Galley kitchens go back a long way. They were the standard for many homes built during the pre and post-war eras. Even homes that opened slightly into a kitchen eating area or a full dining room were often designed with a galley-type layout. They were characterized by a narrow corridor with appliances and countertops flanking each side. If you’ve got the galley design, here are some tips for a more efficient kitchen.
The galley moniker is attributed to the fact that this layout mimics the minimal and compact galley space found on ships. Life at sea leaves you with close quarters sometimes, so maximizing the space is key. A galley kitchen has two parallel walls that house your kitchen appliances and tools. The walls form a corridor where homeowners can work. It may not always be popular because it’s small compared to the trend of a vast open kitchen space. However, chefs enjoy this design more because it enhances the safety and efficiency while cooking.
While it's true that open floor plans are the trend in contemporary home design, there are plenty of ways you can optimize an existing galley kitchen floor plan to enjoy a spacious, stylish design with plenty of room for storage and food prep.
Here are some tips to think about as you brainstorm design ideas for upgrading your galley kitchen.
Galley kitchens are typically known as small and narrow workspaces. This doesn’t have to be a negative though. When everything you need is just a step or two within reach, it makes your life easier. This is what makes the galley design one of the most efficient.
As you’re working through your design layout remember to consider space in the kitchen. Sometimes you might be able to expand the width between the two walls. Don’t go too wide though because then you’ll diminish the efficiency of the close design. Keep it cozy with just enough room to maneuver.
There are two different choices you have with the galley design: symmetrical or asymmetrical. In the symmetrical design the two different walls will mirror each other in design and look. You’ll have similar countertop and cabinet space/placement on both sides. This creates a uniform look that’s pleasing to the eye. But it may not be what you want or what suits you.
In the asymmetrical design you can change up the layout and placement of cabinets. You may choose to include taller cabinets on one side and leave the other side bare on top or go with open shelves for easy access. If you’re looking for more countertop space, consider adding it on both sides but breaking it up with tall cabinets and base cabinets on either side. You’ve got the options to play with and create a space that’s suited for your needs.
As we hinted at above, you can create space in your galley kitchen depending on how far apart you keep the two corridors. But remember, it’s a balancing act between efficiency and space. The good news, if you have more space then you may be able to include a small island or peninsula in your design. This can add more efficiency to your layout.
With the addition of a peninsula you’ll be able to include some extra seating for guests and family. But remember, efficiency is the name of the game here. Keep that peninsula at the end of the room and place it where traffic will not interfere with your galley workspace. Low-flow traffic will make it easier for the chef to work in peace and minimizes the chance of an accident with people hurrying through the space.
If you don’t have room to add a peninsula or island that’s not a problem. Instead, you’ll want to focus your energies on making the small area look as big as possible. The design elements you choose will give the illusion of space. Try glossy finishes and pale colors. They will reflect more light in the space giving that impression of space where there isn’t.
For safety reasons—and sleek design choices—think about using doors and drawers without handles. The knobs and pulls take up less physical space and it’s one less thing to nag your clothing or skin on as you walk about the space. If you prefer knobs and pulls then try sleek, rounded pulls to mitigate the likelihood of a scratch if you brush against it.
Lighting is always important in your kitchen design. Without proper illumination you’ll never be able to create that masterpiece if you can’t see the ingredients you’re using. With a galley, you most likely won’t want pendant lights protruding from the ceiling taking up your walking space. Instead, well-placed and over-sized options create a softer look, again giving the perception of space when you might not have it.
Your galley kitchen may be one that is open on either side, allowing for traffic flow through the kitchen. If you've got a lot of people or pets in the household, think about safety when planning your layout. To ease some of the troubles of people racing through the corridor while you're using sharp knives to chop, put appliances like the stove and sink on the same wall. This reduces the frequency with which you'll need to turn around, thus, minimizing the instance of a traffic jam.
If you have one side closed off by a wall then you’ve got only one entrance into the space. This can be safer because there is control over who is in the kitchen at the same time. But the question becomes how to make good use of the wall space on that closed off end. If there’s a window, you’ve got an excellent source of natural light. If not, you have opportunity to add open shelving to maximize storage space and add some pleasant visuals to your sight-line. You could also use chalkboard paint for a way to leave notes and create shopping lists for everyone to see.
If you’ve got a galley kitchen layout in your home and are thinking about enhancing the design to fit your needs, schedule an appointment with Kitchen Magic today. A member of our design team will work with you on more ideas about how you can make the most of your design.
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