Standout Navy and White Galley Kitchen Makeover Tips

A navy and white galley kitchen can feel crisp, clean, and incredibly chic. The bold contrast between the dark dramatic navy and bright white elements creates visual interest in the space. And the color scheme is versatile enough to work in modern, transitional, or even farmhouse kitchens with some warm woody accents. But transforming your outdated galley into a standout navy and white kitchen involves careful planning and design.

From selecting finishes and textures to maximizing storage, you'll want to make informed choices to pull off your makeover. Use these galley kitchen ideas to help your small navy and white space feel open and elegant.

Planning Your Navy and White Galley Kitchen Design

Before picking up a paintbrush, devote time to planning your navy and white galley kitchen design. Careful decisions about materials, lighting, and layout will ensure your makeover checks all the boxes for style and function.

Selecting Your Cabinet and Countertop Materials

The navy blue element can come from painting or staining your existing cabinetry, or splurging on brand new built-ins. Crisp white counters will pop against the dramatic navy backdrop. Quartz counters are durable and stain-resistant, while white marbled offers an elegant natural look. For a cozy feel, try butcher block countertops and a beige stone or ceramic backsplash.

Incorporating Texture and Metallic Accents

By mixing up textures and materials, you add visual interest to your sleek color scheme. Warm up the space by installing wood or tile flooring in lighter neutral tones. Brass or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures and hardware infuse metallic shine. Consider a woven bar stool and rattan pendant light to contrast with the smooth cabinetry and counters.

Lighting and Layout Considerations

In a narrow galley, smart lighting and layout choices can make all the difference. Use a statement pendant light over the kitchen sink or island to draw the eye. Install under cabinet lights to illuminate prep areas. And maximize every inch of space with pull-out shelves in corner cabinets and vertical storage with tall cabinets.

Painting vs Staining Existing Cabinets Navy Blue

Ready to commit to the navy? You'll next decide whether painting or staining your existing cabinets better fits your kitchen's needs and style.

Prepping and Painting Existing Cabinets

Painting offers an affordable way to get a crisp, solid navy color. After thoroughly sanding and cleaning every surface, apply a bonding primer before your navy paint for maximum adherence. Use a small foam roller and angled brush to reach corners. Allow ample drying time between coats. A high-quality cabinet paint will deliver an ultra-smooth finish.

Staining Cabinets a Navy Blue Hue

Penetrating stains won't obscure woodgrain like paint. After cleaning and sanding, use a navy wiping stain and work in sections to maintain even coverage. Let stain penetrate 10-15 minutes then wipe away excess. More than paint, stain shades can vary based on wood species. Use sample boards first. Stain also shows more wear over time but is easily touched up.

Weighing Your Paint vs Stain Options

Besides the difference in finish, weigh other factors before choosing to paint or stain. Painting takes more upfront prep work but allows you to fully transform cabinet's color and hide imperfections. Stain brings out the wood's natural pattern but won't conceal flaws or variation in your existing cabinet color. Stain can also appear blotchy on some wood types like maple or birch while extra primer prevents this with paint. Consider your cabinet style, wood type, and overall remodeling budget when deciding.

Pulling Together a Sophisticated Navy and White Scheme

With your statement navy cabinets in place, use these designer tips to complete your sophisticated navy and white galley kitchen.

Counters and Backsplash Choices

Crisp white counters and backsplash keep the space looking bright and spacious against dramatic navy cabinets. For counters, white quartzite or Dekton offer durable low-maintenance options that mimic marble's veining. Or try a butcher block or oak counter on top for warmth. Use standard white 3x6 subway tiles or elongated versions for the backsplash. Lean into the coastal vibe with beach glass or ceramic fish scale tiles.

Metallic and Wood Accents

The key to styling any kitchen is mixing textures, shapes, and materials. Contrast the smooth cabinets and counters with natural wood open shelving flanking the stove. Wood cutting boards, woven baskets, and ceramic dishware also incorporate organic elements. Then infuse metallic accents with brass hardware pulls, black metal lanterns or an oversized gear pendant light. And ground the whole look with hardwood flooring or subtle stone and wood patterned luxury vinyl plank (LVP).

Finishing Touches

Those final details and accessories pull together your standout galley kitchen. For greenery, hang modern floating shelves along one wall to display glossy houseplants or install wall-mounted planter boxes under the window over the sink. Then paint the window trim black for contrast. For seating, choose woven bar stools with rattan or bamboo frames and cream cushions that pop against the navy. Lastly, display cookbooks or ceramic pieces along the counter or stash sidelines in woven baskets for an organized feel.

Achieving Maximum Storage in a Galley Kitchen

Galley kitchens offer limited square footage. That's why you need storage hacks to keep the space organized and items accessible in your narrow navy and white kitchen.

Vertical Storage: Wall Cabinets and Shelving

First, maximize vertical wall space with floor-to-ceiling navy cabinets. Opt for extra deep cabinetry to stash larger items. Install sturdy shelves inside wall cabinets to double usable space. Then flank the stove on either side with wood or metal open shelving. Style with white ceramic pieces or rolled kitchen towels.

Pull-Out Drawers and Roll-Out Shelving

Take advantage of every nook and corner with slide out storage. Install pull-out drawer organizers under the kitchen sink so cleaning products don't get jumbled. Choose corner cabinets with built-in blind corner lazy Susan turntables to access items way in back. Or install roll-out trays or drawer dividers to neatly arrange pots, pans and baking sheets.

Multi-Purpose Cabinet Hacks

Look for ways to give existing cabinets makeovers so they pull double duty. Install partitions inside a base cabinet to create designated zones for trash bins and recyclables. Affix a custom spice drawer organizer so jars stand vertically to save space. Or add a custom insert so mixing bowls slide out while storing nested inside the cabinet.

Decorating a Sophisticated Navy and White Galley Kitchen

Infuse personality and extra function into your sleek new galley kitchen with these sophisticated styling ideas.

Incorporate Natural Textures and Materials

Prevent an all-white kitchen from feeling sterile by adding organic textures and earthy tones. Hang copper pans from an exposed ceiling pipe using S-hooks. Position a large round rattan mirror behind the kitchen sink to bounce more light. Leave wood cutting boards and ceramic dishware out on open shelves rather than stashing away. The natural materials contrast beautifully with the crisp navy and white.

Stylish Bar Stools and Table Decor

Galley kitchens often feature a breakfast bar or island seating. Choose navy, white or woven cream bar stools to complement the color scheme without matching exactly. Then style the island or bar area with decor pieces and accessories that feel curated. Try a white and gold ceramic vase filled with greenery as a little luxury touch. Or display cookbooks standing up along with a marble and brass coaster for setting down coffee cups and wine glasses.

Lastly, infuse life into the sleek interior through potted plants and fresh flowers. Install wall-mounted metal planter boxes under the kitchen window to cultivate an indoor herb or succulent garden. The greenery filters incoming sunshine while adding a refreshing pop of color and texture against the blue and white scheme. For the kitchen or dining table, display cut floral bouquets in a short white ceramic vase as the finishing touch to your flawless navy and white galley kitchen makeover.