
Read more:
10 Galley Kitchens That Maximise on Space, Storage and Light
Tell us:
What type of galley kitchen design do you have and how does it serve your needs? Tell us in Comments below.
Galley kitchens, due to their small square footage are easier to maintain and keep clean. The counter space and the narrow floor can be wiped and dusted after each meal without taking up too much time. Apart from that, you could choose granite or solid surfacing (primarily made from acrylic and polyester) countertops that are easy to wipe and don’t stain easily.
Tip: A small galley kitchen is easy to hide from sight. In this example, a pocket door is installed that can completely shut this space when guests visit, so all the fumes and mess are blocked off.
Read more:
10 Galley Kitchens That Maximise on Space, Storage and Light
Tell us:
What type of galley kitchen design do you have and how does it serve your needs? Tell us in Comments below.
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A galley kitchen design is characterised by two parallel counters with a walking area or corridor in between. For homes short on space, this type of layout offers maximum efficiency.
Galley kitchens are ideal for small spaces
A galley kitchen is an ideal design for an efficient kitchen triangle. The three important tasks carried out in a kitchen are cooking, cleaning and refrigerating. So, the imaginary line drawn between the stove, the sink and refrigerator make up what experts call the work triangle. When these three elements are in close proximity, the kitchen becomes an easy space to work in. In a galley kitchen, since the space is narrow, with a counter on either side, it becomes easy to reach all three points of the triangle quickly. Thus the tasks inside the kitchen become a breeze.
Also, it is able to fit an abundance of storage in a limited amount of space.