5 Galley Kitchen Design Ideas

A galley kitchen design layout (also known as the corridor kitchen layout) consists of a three to five foot corridor or walk-way situated between two parallel walls or runs of cabinetry. Named after its predecessor, a compact kitchenette area or “galley”, which you would find on a nautical vessel or ship is commonly designed for a one-person cook due to its small size. Typically the Galley kitchen will have two work stations that face each other: one wall featuring the cooking components and the opposite wall consisting of the prepping/cleaning fixtures.

Consider these galley kitchen makeover ideas to make the most out of your small space.

CREATE AN OPEN LAYOUT

You don’t need to demo an entire wall to create open space in a galley kitchen — work from what you already have. For instance, you can focus on a corner or the wall end of your galley kitchen and add some open shelving to break that hallway feeling. Think of shelves that hang from the ceiling or wall-hung open shelves above your countertop for functional storage. Consider a linear layout for an open-plan galley kitchen look.

LIGHT AND BRIGHT

This galley kitchen has light counters and cabinets to open up the space, but isn’t short on character, thanks to select cabinets with glass doors.

DITCH THE UPPER KITCHEN CABINETS

The primary goal for designing or renovating a galley kitchen is to make it feel practical and spacious. One smart galley kitchen idea or makeover tip is to reduce the overall number of tall kitchen cabinets and install your kitchen cabinets into one place. Also, have your pantry and refrigerator in one area so you can keep storage in that space. Use kitchen accessories like roll-out shelves and lazy susans to better utilize the often-wasted space inside your cabinets.

BRIGHTEN UP SPACE WITH GLOSSY FINISHES

Another galley kitchen idea or makeover option is to use different types of materials that are a little more reflective. From glossy floor tiles to countertops and kitchen cabinet door finishes, the goal is to get as much natural light as possible bouncing around in your space. That’s why using lighter tones is important as it helps brighten up your space. 

BREAK UP THE MATERIALS WITH COLOR

A great way to reduce the ‘hallway’ feeling in a galley kitchen is to break up the materials with different bright and dark colors. For instance, you can use a heavier and darker material for your base cabinets and lighter materials for your upper cabinets or open shelves. Darker shades on lower cabinets go well with light wood open shelving.