Open Up Your Galley Kitchen With Brilliant Remodel Ideas

Galley kitchens can get a bad reputation for being too narrow and cramped. But with some strategic remodeling, these small kitchen layouts can become highly efficient cooking spaces that feel open, airy, and modern.

By taking advantage of every inch of space and choosing the right design elements, galley kitchens can be completely transformed. Here we'll explore clever solutions to maximize usable space, select appliances and fixtures scaled for small dimensions, and visually expand the galley footprint.

Clever Solutions to Maximize Storage

One of the biggest challenges in a galley kitchen is making the most of the limited storage space. Cabinets and shelves quickly become packed to the brim in these streamlined cooking spaces.

Thankfully, there are innovative storage solutions designed to maximize every inch of available space in your small galley kitchen:

• Install pull-out shelves in your lower cabinets to easily access items pushed to the back.
• Vertical dividers keep stacks of plates, bowls, and other dishware organized.
• Floor-to-ceiling wall cabinets let you utilize that valuable vertical real estate.
• Open shelving looks great and prevents a closed-in feeling while providing storage for frequently used items.
• A pantry closet or freestanding pantry cabinet adds compartmentalized storage outside the main kitchen area.

With creative use of storage space, it's possible to keep even the most compact galley kitchen clutter-free.

Choosing Space-Saving Appliances

Standard full-size appliances quickly eat up precious floor space in a skinny galley kitchen. Choosing compact appliances designed for small spaces is key.

Look for appliance options with shallow counter depth measurements yet full functionality. Great space-saving options include:

• Slim counter-depth refrigerators, slide-in ranges, and wall ovens for a built-in look.
• A built-in microwave installed flush with cabinets to save inches.
• Undercounter wine coolers to free up refrigerator room.
• Drawer-style dishwashers and trash compactors that tuck away under the counter.

With slimmed-down appliances in place, you can reclaim those extra inches for meal prep and cooking.

Incorporating Lighting for an Illuminated Space

Lack of natural light is a common woe in galley kitchen layouts. Smart lighting design can make these enclosed kitchens feel expansive and bright.

Consider incorporating these illumination strategies:

• Undercabinet fixtures to wash counters in a glow for food prep.
• Pendant lights over sinks, stoves, and kitchen islands to direct light right where it's needed.
• Recessed ceiling cans throughout to eliminate shadows.
• Skylights or extra windows to draw in natural daylight.

With the right mix of lighting, your galley kitchen can go from gloomy to brilliant!

Making the Most of Limited Floor Space

While galley kitchens don't offer much floor space, a few smart layout tweaks can help maximize function:

• A kitchen island adds surface area for meal prep along with storage and seating.
• Opt for a peninsula with bar-height seating instead of a full-size island.
• Extend countertops to the edge of the island with a waterfall design.
• Lay floor tile in a diagonal pattern to create the illusion of a wider space.

Little changes like these can make working in your galley kitchen infinitely easier.

Visual Tricks to Open Up the Space

Some clever visual design choices can work wonders making a narrow galley kitchen appear more spacious:

• Paint walls, cabinets, and backsplashes in light, reflective colors to maximize brightness.
• Add mirrored backsplashes to reflect light and create the illusion of depth.
• Glass cabinet doors maintain visibility rather than closing off the space.
• Open shelving keeps things airy and prevents a cluttered look.

A few smart decor decisions can work magic on even the smallest galley kitchen layout.

Smart Backsplash and Flooring Options

Choosing the right backsplash and flooring finishes can also make a sizable impact in opening up galley kitchens.

Some space-enhancing options include:

• Glass, ceramic, or metal backsplash tiles to reflect light.
• Backpainted glass backsplashes for seamless color.
• Durable vinyl plank flooring perfect for kitchen water messes.
• Light hardwood flooring to visually expand the space.

With backsplashes and floors that complement your small galley kitchen, you can maximize the impression of space.

With strategic remodeling decisions like space-saving storage solutions, compact appliances, task lighting and visual design illusions, even the tiniest galley kitchen can be opened up into a highly functional and gorgeous space.

While galley kitchens present some unique design challenges, they can absolutely be customized into efficient, beautiful, and inviting cooking spaces.

A bit of creativity and smart utilization of every inch go a long way. Don't be afraid to think outside the box. You might just be amazed by the kitchen transformations possible within the galley footprint!