{"id":23412,"date":"2024-03-05T19:48:02","date_gmt":"2024-03-05T19:48:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/?p=23412"},"modified":"2024-03-18T14:25:13","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T14:25:13","slug":"these-galley-kitchen-ideas-will-make-you-rethink-your-layout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/kitchens\/these-galley-kitchen-ideas-will-make-you-rethink-your-layout\/","title":{"rendered":"These galley kitchen ideas will make you rethink your layout"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Characterised by their narrow layout and parallel countertops, galley kitchens<\/a> present a unique set of design challenges \u2013 ones that may initially seem restrictive. But don’t despair. With thoughtful design and strategic planning, your average galley can be transformed into an anything-but-average culinary hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Well-thought-out galley kitchen layouts<\/a> work really well where space is limited and can turn small areas into very functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces,” says Wren Kitchens<\/a> head of PR Debra Hutt. So how do you get that thinking right? We’ve spoken to kitchen experts, who have given their insight into what makes the perfect galley kitchen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From picking the right cabinet colours to finding the best appliances and storage for your space, we’ve got you and your galley kitchen covered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Create drama with cabinet finishes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It’s tempting, in a galley kitchen, to keep things simple and pale in the cabinetry department. But while slab white doors will undoubtedly make your kitchen feel more spacious, you can go dark if you do it right. <\/p>

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\u201cMuch to contrary belief, bold colours can work especially well in smaller spaces,” says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Navy, cobalt, or royal blue kitchen cabinets<\/a> add impact and a wow-factor and work especially well when used liberally throughout the cabinetry. Maintain balance with a quartz countertop to keep the room feeling light and airy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We love to warm up blues of all types with stone colour neutrals,” says Cathy Dean, founder of Studio Dean<\/a>, who designed this kitchen in navy and pale timber. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It evokes a homely feeling and keeps the room cosy. Blue is a colour you can totally embrace. Paint the whole room and layer it with linens, woven fabrics, wools and select a warm toned wood so that the blue has its perfect pals to play with. It all pulls together to achieve a ‘quiet luxury’ look and feel.”<\/p>

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Image credit: Studio Dean<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Find your favourite neutral<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of course, pale colours will almost always be a great choice for a galley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Due to the galley kitchen\u2019s simple, linear and often space-saving layout, light-reflecting shades such as white<\/a>, cream, light grey, or soft pastels can help make a small kitchen<\/a> feel more spacious and open,” says Debra. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Likewise, neutral and light reflecting work surfaces, like clear stained maple or birch woods, or white, greys with light reflective elements such as sparkle, silver veins or highly polished laminates, marble and quartz, work really well in galley kitchens.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The classic Shaker-style kitchen (below) in matt sage green with a light, solid oak worktop works really well with exposed brick and matching oak plank flooring. <\/p>

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Debra adds, “Kitchen lighting<\/a> must not be underestimated. The natural light from the side and roof lantern is complimented with under-cabinet strip lighting reflecting off highly polished, neutral backsplash tiles. If there isn\u2019t the luxury of natural lighting, multiple ceiling spotlights \u2013 which can be angled to the working areas and bounced off the cabinets \u2013 add to the illusion of space.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image credit: Wren Kitchens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Add an island \u2013 but only if there’s space<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the skinny workstation at the centre of this Tom Howley<\/a> kitchen proves, it is possible have a kitchen island<\/a> in a galley. But you should consider it carefully before committing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you take a standard galley kitchen to have a 6ft width and a 12ft length, island and peninsula counters are rarely an option in this sort of space,” says Tom Howley, design director at his eponymous kitchen company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The importance of walkway space should be a key consideration. When designing your layout, always leave a metre of walkway space either one or two sides of your worktop, island, or peninsula counter.”<\/p>

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Also check door and drawer clearance carefully, for both cupboards and appliances. If you’re planning for your island to house a sink or appliance, you’ll need to think about how water pipes or electrical cables run up from the floor. This can always make your kitchen fit more expensive, but it will also make your island more of a functional focal point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image credit: Tom Howley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Or add a slimline dining table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you like the idea of an island but aren’t ready to fully commit, try a slimline dining table<\/a>. Slide it into the space between cabinetry runs, to use for breakfast or a casual supper, or as a work table for baking and food prep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You could even consider a fold-down table and bench chairs that can be neatly stowed away if extra floor space is needed,” suggests Wren’s Debra Hutt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By dressing the table in linen, it blends in with the cream cabinetry \u2013 in a smaller space, this will lessen its impact in a positive way. <\/p>

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Image credit: Chantel Elshout Studio for Davonport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Glaze above a galley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re squeezing a galley kitchen into a narrow side-return extension or lean-to, one option you may have is to add glass or skylights above it. While this will limit your wall storage, it will maximise the amount of light into the space, making it feel more joyful to work within. And you should always be able to squeeze in some open shelving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a brighter feel, you could also add a pop of colour through your choice of appliances. This bold yellow mini range takes up no more space than a standard under-counter oven and 60cm hob, yet offers bags more character. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image credit: Neptune<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

6. Screen off your dining area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a neat trick for a galley that’s open plan with a living and dining area. Rather than using a peninsula to separate the spaces, try a simple wooden screen. This will make access to the space easier, while still screening off any messy worktops or a sink stacked with dishes so you can relax and enjoy your meal with the family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this space by Magnet, having the screen, flooring and dining table in the same tone of woods bring cohesion to this eating area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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