The Complete Guide to Styling Your Skinny Galley Kitchen

galley kitchens maximize every inch of space. However, their narrow dimensions can also pose styling and storage challenges. Carefully taking measurements of your existing galley is the critical first step before tackling any upgrades.

Standard galley kitchens range anywhere from 4 to 8 feet wide. Taking accurate width and depth measurements will allow you to scale any new cabinets, appliances or fixtures appropriately. Pay special attention to corners, awkward nooks and any angled walls or ceilings that could impact placement.

Creative Solutions for Compact Galley Kitchens

Once you have your measurements in order, you can start planning creative spatial solutions to make the most of your skinny galley kitchen. The key is optimizing every bit of available space through smart storage ideas and multi-functional elements that seamlessly fit your unique footprint.

If your galley kitchen is on the narrower end, under 6 feet across, look for ways to borrow space from adjoining areas. For example, consider removing non-load-bearing walls to open the kitchen up to living areas. Or expand into an existing pantry, closet or hallway to gain a few precious extra inches of width.

Examining Your Galley Layout Possibilities

When tackling a galley kitchen refresh, you'll want to decide whether to stick with the traditional single galley footprint or get creative with the layout. Here are some of the most popular options for configuring your skinny galley design:

The Single Galley

True to its name, the single galley shape lines up cabinets and appliances along two parallel walls. This straightforward layout works perfectly for maximizing storage and efficiency in a 3-8 foot wide kitchen. Enhance functionality by including elements like:

• Drawers and pull-out shelves for easy access.
• Swing-out cabinet doors near corners.
• A discreet pull-out cutting board next to the sink.

The L-Shaped Galley

An L-shaped kitchen joins two perpendicular runs of cabinets, creating an alcove for hosting a table or kitchen island while still offering a streamlined workspace. Including a thoughtfully-sized island or peninsula prevents this shape from cramping room to maneuver. Other L-shape tips:

• Carve out an eating nook with bench seating.
• Use the corner for a special feature like a floor-to-ceiling pantry.
• Install a backslash along the entire L-shape for a sophisticated look.

U-Shaped Layouts

A U-shaped galley takes the L-configuration and adds another leg of cabinetry or appliances. For smaller galleys a U-shape can overwhelm, but 8ft wide kitchens will appreciate the spaciousness and convenience of a continuous counter wrapping around 3 walls.

With smart about traffic flow to prevent bottlenecks. An island or peninsula anchoring the open end enhances flow and storage.

Storage Must-Haves for a Skinny Kitchen

One enduring struggle of galley kitchens is fitting everything comfortably without a spacious footprint. That's why developing smart storage is mission critical. These must-have features will seriously maximize your organization and access in a skinny kitchen.

Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinets

Outfitting an entire galley wall with tall upper cabinets exponentially multiplies storage capacity. Shelve cups and glasses above shorter shelves for bulk goods or small appliances. Consider extra-deep wall units around refrigerators to allow recessing appliances.

Drawers and Pull-Out Shelves

Base cabinets traditionally waste space on fixed shelves and restrictive swing-open doors limiting access. Drawers and pull-out shelves bring everything comfortably within reach, from pots and pans to dry goods, with smooth rollers. Look for full-extension hardware.

Open Shelving & Wall Units

While top shelves of wall cabinets often hold "rarely-used" items that just collect dust, open shelving puts everyday dishware, glasses and serving items right at hand without rummaging. For a lighter look, wall-mounted shelving buys breathing room overhead.

Multi-Purpose Carts

Portable, customizable utility carts squeeze into tight galley spaces as moving islands. Stash small appliances on bottom shelves and stack foods or meal prep accessories in handy baskets. Carts with a cutting board top support extra food prep. Casters let carts roll where you need them.

Clever Organizing Ideas for Your Galley

A place for everything and everything in its place takes on heightened importance in a skinny galley kitchen. These clever DIY upgrades make organizing a breeze by fitting contents to containers.

Pull-Out Cabinet Organizers

Installing slide out trays, tilt-down bins and baskets inside existing cabinets instantly doubles storage capacity without losing an inch of space. Find custom inserts for everything from pans and bakeware to oils, sauces and spices.

Spice Drawer Inserts

Never hunt for a missing spice jar again with dedicated organizers featuring small compartments for upright jars or angled racks for shaker bottles that slide right into a standard drawer box. Labels keep spices searchable.

Vertical Dividers for Sheet Pans & Baking

Instead of jumbled stacks of baking pans cramming up cupboards, vertical partitions neatly file pans, cooling racks and cookie sheets together in dedicated space. DIY dividers are simple: measure to fit and notch some cabinet-grade plywood or PVC sheets.

Lid Organizers & Door Storage

Cabinet door mounted racks cleverly take advantage of wasted interior space. Store lids, cutting boards, foil boxes or cleaning supplies on the inside. Utilize handles and edges too with wrap dispensers and paper towel holders.

Selecting Gorgeous Galley Surfaces

Despite limited square footage galley kitchens still deserve gorgeous countertops and backsplashes that deliver style, durability and purpose. Here are some skinny kitchen recommended options.

Countertops

Quartz counters offer customizeable style reminiscent of natural stone paired with "tough-as-nails" durability to endure bumps and spills- perfect for compact kitchens. Butcher block warms up cool stainless appliances in woodsy kitchens. Marble backsplashes and brushed brass accents add sophistication.

Backsplashes

From eye-catching designs to reflective materials expanding perceived space, backsplashes enhance galley kitchens both aesthetically and functionally.

• Glass, mirrored or metallic tile.
• Thin stacked stone sheets.
• Removable wallpaper backsplash murals.
• Budget-friendly ceramic subway tiles or pressed tin.

Sinks & Faucets

Double bowl sinks maximize functionality along a single galley wall. For drainboard space beside the sink, extend countertop side splashes. Restaurant-style commercial faucets in stainless steel or matte black metal finish offer industrial edge.

Lighting Strategies to Brighten up Your Galley

With limited windows and narrow spaces limiting natural daylight, lighting assumes greater importance in galley kitchens. Beyond the requisite general overhead fixtures, be sure to incorporate these supplemental lighting sources tailored to galley needs.

Task Lighting

Small directional lights centering over key work areas guarantee galley cooks have ample focused illumination where they need it most. Pot lights above sinks and ranges help. Xenon undercabinet fixtures ensure no chopping, mixing or stove duties get left in the shadows.

Undercabinet & Pendant Lights

Strategic lighting transforms a galley from cramped to cozy. For lighter, airier ambiance install slim undercabinet fluorescent or LED strip lighting to reflect off countertops into the main room. Mini pendant lights over peninsulas save space while infusing stylish personality.

Recessed Ceiling Lights

Recessed downlight cans scattered across vaulted or tall ceilings disperse ambient illumination throughout an entire skinny kitchen. Supplement focused task lighting as needed with these broad throwing fixtures

Natural Light Solutions

Whenever feasible look for ways to flood your narrow galley with natural light. If closed off consider removing walls to open the kitchen to adjoining sunlit rooms. Skylights or solar tubes funnel sunshine from roof to floors. Swap a window over the existing sink for larger dimensions or expansive bay shape to maximize every bit of incoming daylight.

Appliance Arrangements for Skinny Kitchens

Between refrigerators, stovetops, ovens and microwaves galley kitchens need to house all the essential appliances. But the compact footprint demands thoughtful arrangement solutions.

Standard Appliance Considerations

Measure carefully before buying appliances to ensure they not only functionally fit but also allow safe navigation space. Prioritize easy access to range, microwave and refrigerator. Opt for handleless refrigerator and drawer or French door freezer on bottom to conserve width.

Integrated Fridge/Freezers

Fully integrated refrigerator/freezers seamlessly occupy narrow gaps alongside cabinet runs blending stainless exteriors into built-in decor. Overlay panels can fully conceal appliances for completely flush facades. Look for counter-depth or downsized compact models.

Dishwasher Drawer Pros & Cons

In especially narrow galley kitchens, shallow dishwasher drawers substituting for full-size integrated dishwashers buy a few extra inches. Although you lose capacity the dual drawer design allows unloading clean dishes from one while the other washes. Knock-out rear panels also simplify installation between existing base cabinets.

Color Palettes and Materials to Enhance Small Kitchens

Despite their cozy square footage galley kitchens still offer ample opportunity to interject color, texture, shapes and materiality through creative cabinets, countertops and finishes.

Paint Color Schemes

Paint transforms rooms by tricking the eye and reflecting light to maximize spaciousness. For galley kitchens light reflective whites, greys and blues open up tight spaces. Consider a two-tone scheme pairing neutral perimeter cabinetry with a bold island hue. Just take care not to overwhelm the narrow room with too many competing colors.

Flooring Options

To elongate a skinny galley visually choose rectangular or plank floor tile and lay the pattern lengthwise down the kitchen's long axis. Light-reflecting porcelain, eco-friendly marmoleum and stained concrete suit contemporary kitchens, while faux weathered wood ceramic tile warms up cottage spaces. Just avoid glittery marble or stone potentially creating slippery surfaces.

Cabinet & Hardware Decisions

Traditional Shaker style cabinet doors with recessed center panels and clean lines keep compact kitchens from feeling too busy. For a contemporary vibe opt for sleek handleless fronts with touch latches. Curved corners and edges soften hard lines. Dress up neutral cabinets with bold hardware like matte black or brass knobs and pulls or integrate color with pastel interiors.

Embracing the Efficiency of Your Skinny Kitchen

In the end, slender galley kitchens remain treasured for their practicality and purpose. Focus design choices first on enhancing functionality as the top priority.

Narrow Kitchen Challenges & Solutions

The constrained footprint of galley kitchens inherently creates certain challenges. Identify existing trouble spots hampering workflow like appliances crammed too closely together, poor lighting, or cabinets with restricted interior access. Then implement creative spatial arrangements and storage solutions targeted to boost efficiency.

Prioritizing Navigation & Flow

Getting cornered with no escape route remains an infamous galley kitchen pitfall. Whenever embarking on a redesign examine traffic patterns and use dimensional planning principles that support easy movement between zones. Remove visual barriers to open sightlines so cooks stay connected to activity throughout the space.

Personalize Your Skinny Kitchen

Just because galley kitchens value functionality over form doesn't preclude infusing personality. Make this skinny space distinctly yours with meaningful accents expressing individual style.

Artwork & Accessories

Paintings, architectural prints and framed family photos increase visual interest on an accent wall or along a backsplash. Designer tiles or colorful patterned decals over utilitarian surfaces boost spirit. Complement sleek contemporary spaces with Pop Art or line up a gallery of black-and-white food photos over the range.

Rugs, Curtains & Textiles

An ornamental area rug warms up floors and defines the main kitchen zone in an open concept home. Vivid patterned curtains dress windows and help insulate against chill near exterior walls. Woven throws or vibrantly hued dish towels inject bright pops of color throughout the monochromatic space.

When tackling your slender galley kitchen overhaul beware of these common trouble areas that could hamper your design success:

• Crowding counters and aisles with too many furnishings
• Forgetting lighting fixtures in key zones
• Undersizing appliances like ranges or dishwashers
• Overwhelming with dark colors or intense busy patterns
• Inadequate storage solutions
• Poor ventilation trapping cooking fumes or heat

Stay mindful of potential spatial shortcomings as you plan to ensure your finished renovation respects practical limitations while still delivering on style.